Playing Music is a Privilege, Not a Right

I just came back from Daytona Beach where Bike Week was going on.  There was lots and lots of live music there at a number of venues up and down Main Street.  It’s a huge event (size-wise as well as credibility-wise).  People come from near and far to take part in Bike Week.  As a result, being one of the bands chosen to perform at/during the event is a big deal.  That’s an impressive entry to have on your live performances history.

The gigs in between, those that are allowing you to hone your skills, build up your following, and ready you for the big events like Bike Week, are equally important, though.  As a result, acknowledging such and treating those hosts with the same respect are vital.

I have a client that has a recurring spot that serves food and, as such, we know we will be ordering each time we’re there.  It’s because we are spending money in there and the fact that this client has been performing there a few times a month for more than a couple years now that it’s disappointing that the servers, as a result, seem to take the attitude that serving our table can be a low priority.  We notice it for sure, but note the difference – we don’t complain.  There is someone else that performs at this place so there are certainly others who would like to have an opportunity to play there.

Remember that.  Sadly, you are replaceable.  There is always a long line of people waiting to take your spot.

A singer/songwriter contacted me recently and was frustrated with having observed other musicians acting like they need to be made a priority over the customers.  This emailer went on to tell me about having specifically observed a performer asking over the microphone to have the house music turned on (to allow for going on break), doing so in a rude manner and with the bartender being busy working and faced with a full bar.

Different from my first-hand example above are the performers who act like they should get served first.  This is a lesson I learned many years ago, which, in all honesty is just common sense.  Timing.  If you really feel you need to get your food at a certain time (say, so that you’re eating on your break or you can have your meal after you’ve torn down), just coordinate an order with the server so that it will come out in conjunction with that point in your night.

As the emailer so accurately pointed out, the demands and sense of entitlement makes other musicians look bad too!

Remember, playing music is a privilege, not a right.  Show gratitude to every place that’s giving you – instead of someone else – an opportunity to perform.  Whether it’s a local restaurant or a major stage in Daytona Beach, your attitude will help open – or potentially close – doors for you.

What’s your take?  Join the discussion in the Facebook group here.  Plus, if you have something you would like to see addressed in a blog, send those thoughts to me.