When it comes to playing clubs and bars, the band are alcohol salesmen first and foremost. The club owner doesn’t really care about the musicianship of the band as much as asses in seats and the bar ring at the end of the night. I was lucky enough to regularly play a club where the owner would give you a percentage of the alcohol sales for the night as a bonus in addition to what he agreed to pay the band. Even if the club wasn’t packed, if you had a lot of heavy drinkers in the crowd, he would still be happy. Wish I came across more people like him.
You speak the truth but I don’t miss performing in those environments. I was always the point man to deal with the owner or manager. I just wanted to play guitar in a band.
@@ProbablyTooLoud Ditto! All of the behind the scene work, satisfying the customer, and herding the cats is a tough job. It is why few people were as capable as you in doing it.
My dad had a swinging dance band in the 40’s when he was in high school and college. They made quite a bit of money playing dances. Dances were lucrative until stereo amplifiers became more affordable and the DJ replaced bands. Bands played parties and clubs. The party and club scene for bands isn’t what it used to be and there is no money to be made in recorded music. There’s still an interest in learning how to play an instrument. Many musicians are music teachers now. I was lucky. I had a weeks worth of lessons from Jack Casady. He said something I never forgot. He said to be a real musician you have to play for people. You will never be a real musician playing at home. That’s true. All I can say is get out and play. I jam for fun. Making a living doing it today? I think it’s tough. There aren’t the places to play that there’s used to be.
As a guitar teacher, this is the one thing that I've always wondered about. Do I tell these kids with stars in their eyes the truth? Some are good on social media it's true. The only advice I could tell my bass students: a good bass player is in demand.
Thanks, you guys. Besides playing out, teaching has been a great experience. Some of my students have been amazing. They can out play me, but I got them started. Just give them the keys and the they take it to the racetrack. Very gratifying.
I was driving down the road 2 days ago and a rainbow dropped down right in front of the car...no gold though. Chasing dreams leads into nightmares in all fields. I think all young musicians should work a steady career alongside practicing craft until you've been promoted 2-3 times at your job. When you know how hard it is to be successful at a non dream career you'll have the skills to map out some music success, some cash to pay the bills and a 16 hour a day work ethic. If you can't work that hard the main stage ain't your space. Cheers Brad!
Work ethic is really important. Proper training is Paramont to success! And that training must begin very young. There shouldn’t be much struggle in any of this to become successful, the simple fact is if you’re properly trained, people will beat a path to your door and your talents and you don’t need to work a frivolous job. These antidotes to failure or carved out way before your success to your goal, so working Some meaningless job is a never-Ending cycle to failure!
bro country & tribute bands took all our outdoor summer concerts & casino & corporate gigs. Went from 30 gigs PT in 2022 to 10 in 2023 and not only 5 for 2025... slow slide baby! Time to take up plein aire painting!
You’re right recently I saw three cover bands at a casino for $30. I couldn’t resist when the bands they were covering would cost $300 for a decent seat.
I’m a musician first should anyone ask. I’ve been blessed to grow my professional career as an aside from my passion. Songwriting and playing music. At age 51, it’s afforded me an outlet to exercise myself as a musician while never having to rely on my passion to support myself nor my wife. Great topic Brad! I really appreciate your channel as it’s inspiring.
Long ago I spoke to Kirk Hammett of Metalica and he said they didn't see substantial money until the Justice album and tour was over....and most of us never have a Justice record.
Reb Beach says he had to borrow airfare from Kip Winger to get home from their final tour in like 91....and they had enjoyed a big 3 years as Winger, all over MTV and alot of hits. We all know Vito Bratta was happy to walk away from White Lion in 91, said the accountants made more than they did. Don't do it for the money, as Brad says, you have to love the music, and there may be many chapters in life. Chris DeGarmo walked away to become a Pilot. Music is a business as Brad well knows, having lived it. Good stuff Brad. 👍
You're doing it the right way. I know Beato is a different situation but he's been able to get killer gigs and a Gibson Model from his channel. He could probably release music now as well. Another point, Jizzo brought up the Classic Rock route. The older bands even with just one original member like Quiet Riot have been tracking bigger gigs and more $$ for shows. These classic band names even withnot as big a name are getting bigger gigs and more money. I watched some recent vid of Quiet Riot and with Rudy in yhe band, the Rockers are showing up to see Rudy, that mental connection to Ozzy and original Quiet Riot is huge. The crowds are growing
Nostalgic, Tribute and Legacy acts can still make a living with Merch and Meet & Greets. I love classic rock and will buy a hat at a show because the cut of ticket sales is peanuts.
