20 Tips for Gigging Musicians

Being a full-time gigging musician is tough. It means long hours, lots of travel, and challenges. But it can also be very rewarding. Here are 20 tips to help you stay strong on the road.

1 — Mean Business

It’s not called the ‘music business’ for nothing. As a professional musician, you are basically running a small business. So all the usual mundane things have to be sorted out: insurance, bank accounts, an accountant, etc.

2 — Plan ahead

Keep an up-to-date online calendar, preferably shared with other bandmates of any regular bands. Let people know when you are and aren’t free for gigs. Work out how you’re getting to gigs, how long it will take and how much it will cost to travel and accommodation if necessary. Use websites like Songkick and BandsInTown to notify your fans of upcoming gigs.

3 — Money

Make a habit of keeping an account of money you earn and expenses. Don’t try to hide from the taxman; he will catch up with you eventually. All he’ll have to do is look up your gig list to find out how much you’ve been working. This actually happened to a drummer friend of mine.

4 — Royalties

If you are writing and performing original music, make sure you are up to speed with the basics of royalties and copyright issues. Join PRS and MCPS. If you’re playing larger venues or doing sessions for radio stations, you should be generating a small income from performance royalties.

5 — Agents & Managers

A good manager can take you to the next level, take care of day-to-day issues, and be well worth their percentage fee. Seek them out. Agents have the connections and the experience to open doors you just won’t be able to on your own. They can also book you for weddings and corporate gigs, which can be well paid, if sometimes a little soul-crushing.

6 — Transport

You probably don’t need a fully blacked-out tour coach, but it’s essential to have a reliable car that is spacious enough to carry all of your gear comfortably. If you require a larger vehicle to accommodate the whole band and all the equipment, be sure to designate a responsible and well-rested driver for the journey.

7 — Gear

It doesn’t have to be the latest kit, but it does need to be fit for purpose and well maintained. Some venues may require an electrical PAT test, so make sure they are up to date. Of course, there are many online retailers selling musical equipment, such as Gear4Music and Andertons, but don’t forget to support your local music store – they’ll be there when you need them.

8 — Musicians Union

Every trade has a union to support its members, so why not take advantage of the benefits and join your own?

9 — Attitude

Arrive promptly and ready to go. Always be professional and friendly to the roadies as well as the sound and lighting crew, as they play a crucial role in making the show a success. If you act like a demanding prima donna, however, you might find your monitor mysteriously cutting out halfway through your performance…

10 — Respect

Respect other artists: You’ll probably cross paths with artists whom you just don’t get along with, for one reason or another, or whose performances you actively dislike or find unappealing. However, don’t let those personal feelings get in the way of showing respect. Everyone who makes a living out of getting up on stage puts in a great deal of hard work and dedication, and they all deserve your basic respect and acknowledgment.

11 — Pace yourself

It’s a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re going away for several weeks on a tour, don’t go mad on the first night. Just because the agent has put you up in a hotel room with a mini-bar doesn’t mean you have to empty it — you won’t make it to the end of the first week. Many experienced musicians have a routine they stick to on the road and a way to unwind after a gig. It can be vital.

12 — Eat Healthily

This can be quite challenging when you are travelling, but try your best to avoid fast food options like burgers and chips. Instead, focus on choosing nutritious meals and snacks that provide the energy and nutrients your body needs. Eating healthily on the road may require some extra planning, but it will be worth it for your overall well-being.

13 — Illness

There will be times when you truly have to do the gig, even though you are feeling unwell and would much rather go back to bed. Sometimes, with enough determination, you can push through the discomfort and successfully get the gig done. However, if you genuinely need to cancel, it’s important to make sure you give both the venue and ticket holders plenty of advance notice to avoid any inconvenience.

14 — Sharing

Take photos and videos of the gig to share on your social media accounts throughout the event. This helps keep your followers engaged and in the loop, making them feel connected to the experience. As a result, they are more likely to be interested in attending a real gig in person.

15 — Value what you do

You’re good at what you do, and your skills deserve proper recognition and compensation. You should be paid fairly for your work. Try not to do too many freebies, as it can undervalue your talent. If people ask you to perform for nothing, or for very little, or even worse, expect you to pay in order to play, be cautious. It’s important to recognize these red flags and avoid such situations to protect your professional worth.

16 — A gig is a gig

You were planning a weekend away to see friends. A week of gigs come in. You know what has to come first…

17 — All gigs are equal

Try to put as much genuine effort and passion into a sparsely attended gig in the back room of a pub as you would a well-publicized live radio session. It may seem that some performances are more significant or prestigious than others, but it’s important to approach each opportunity with the same professional and enthusiastic attitude, regardless of the size of the audience or the venue.

18 — Don’t over-analyse

Hopefully, your gig will go well, but if it doesn’t, try not to worry too much about it. After all, it’s only a gig, and if you can walk off the stage at the end of the night and say, “Well, nobody got hurt, did they?” then everything is really okay in the grand scheme of things.

19 — “Resting”

Hang in there during the quiet times, as they won’t last forever. The messages will start to appear again, and the phone will begin to ring with new opportunities. Eventually, things will pick up and the silence will be replaced by activity once more.

20 — You’re lucky

Don’t forget, while you’re sitting half asleep in the back of a van on the motorway at three in the morning, that many people dream about being able to make a living from what they love doing. You can and do. You’re lucky.