working as a musician

[lonegigger]

I tried an earlier post but it was pulled for reasons too lengthy here. Just want to know if there is such a thing as "Workkamp" employment for musicians, such as in RV parks that have entertainment etc? I'm not an RV owner yet but this would figure into the equation for me if I can get it answered. Put another way, I'd like to be able to work in this field in return for some camping space if possible. Thank you.

[TXiceman]

Janet H, a community administrator is a musician. You need to get her to chime in here.

Ken

[lonegigger]

Hi Ken.
Thanks and "73". I'll wait for Janet to chime in.

[MonacoMama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonegigger Hi Ken. Thanks and "73". I'll wait for Janet to chime in.

..Just a heads up...Janet is on the road traveling and attending some rallies as an airstream member... it may be a bit before she is actually on forum participating.

[Janet H]

Just peeking in...

There are some RV parks that hire musicians for early evening entertainment but in my experience the pay rots. For some reason folks expect musicians to play for free - just because they think it's fun. Some state parks and libraries have music presentations as part of their programming, but usually there needs to be some topical content. As an example there was a lot of business associated with the Oregon Trail Celebration recently with period music. Consider working up a kids set for the weekend crowd.

You might look at RV clubs that have rallies - they often have an evening of entertainment.

Some things to think about:

• You will most likely need to provide your own sound system - make sure you are appropriately paid for this.

• My trio often makes as much in CD sales revenue as we do in gate receipts. If you don't have product for sale - get some! Setup to accept credit cards.

• Explore the business of music. Yes, you can make money but you will also have expenses. Instruments, travel expenses, insurance all need to be factored into the equation.

• Always use a contract - even if you are swapping camping for a show.

• Publicity is a necessity. Build a website and a mailing list. Music is 80 percent marketing, 18 percent rehearsal and travel and 2 percent performance.

• When you are hunting for an RV consider where you will store your music gear in that rv. Storing bulky hardshell cases in the shower gets old...

If I wanted to set up some deal where I got swapped camping for tunes here's how I 'd try to structure it:

I play 1 40 min set during the week, plus 2 on the weekend. I'll throw in a 25 min kids set because I want to encourage art for kids. I'll supply the PA. I retain the right to sell my products and pocket all the proceeds. I'll supply the venue with press info and a flier that can be copied for circulation. I'll publicize their cool event on my website - FOR FREE.

The venue (campground) supplies the venue for shows, any applicable permits, publicizes events, pays for my camping for a week (full hook-ups) and pays me some amount of cash. (doesn't have to be a lot... but some). Publicity for the events includes fliers at the counter and in every check-in packet. reader board space, a page on their website, posters around on camp bulletin boards and a local press releases. They have my products at their counter throughout the week for sale.

Good luck!

[lonegigger]

Hi Janet and thanks for all the info. I got too lengthy in the first post and that post got booted because someone thought I was advertising. (: But to verify...yes I am in the biz and have been for 45 years, have the PA system, cds, website, media pack, ties with some name musicians, etc.. all that stuff. Currently I'm going into my 3rd consecutive year as the house musician at a club in my area working 52 weeks a year there. But now I've had a temporary wave of insanity and want to leave the midwest during the long cold winters along with that long standing gig and move elsewhere during winters via an RV! (I'm nuts maybe? ha ha) It's just that I've not tried the RV approach, workkamping, etc and am glad that you replied, making some very good points! Thanks so much!!