Songwriters,
I have started on a journey. A journey of unknown destination with danger lurking around many corners. That journey has the goal of getting songwriters and performers the respect and money they deserve. I see a large problem, and yes it involves the statement that "musicians are like herding cats". Many independent artists are being robbed blind. Performers are working for price-fixed wages. Yes, I said price-fixed. The venue owners have gotten together and decided that they would low-ball the amount they will pay performers. The problem is, we are letting them get by with it!
We as songwriters, musicians, and performers are an independent group. Our individuality is the key ingredient in what makes our music unique. But, that same individuality is, well lets tell it like it is; that individuality is getting us screwed. There are laws that prevent real estate brokers from banding together to fix prices and laws that prevent large corporation from creating monopolies, but there are no laws being widely enforced to protect the average working performers. Why is that? The answer is simple; it is because we are independent. Now, do not get me wrong, I am not advocating unionizing. I am advocating that songwriters and performers find a way to work together to get the message across to these venues that they cannot get away with paying a $5000 band $1500 and having the band feel lucky that they got paid at all. And, when you see and unauthorized video of you band on YouTube taken illegally at your concert or performance, go to YouTube and tell them to take the video down. It might take up to six months for them to get around to it, so be resolute and keep contacting them until they do it.
Okay, there are some ugly facts about human nature. When somebody is allowed to abuse another, they will not stop until there is a fundamental change. If a person physically abuses another person the catalyst for change is the abused person leaving or the abuser being arrested. That is an awful fact, but it happens. These venue owners that have decided to low-ball your price are abusing you. When you bring dozens or hundreds of patrons to your show, the venue owner is making money in food and alcohol sales. I am not saying that there are not any venue owners that treat performers with respect, but I am saying there are venues that are not respecting their performers.
On another note. I have been going to different establishments that say they support Texas music to solicit donations or asking them to sponsor our stage at Wildflower. One of the establishments I approached was Texas Roadhouse. I have been eating there probably fifty times a year for four years and the people that work there have become friends over the years. All that Todd Harrison, the Managing Partner, had to do was provide a small donation, like he did for the Allen Library music event, and have their mascot dance around with discount coupons or something like that. I emailed him, with no response. I called him and they hung up the phone. I called again, and they said I'll take a message for him to get back to you. He never bothered to get back to me. So, you ask how this relates to musicians not getting paid what they deserve? My answer is that I am going to boycott Texas Roadhouse. They have been getting about $1500 a year from me for four years. That all stops now, because I am not going to allow them to disrespect me.
Songwriters and performers take note that the only way to get people's attention normally involves money. Even lawsuits really boil down to money in the long run. People tend to understand your point when dollars are involved. If you want congress to hear your voice, the easiest way is large campaign contributions and lobbyist. Independent performers and songwriters do not normally have that kind of money, so we have to work together and become a united front. Write letters to your congressman or congresswoman. Let your voice be heard. Go up against those that profit from our music. Work with your peers to get the attention of the venues.
Recall the story of Gandhi. He, as one man, assembled the masses to nonviolently take control of his country form the British government. He knew that he had to use nonviolent means, because violence would sway populist opinion against his cause. In fact, he gained public opinion when the British government responded with violence against him. They were seen as oppressive bullies. His peaceful demonstrations included people gathering together and impacting commerce. Workers not working and people not buying goods. India gained independence because the merchants felt the sting in their wallet. Those individuals went to their elected officials and demanded the government to bring about a resolution.
I am not Gandhi, and this is not India. But, we can learn from history. People respond to financial impact. Performers and songwriters should not have to suffer for their art. We need to be fairly compensated for our art!
I have started on a journey. A journey of unknown destination with danger lurking around many corners. That journey has the goal of getting songwriters and performers the respect and money they deserve. I see a large problem, and yes it involves the statement that "musicians are like herding cats". Many independent artists are being robbed blind. Performers are working for price-fixed wages. Yes, I said price-fixed. The venue owners have gotten together and decided that they would low-ball the amount they will pay performers. The problem is, we are letting them get by with it!
