Freelance 101 for Musicians

Often times, the hardest part about being a musician is just getting a gig.  On top of that, some people make it even harder on themselves by not knowing how to act when they do get a gig.  There's a big difference between putting on your own personal "rock star" show (at your own gig), versus being a good, freelance sideman (on somebody else's gig). 

Here's my advice on how to make yourself an appealing option in the freelance musician world.  Looking at this list you may notice that most of the items do not have to do with your musical abilities.  They’re instead about how you act as a person.  In other words, they refer to what’s known as Rule #1: Don't Be An Asshole. 

More specifically: 

1. Always say thank you when someone offers you a gig. 
They could have asked anybody, but they chose you. 

2. Do not act like you’re doing the leader a favor by accepting their gig.
Remember, they could have asked somebody else, and maybe they did. Don’t assume you’re their first call. 

3. Keep in mind, your job as a freelance player is to do your best to make the gig a success for the band/leader you’re working for. 
Therefore do not: 

       a) make it about you 

       b) overplay, grandstand or flash chops tastelessly 

       c) try to call tunes or influence the set list unless asked 

       d) attempt to speak for the band (refer all questions/requests from audiences/clients to the band leader.

4.   Show up on time! 
Leaders have enough on their mind without having to worry about or babysit you. 

5.  Dress exactly as the leader asked you to. 
Whether it's a black suit, Hawaiian shirt or whatever, there's probably a good reason why the leader asks you to dress a certain way (themed event, band style...).  See 3a above. 

6.  Come to the gig prepared! 
Know your songs and be able to play your parts.  This seems like a no-brainer but you'd be surprised. 

7.  Do not in any way cause stress or drama to the band members or leader. 
In sports they have a term to describe a player who ruins the chemistry and vibes of the group- "locker room cancer".  Don't be one of them. 

8. Have fun! 
You're just playing music, not doing brain surgery.  Relax, enjoy the gig, and hopefully you'll be helping others and (the audience) do the same. 

9.  Be easy to get along with and enjoyable to be around. 
Roll with the punches. See #7 

10. In case you're thinking…. 

But I like to do things differently. 

Nobody cares. 

I think my way is better… 

Nobody cares 

I'm a better musician than these people. 

Nobody cares 

I’ve played with great musicians in my career like… 

Nobody cares 

I don’t like the songs we’re doing 

Nobody cares 

I’m in a bad mood tonight because… 

Nobody cares 

I have more fans and social media followers than this group. 

Nobody cares 

I’m late because… 

Somebody might actually care on this one, but you’d better have a good reason! 

Once again, your job is to make sure the gig is a big success from the band/leader’s point of view, not yours.  That’s it! 

Know where your lane is and stay in it. 

Good luck!  May your phone blow-up and your calendar be full.

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