I'm 53 I remember the book salesman coming to our house one guy was an acrobat or something did all these crazy things in the front yard. Mom bought his book. We had an encyclopedia set in the house.
Wow, Brad… you just shared the number 1 secret in sales - take the spotlight off yourself to build the relationship! The more you keep them talking, the better & the less opportunity to talk yourself out of the sale
Thanks for your videos Brad. I'm a bass play here in Knoxville. Cover bands and fill ins. Also in an original band Shady Sadie. I've only been playing about 6 years but I am averaging about 100 giggs a year. Ive learned alot and got inspiration from your channel, thanks again
At the end of the day, being a gigging musician is basically being a traveling salesman. You're always selling something: yourself, your band, your latest record. During my time playing out, my band never played the same venue twice. The upside was getting the appreciation of the audience. One of the downsides was getting the feeling of almost being a prostitute, in a certain sense, selling yourself to people, trying to make enough money to keep going, and hoping that you become one of the few who make it big. But even if you do, you're still selling yourself to the promoters and record labels in addition to trying to sell your "product" to the masses
Great video Brad- thank you for sharing your experience & knowledge 😊 it’s not a glamorous life like most people think it is- thank you for sharing about it. I sure wish I knew you back in the day lol 😊 you have some great stories man.
Throughout my many years of struggling to “make it” within the music industry, one of if not the most difficult hurdles I ever faced was convincing the rest of “the band” to work as hard at promoting our mutual goals and dreams as I did and I truly don’t think that the average person has any clue as to how difficult it can be to get a group of four or more headstrong musicians on the same page. 😎
what a great episode today, I especially liked the dance monkey -sooo true. My younger brother was a writer and over 50 years ago in his early days of writing he had walls papered 1/2 his house in rejection slips
The US music scene seems to have lost itself along the way. Countries like Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and parts of the UK/EU and even Japan still love rock bands. Because original acts are becoming less and less, the nostalgic tribute type bands are filling the void. Some reports indicate tribute bands are paid better than good original bands. Strange times to be a working musician. I’ll stick to recording.
It might be because there are more baby boomers and millennials in America today with money to spend on nostalgic entertainment and who don't care for today's pop music. When I'm in Europe I hear a lot more original music so I think you're correct.
This channel is my favorite comment section to read. I read every one when I have time. Lately I havnt had time to even play my guitar or bass. And Usualy I play most in winters but I cannot turn down work. And my customer base for mechanic work is taxing my time right now.. But ya gotta make the money when it's there. Be frugal with it. And make it last. Hopefully I get to fix my own cars soon. Hahaha imagine that.
Marketing, networking, knowing your customers, perfecting your product, overcoming adversity, understanding the market, networking, and a realistic and mature attitude are all critical to success for any business, including music. You're closing in on 10K subscribers with more and more likes! It appears more and more people, especially musicians, are realizing the great value of this channel.
If you want to make big money in the music business, go to Belmont University. Then go to law school and represent the friends that you maid at Belmont. That's what one of my coworker's son's friend did. The son and his wife now teach and catalog music for a church.
Im so bad at "selling" 🙄 and some friends tell someone I dont know, "his so great guitarist". Yes it feels good but at the same time its like I need to explain myself cos Im not where I wanna be, or done my own stuff like I want. But people dont wanna hear that. People dont want to see somebody too modest. But I will get there. And there are people and bands who barely can play but they have the attitude and you think whats wrong with me, Im zillion times better. And there are different genres, punk, fusion, jazz blues, each have their own values, not strictly about skills.
Another cluster bomb snuck in this morning. I think you’re right, and if you look at the low numbers of people who watch once famous album artists on TH-cam, it validates your point.
@ but you’re correct about building a relationship with your audience first. Some very untalented, unskilled individuals have huge followings because of that. It stands to reason if you combine good music with good audience contact, the two could self support. We shall see.
