I have some opportunities to play at cities both here (in the states) and abroad. I'm wondering what people usually do to make sure everything's legit with the promoter, getting paid, etc.
Do you ask for a down payment? Do you leave accomodations up to the promoter or do you include that in your fee?
Any tips would be very helpful.
Thanks.
Question about touring/getting paid & not getting screwe
The few times I played in other cities, I told the promoter I wanted a hotel room and meals during my stay, and they handled the details. Quite nicely too I might add, though I'm not very picky.
Getting paid is another matter. When I was throwing parties, we'd typically pay the bigger name DJs half up front. Most had this in their contracts, though a couple times it bit us in the ass when they cancelled, we were never able to get that money back.
If this is the first time you're travelling abroad to play out, most likely you don't have the bargaining power to get half up front, but it's worth asking. I would also (in a nice way) try to inquire if you're being payed directly from the door profits, or if they have the money already saved up for your "fee". Sometimes the promoter just doesn't promote well enough, or other things out of their control mean there's not a big crowd that night. You don't want them coming to you at the end of the night not being able to pay you because of a low turn out that you had nothing to do with.
Again if you're just starting out though, you're better off just doing it for the experience and for fun, try not to place too much emphasis on the money. It's definitely nice, and of course you don't want to LOSE money. But if you have a great time, get some experience and new contacts, and still at least break even, I'd say it was a successful night
Getting paid is another matter. When I was throwing parties, we'd typically pay the bigger name DJs half up front. Most had this in their contracts, though a couple times it bit us in the ass when they cancelled, we were never able to get that money back.
If this is the first time you're travelling abroad to play out, most likely you don't have the bargaining power to get half up front, but it's worth asking. I would also (in a nice way) try to inquire if you're being payed directly from the door profits, or if they have the money already saved up for your "fee". Sometimes the promoter just doesn't promote well enough, or other things out of their control mean there's not a big crowd that night. You don't want them coming to you at the end of the night not being able to pay you because of a low turn out that you had nothing to do with.
Again if you're just starting out though, you're better off just doing it for the experience and for fun, try not to place too much emphasis on the money. It's definitely nice, and of course you don't want to LOSE money. But if you have a great time, get some experience and new contacts, and still at least break even, I'd say it was a successful night
tarekith
https://tarekith.com
https://tarekith.com
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djadonis206
- Posts: 6490
- Joined: Thu Jun 17, 2004 4:23 pm
- Location: Seattle, WA.
Just make sure you have enough cash in the bank and a contact list of people who can help you in case...
things go bad - know what I mean
Contracts help but really unless you're prepared to sue someone their kind of pointless <-- it may cost you more than it's worth
Some of the best gigs in and out of town have been on a verbal agreement - some of the worse gigs have been over a binding contract
just something to think about
things go bad - know what I mean
Contracts help but really unless you're prepared to sue someone their kind of pointless <-- it may cost you more than it's worth
Some of the best gigs in and out of town have been on a verbal agreement - some of the worse gigs have been over a binding contract
just something to think about
Thanks for the responses.Tarekith wrote:But if you have a great time, get some experience and new contacts, and still at least break even, I'd say it was a successful night
I mean, I have fun playing and all, but I try to get paid for it - and I try to set a standard locally that DJs will get what their worth. If I go to Europe for two nights, play and then come back, I better come home with some change in my pocket.
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djadonis206
- Posts: 6490
- Joined: Thu Jun 17, 2004 4:23 pm
- Location: Seattle, WA.
I've only played one out of town gig for no money
it was in Jamaica at Club Hedonism - I also played and stayed at this villa - this cat used to watch me on GROOVETECH (my internet radio show back in the day) he flew me down to Jamaica to play for him and his friends
I was already in that part of the world (Florida) so it all worked
Hedo was the bomb - however the promoters girl friends didn't approve of him going to the WET T-Shirt contest which I was booked to play so I missed out on that (he was my ride around the island) but I can't complain
it was in Jamaica at Club Hedonism - I also played and stayed at this villa - this cat used to watch me on GROOVETECH (my internet radio show back in the day) he flew me down to Jamaica to play for him and his friends
I was already in that part of the world (Florida) so it all worked
Hedo was the bomb - however the promoters girl friends didn't approve of him going to the WET T-Shirt contest which I was booked to play so I missed out on that (he was my ride around the island) but I can't complain
thats cus she was in the contest and didnt want him to know!djadonis206 wrote:I've only played one out of town gig for no money
it was in Jamaica at Club Hedonism - I also played and stayed at this villa - this cat used to watch me on GROOVETECH (my internet radio show back in the day) he flew me down to Jamaica to play for him and his friends
I was already in that part of the world (Florida) so it all worked
Hedo was the bomb - however the promoters girl friends didn't approve of him going to the WET T-Shirt contest which I was booked to play so I missed out on that (he was my ride around the island) but I can't complain
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tomperson
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I'm with you on this one. I used to think the same about "$ is not important", but after a friend of mine got a VJ residence in a local club my mind changed. He worked really hard, and after he left they kept on owing him money, with total disrespect for what he did. The same happened with the audio guys...it may be an isolated experience, but it helped me understand what goes on in night life.ff4sale wrote:Thanks for the responses.Tarekith wrote:But if you have a great time, get some experience and new contacts, and still at least break even, I'd say it was a successful night
I mean, I have fun playing and all, but I try to get paid for it - and I try to set a standard locally that DJs will get what their worth. If I go to Europe for two nights, play and then come back, I better come home with some change in my pocket.
Clubs move *a lot* of money, that's why they are there in the first place, not to change the world or improve culture (i'd say it's a by-product, but not the main reason for their existence). Your craft is the product of years of working, learning, preparing. It must be worth something, don't you think? It's a different story if it's a party with friends or with some art foundation and such. But clubs...they should pay!!! And ironically, if you demand money, they will take you more seriously, and make sure everything's ok for your gig, since you cost them...
It's important to set a standard of $$$ for Djs/musicians to play.
Turn up the radio. Turn up the tape machine. Look into the sunset up ahead. Roll the windows down for a better taste of the cool desert wind. Ah yes. This is what it's all about. Total control now.
I have played many shows in the states and a few abroad...
I have developed a tech/hospitality rider and a contract for the promoter to sign, the contract dictates what deposit, usually half, must be paid before we go onstage....
And on the tech rider I give detailed specs of everything I am expecting to receive to play.
The hospitality portion of the rider details what sort of things we will need, food, accomodations etc...
hope this helps...
-d
I have developed a tech/hospitality rider and a contract for the promoter to sign, the contract dictates what deposit, usually half, must be paid before we go onstage....
And on the tech rider I give detailed specs of everything I am expecting to receive to play.
The hospitality portion of the rider details what sort of things we will need, food, accomodations etc...
hope this helps...
-d
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Motu Traveler
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Don't suppose you could post a template of that contract here? That would be very useful (for everyone).distraub wrote:I have played many shows in the states and a few abroad...
I have developed a tech/hospitality rider and a contract for the promoter to sign, the contract dictates what deposit, usually half, must be paid before we go onstage....
And on the tech rider I give detailed specs of everything I am expecting to receive to play.
The hospitality portion of the rider details what sort of things we will need, food, accomodations etc...
hope this helps...
-d