We as songwriters, musicians, and performers are an independent group. Our individuality is the key ingredient in what makes our music unique. But, that same individuality is, well lets tell it like it is; that individuality is getting us screwed. There are laws that prevent real estate brokers from banding together to fix prices and laws that prevent large corporation from creating monopolies, but there are no laws being widely enforced to protect the average working performers. Why is that? The answer is simple; it is because we are independent. Now, do not get me wrong, I am not advocating unionizing. I am advocating that songwriters and performers find a way to work together to get the message across to these venues that they cannot get away with paying a $5000 band $1500 and having the band feel lucky that they got paid at all. And, when you see and unauthorized video of you band on YouTube taken illegally at your concert or performance, go to YouTube and tell them to take the video down. It might take up to six months for them to get around to it, so be resolute and keep contacting them until they do it.
Okay, there are some ugly facts about human nature. When somebody is allowed to abuse another, they will not stop until there is a fundamental change. If a person physically abuses another person the catalyst for change is the abused person leaving or the abuser being arrested. That is an awful fact, but it happens. These venue owners that have decided to low-ball your price are abusing you. When you bring dozens or hundreds of patrons to your show, the venue owner is making money in food and alcohol sales. I am not saying that there are not any venue owners that treat performers with respect, but I am saying there are venues that are not respecting their performers.
On another note. I have been going to different establishments that say they support Texas music to solicit donations or asking them to sponsor our stage at Wildflower. One of the establishments I approached was Texas Roadhouse. I have been eating there probably fifty times a year for four years and the people that work there have become friends over the years. All that Todd Harrison, the Managing Partner, had to do was provide a small donation, like he did for the Allen Library music event, and have their mascot dance around with discount coupons or something like that. I emailed him, with no response. I called him and they hung up the phone. I called again, and they said I'll take a message for him to get back to you. He never bothered to get back to me. So, you ask how this relates to musicians not getting paid what they deserve? My answer is that I am going to boycott Texas Roadhouse. They have been getting about $1500 a year from me for four years. That all stops now, because I am not going to allow them to disrespect me.
Songwriters and performers take note that the only way to get people's attention normally involves money. Even lawsuits really boil down to money in the long run. People tend to understand your point when dollars are involved. If you want congress to hear your voice, the easiest way is large campaign contributions and lobbyist. Independent performers and songwriters do not normally have that kind of money, so we have to work together and become a united front. Write letters to your congressman or congresswoman. Let your voice be heard. Go up against those that profit from our music. Work with your peers to get the attention of the venues.
Recall the story of Gandhi. He, as one man, assembled the masses to nonviolently take control of his country form the British government. He knew that he had to use nonviolent means, because violence would sway populist opinion against his cause. In fact, he gained public opinion when the British government responded with violence against him. They were seen as oppressive bullies. His peaceful demonstrations included people gathering together and impacting commerce. Workers not working and people not buying goods. India gained independence because the merchants felt the sting in their wallet. Those individuals went to their elected officials and demanded the government to bring about a resolution.
I am not Gandhi, and this is not India. But, we can learn from history. People respond to financial impact. Performers and songwriters should not have to suffer for their art. We need to be fairly compensated for our art!
Test post from Steve Sullivan 5-10-12
ReplyDeleteRoger,
ReplyDeleteWell said Prez. All too often we as performing musicians (myself included) are complacent in accepting what ever terms and conditions a venue owner throws our way. From experience I've had venue owners go back on our agreement, told me a verified untruth, or even stiffed me payment after the performance saying they did not have the cash to pay. Well why did the hire me if they disn't have. Of course they went out of business a week later. So what is the answer? Probably several options depending on the situation. About two years ago when a group of venue owners banded together to low ball the bands at their venues, the local blues players banded together and agreed not to play for less than a certain amount and were fairly successful at it. Sometimes when you can't fight them in court you beat them at their own game. Such is politics. Say fight fire with fire. I think there's a song title somewhere in there. Anyway use you creative imagination in your terms of agreement. For example once a venue owner told me they couldn't afford to pay me what they had been by a $100 less for a 4 hour venue. So I paused for a second and replied then you wouldn't mind if I played one hour less. Startled a bit but the venue owner stammered and replied that would be fair. Use your imagination and keep your wits about you and be aware of the personalities you are dealing with.
Be Well,
Steve Sullivan
Past DSA President
2008 & 2009