How to Run Your Band Like a Business: Volume 1

The whole world tends to think that there is no money in Art. This is interesting to say the least, if you consider the following. What are architects? They draw and visualise and actualise their ideas on to paper. What is a Journalist other than a talented writer, knowing how to properly structure sentences. What is a web designer other than an artist taking a complex idea and turning it into a simple work of art?

Musicians tend to have the perceptions that profits are bad and the art should be appreciated. Almost like profit destroy the value of the art. Rubbish. Although I agree that if your motivation is to write a million-dollar record, then you probably won’t get it or you don’t need it because you have talent above expected. But this does not mean that you can’t make money out of your art. Let me start with a simple concept…

You have four guys in the band. You each carry your own weight in equipment (instruments and maintenance of these) and these are yours costs. But when you get paid you each take an equal share. So let’s see if this is right:

• Drummer: Cymbals from about £200 if you play with Zildjin (about four of these). Drumsticks (about £10 a set). Drum set (about £900)
• Guitarist: Quality guitar (about £1000). Guitar strings (about £7 a gig). Cables (about £30 a year) X2
• Bass Guitarist: Quality guitar (about £1000). Guitar strings (about £30 a set). Cables (about £30 a year)

Now you have the guy that writes the music or everybody writes together and it is right that they should earn the most. However there are certain expenses that need to be taken care of, which a singer that has no instrument to maintain benefits from.

So how do you solve a problem like this without causing the Yoko-effect? Well, it is not tricky but here are a few things that can help your band save money on a day-to-day basis:

1. Get a full endorsement on guitar strings, drumsticks and possibly instruments. The problem with this approach is that not many people will offer you freebies.
2. If you can’t get it free, see if you can get a part-endorsement. This is a program some companies run to help musicians while having musicians promote them. Dovetail Strings in the UK offers a very competitive part-endorsement.
3. If no supplier even wants to give you a part-endorsement, go chat to your local music shop. Suppliers can be funny because they don’t want to be seen as taking business away from their clients, which are the hard-working shop staff. Chat to them and see if they will offer you discount and a place to sell your Cd’s.
4. Spend your money on recording and playing live. This is saving you money, because you earn! Earning is what enables yout o tour more and play more music.

I hope this works out for everybody, because what would the world be with only the X-factor bringing us music.