[Dixielandjazz] The economics of value

[David Dustin]

Steve Barbone wrote --

Like you, I think those that give music away free at locations that can pay
for it are the bane of the working musician. However, freebies in the small
charity wards where they don't hurt the music business, or in other venues
that don't hurt the music business are to be encouraged.

Six years ago we started an 8-pc trad band from 3 guys who loved the genre,
were passably OK on their axes, and decided one day to give it a go. Two
guys were retired, bored, and had all the time in the world to invest in
making music. One (me) still works and has time that has to be carefully
allocated to various essential activities, of which playing jazz is very
important.  As we gained momentum, with improved technique, building up a
book, and dressing sharply (Larry Walton¹s excellent point), I suggested we
CHARGE MONEY for driving to and playing gigs. It was as if I had suggested
we perform in the nude: my bandmates were shocked and horrified!  They just
wanted to play publicly and were convinced that asking clients for money was
³bad for business² and would mean they¹d never play out again.  As a
negotiator in my day job, I knew that they, in fact, were 180 degrees off.
What is actually ³bad for business² is the whore¹s game of spreading your
services around free or below market rate because it sends the message that
what you have to offer is valueless. And you will be treated that way,
invited to waste your time at dozens of trash gigs with no more stature or
respect than a Rent-A-Loo. Less even! But, if people realize that you
respect the quality of your performance and expect to be rewarded
commensurately, they will perceive that your PERFORMANCE HAS VALUE and will
generally not begrudge your band a reasonable fee that will mostly be
aligned with the market rate in your area.  Of course there are always
charity cases and bottom feeders looking for a bargain in every line of work
‹ the charity cases should be dealt with on their merits, to the extent the
band is able, and the bottom feeders should be ignored!  No self-respecting
musician or band needs them because they are a distraction from transactions
which benefit the goals of your band, such as to be showcased appropriately,
treated amicably and heard with some respect.  To the extent that a musician
has the opportunity to obtain compensation, the market is telling him where
he should invest his time and talent.  Not trying to sound like the late
Milton Friedman here, but there is no excuse for playing trash gigs...go
where the client is willing to show respect for the artistry/or the music in
the customary fashion: PAYING THE PIPER.  (Before I get hate mail, I am NOT
calling charity cases like church suppers or nursing homes or
schools/hospitals ³trash gigs².  You do those for the benefit of your
community or for causes in which you believe. And we are always happy to do
some every year.)

Jazzy New Year to all, wherever you are in the world --

David Dustin