Here, in Naples, we have several places you can find live music. Some of the bands who play have original material but aren't encouraged to play them. The venues here want bands to play music that is popular. They want this because most of the venues are restaurants and they want to cater to what they think their patrons want. How do they know what all of their patrons want? They don't. Restaurants get customers from all walks of life who listen to all kinds of different music. Of course there are bands who stay true to their style and music despite what the venue might want out of them. This article is for the small business owner in the area who want live music.
If you're planning on hiring a cover band you should probably stay with your in house radio. Cover bands, although can be just as talented and impressive as original acts, take away from the real artists who push their original work. Original bands bust their butts to get their original material out there while cover bands learn to play popular songs usually at the drop of a hat to make a quick buck and feel like rock stars. Others are forced to play more covers. That's just not right. On a more legal note most of the songs these bands play are licensed and the license needs to be procured to play each individual song. If said licenses aren't obtained and BMI, SESAC or ASCAP finds out not only can the band who plays but the establishment can get fined. These fines are hefty. These are called Performance Rights. Something to look into even if you have DJs or play music over a radio in your establishment.
Take care of the bands you hire. To put into perspective a lot of these bands travel to get to where they are playing. Several of the venues they play don't have their own PA system for the acts to utilize. The venues around here also expect the bands to play for no less than three hours. Bands should be paid no less than 300 big ones. This would be about 75 dollars an hour. Also take into consideration how many band members there are as well as expenses such as gas to and from where ever they're going. Anything less is insulting the artist. Make sure they get their meals and/or drinks compensated. Make sure they have a jug of water constantly available. Take into consideration that these acts are bringing their own gear including PA if they need to. They pack it all up, they drive over, they unload, set up, play, tear down, pack up again, drive back just to unload their gear into their house or base of operations. Give them a hand if they need it. Musicians work hard to provide no only your patrons with a service but also to get their music out there to be heard.
Treat the band with respect and as experts of their field. You're hiring them to do a job mostly as a contractor or work for hire. They will take your requests into consideration but they do not need to do what you think they should do. These guys have been doing this a long time and usually know what's best for them and for you. Don't get me wrong. They will work with you but if they need somethings moved around it's for a good reason. They are there to liven up the place and possibly bring in some people. When you are speaking with a band about booking stay in touch even if you don't plan on booking them. Keep them in the loop. In most cases the band will keep you updated and sometimes they simply need to know yes or no. Don't be afraid to tell them whats going on. It's a business deal here and the act shouldn't take it personal and most likely won't if you are up front with them.
The venues are responsible to advertise the event. A lot of venues want to keep their costs down and asks the artists to provide posters or flyers. This is not right. The band should be promoting every single show they have booked but it is up to the venue to take charge of promoting for each particular date at that venue. The venue should be the one to collaborate with the artist to get the artwork just right. The venue should print out the flyers and posters. They also should be blasting the events on social media. The bands will do what they can to help promote but promotion should be done on both ends to bring as many people as possible in. Don't leave it all up to the bands. Maximize turn out by doing what a venue should be doing. Venues do everything they can to get bodies in their establishment and this is no different.
If your venue likes to broadcast the big game or fight then schedule the band around it. Don't have the game on while the band is playing. This is extremely disrespectful to the band or musician not to mention its almost a conflict of interest. Too many things going at once isn't conducive to your patrons. Plan out the night if you want both. Make sure the band is ready to start playing by the end of the game and make sure you communicate with the band about this. Miscommunication is a good way to put an end to business relationships.
Venues, take these tips and seriously consider them. Each of these thoughts are meant to maximize the experience of not only the customers but also for the venue and the musicians. Having a band in a venue is a deal between the two and both have plenty to do to keep the other happy. This will untimely benefit the community as a whole. Don't take advantage and be mindful.
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