|
|
Post by Jacqui on Jan 18, 2015 13:55:45 GMT
Hi Guys
I was just wondering what your thoughts are and previous experience was with Venues on special nights
like Xmas Eve and New Years Eve, St Patricks, Valentines, do you charge more, if so what sort of percentage? Double, Triple? and do you do longer hours, especially New years Eve.
|
|
|
|
Post by geordiebennett on Jan 18, 2015 21:49:06 GMT
Myself and any band I ever played with always got double for New Years eve,the other nights depended where they were and how often you played in them over the year.I never liked getting my arm in if I played in a place once a month over the year or a place where I was resident.On New Years Eve I usually played longer.Here in Spain you have to play a lot longer because we bring in the Spanish one and then an hour later the English one.
Geordie
|
|
|
|
Post by Sequenzzer on Jan 18, 2015 22:34:28 GMT
Doing solo performances as I have been doing for the past four years,I've always been able to charge double rates on new year's eve,and still wind up cheaper than most bands with multiple musicians.I'm able to do the music by myself,so I normally charge a rate similar to a DJ,but slightly higher,anywhere from 250 to 350 per night for a standard 4 hour gig on a regular night..Because there is not many people in my area doing what I do,I often tend to have more gigs than I can handle,and I usually task these additional gigs out to other full bands hungry for work that I know are good,they know me and are in my musical circle around town.
But I agree with Geordie as well...A lot does depend on the area and whether or not you have a good solid reputation there. Also especially playing on new years eve,chances are high that when your time comes up at the end of your gig,people are still in party mode,and more often than not,want you to continue playing. Well,my contract is satisfied,and money in pocket.
For me,if I do feel I want to continue,that's when the "tip" jar goes out and a statement made over the mic to "FEED" it!
At this point,usually people are at that point just happy to continue dancing and drinking,and the jar fills very quickly! I've had it full and had to empty it once(a nice size plastic mayonaise jug) two years ago at a yacht club I was performing....Definitely one of the great nights to remember in my journeys!
Love the yacht clubs...They are great money,very friendly people and friends,and I was even offered one time to get on board and chill on one of the boats after everything was said and done that evening. Definitely beats the bar scenarios,where you are constantly being barraged by drunken fools thinking they are Josh Groban wanting to sing karaoke,or worried about an idiot who might fall into your gear and topple your keyboard stand.
LOL
Take Care
Mike
|
|
|
|
Post by frankie on Jan 18, 2015 22:49:17 GMT
In new Zealand we played from 7.30 pm to 1.30 am on NYE in a duo.With breaks and Highland band playing for 1/2 hr.I got paid $900 after tax + meals and accomodation.
|
|
|
|
Post by oliver101 on Jan 19, 2015 12:57:35 GMT
As a general rule I charge what I think is a reasonable price for the evening. The longer I have to play the more I charge. Burns nights etc are just a normal night to me, new years eve would normally be 2 and a 1/2 times normal rate. Weddings and long nights depend upon whether I have to be set up before a meal. I would probably do an evening cheaper to clubs that give me regular work.
I do have a minimum rate even for a 1 hour slot which is £120. People have to realise that there is travelling time, set up time etc.
Ian
|
|
|
|
Post by Jacqui on Jan 21, 2015 0:47:58 GMT
Hi Everyone Thanks for all the replys, some really interesting points made too. I can't believe in Spain you do the New Years Eve bit twice  that's a strange one. I had a place ask me the other night about New Years Eve, they want 8.15 to 1pm, but I thought that was a long time, their normal night is 8.15 to 11.45 which is longer than most clubs I play, it's mostly old folk so I thought they would go after midnight, but the club said that's what they normally do, they said they paid £500 last year, which I think was a bit low, but it's difficult if that what they can get people for. It's like Valentines if it's on a non weekend night you can normally get an extra gig out of it mid week, but I find clubs don't want to pay more for Valentines on a normal club night. I like the idea of those Yacht Clubs Mike, could do with a few of them.  Yes Ian your right about the 1 hour minium rate, as you say they don't think about travelling and setting up, but it's a battle with some places, they think of it as just the hours you sing for. Thanks for the posts Guys, very interesting! Jacqui |
|
|
|
Post by oliver101 on Jan 21, 2015 13:40:01 GMT
Tell them you will do 3 x 45 minutes between 8.15 and 1am Jacqui and watch their face drop. Also, when a new club enquires about you, always go in high as it is easier to drop your rate than it is to go in low, get to the club, have a good evening, then try and put your price up.
My last new years eve I did 9 - 10pm, 10.30 - 11.15, then 11.30 until 1am. The good thing about new years eve is that everyone is always out to have a good time, so the evening flies by.
Ian
|
|
|
|
Post by eddie3fingers on Jan 21, 2015 14:42:19 GMT
Sequenzzer (Mike)
You sound exactly like me.... We sure do think alike on many points you made.... I once played a gig 5 nights a week for 12 1/2 years at the same club.(1990 till 2003).. They always paid me double for Christmas Eve, Christmas Night and New Years and double for any overtime hours... Since it was in New Orleans, the same held true for Mardi Gras Day ! By the way... I always charge at least $50 per Hour,,,,,3hr min..
Eddie
|
|
|
|
Post by geordiebennett on Jan 21, 2015 20:29:25 GMT
Hi Jacqui,
It's because we are an hour ahead of you so the Spanish one comes first and then an hour later the British one.It's a good job I don't live in Australia,I'd have a long wait.When I used to play in the caravan clubs around Skegness you could have three or four Christmases and New years eves from the end of October, because the clubs held thier parties before they closed down for the winter.
Geordie
|
|
|
|
Post by frankie on Jan 21, 2015 22:27:00 GMT
4 times zones in Australia if you had a jet and gear already set up in each state you could do 4 gigs lol.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jacqui on Jan 23, 2015 15:58:00 GMT
4 times zones in Australia if you had a jet and gear already set up in each state you could do 4 gigs lol. Now there's a thought, must get my Jet out of the Garage I think you guys are very good and this negotiation game, I bet you are good poker players too  Jacqui |
|
that's a strange one.
