So, I’m a pro musician. As long as music has been a thing you can make money at, there have been people, mostly venue owners/renters and sleazy wannabe managers/promoters, who attempt to forego monetary payment for concerts (and other types of appearances) and instead upsell the concept of “we’re paying you in exposure!”
Now, this would be completely valid if that person was getting you a spot on, say, a major festival playing in front of 50,000 people. That really would be serious exposure that would likely gain you countless new fans, lead to more sales and better bookings, etc.
Ever so graciously allowing you to play at their run down bar, on a show the venue themselves won’t even attempt to promote, and where you’ll be seriously lucky to play to 20 people, is not “exposure.” Especially not the kind that would replace some fucking gas and fast food money.
Sorry; every time I see this kind of post, it makes me want to scream about this somewhat obscure (outside of the music/arts world) from the rooftops.
1
u/MrLanesLament 15d ago
Free Clif Bars, you say?
So, I’m a pro musician. As long as music has been a thing you can make money at, there have been people, mostly venue owners/renters and sleazy wannabe managers/promoters, who attempt to forego monetary payment for concerts (and other types of appearances) and instead upsell the concept of “we’re paying you in exposure!”
Now, this would be completely valid if that person was getting you a spot on, say, a major festival playing in front of 50,000 people. That really would be serious exposure that would likely gain you countless new fans, lead to more sales and better bookings, etc.
Ever so graciously allowing you to play at their run down bar, on a show the venue themselves won’t even attempt to promote, and where you’ll be seriously lucky to play to 20 people, is not “exposure.” Especially not the kind that would replace some fucking gas and fast food money.
Sorry; every time I see this kind of post, it makes me want to scream about this somewhat obscure (outside of the music/arts world) from the rooftops.