Hey Badbrad! Today I enjoy music more than ever without the stress and BS of being in a Live Band. I paid my dues playing Live as a Drummer from 1983 to 1998, retired cause of Heart Problems. I prayed to GOD to help me get back in the Music Business some way. My prayers were answered and Found my Producer Warren Huart from PLAP. Warren was a Needle in a Hay stack Blessing considering my Budget. I get to Record w/ many Top Artist like people from THE WHO, TOTO, Taylor Swift,Etc. I am enjoying Music at my own pace w/ little to No Stress now. Performance Anxiety can eat your Lunch as we all know, thats why so many people are on Drugs. Jumping from Garage to Bars to Clubs to getting offers for American and World Tour. I'm Glad I didn't throw in the towel after 42 Years Drumming, Mixing,and Mastering. I do it purely for the Love , Challenge and Fun of Music. Thanks for the Help Brad
Great video Brad, you’re getting really good at the TH-cam thing. I’m a couple weeks away from 49 years old and I’m just starting on my TH-cam journey. I suck at it, but I’ll keep moving forward getting better in baby steps. I hope to grow my audience by sharing my amazing gear and eventually putting out some original music. Thanks for all you do BadBrad.
The art of self promotion. I did that and never told the people that we were the best band. Always underselling, that way, we seemed better than we sold. Also, we had a 45 minute set, every band tried to cram an hour and half set list into 45. We took a different approach. We played 30 minute set, the other bands were happy because that meant they could play longer. Our idea was, if they liked us, we’d leave them wanting more.
When we decided to play shorter sets, the decision was made after seeing countless bands, and noticing that people would be there to see their friends band or whatever, and a band would try to play as many songs as they could fit in the time slot. Many times we overheard someone saying, “I think it’s the last song, “,only to have the band play another one. We were like, I wonder if people think that way about us? So we shortened our set by 15 minutes. We happened to get kind of popular, but stuck to the shorter set. Then the crowd would want us to keep playing. So we eventually would throw in a Bowie cover for an encore. Goid times!
"Now" it's a problem? You mean always! 8:56 💯!! Even VH struggled. Did easy opportunities ever really exist? No. It's always been extremely hard to "make it." Name the day the path was easy, clear, always lucrative, never cutthroat. You can't. Name the time when success was readily available without rejection, cheating, stealing, or being a victim to them? You can't. It's always been true.
Brad is dead on. I've been playing in bands for 50 years. Some recording during that time, and still gigging to this day. I manage and lead my own band which I am the lead vocalist and guitarist. Play regularly in L.A. But I gig now because I love it, mostly showcases, that end up costing me money. And now and then some sweet paying gigs. I've got a profile from acting so I'm lucky to get some gigs based on that also. Can't say enough about playing live, large or small crowd...as long as it's live!!
@greenman4508 bro ☝️ @PaulLoughrin great comments 👍 i know international artists here in Australia that look like they are in the same boat.. guys that have charted hit records.. 😳
There's still hope through social media to make it big. I think it's even easier to achieve success now. If a band or musician came out that was actually good with youth on their side they could carve a nice little niche for themselves.
@kirinzon It's a double edge sword really. On one hand getting exposure is easier these days and on the other hand there's a lot more people doing the same thing. A lot of music sounds like generic shit to me now.
two books for everyone - Bad Moon Risin' (Fogerty's story will wake everyone up) and Neon Angel (Cherie Currie pulls back the curtain) - selling your music is hard...I do it for fun...for passion...blame it on Hendrix...blame it on Halen....blame it on Elvis....I never quit my day job and I haven't killed a band mate yet....have fun...learn ....be curious....Bad Brad for President!!
As a fellow ex-nashville player, love your channel. I used to be hired by “B,C, & D” level bands and man was it a grind. Also, I would ask if you could back up from the camera a bit? Close talking makes me feel weird deep in my gizzard.
The streets were littered with flyers. Every band in Hollywood had “label interest” just like every waitress was the next big actress. It’s a tough racket.
Brad I never made it to even mid-level, I played a few clubs around San Diego in the 80s-early 90s pay to play most we ever got was beer, it was one of the best times in my life just loved it, I was just wondering to the mid-level guys what are they doing with the IRS do you have to pay taxes?do they track you down? Able to get SSI at the end of the day? Just wondering bro I love your channel, would have gave anything to make it to your level....
@@SanitysVoid we were called Bayport blues band, played mostly at the spirit club and some clubs around IB and PB, DID Mostly BLUES AND SOME TOMMY BOLIN, JOHNNY WINTER. GOOD TIMES I LOVED WATCHING OTHER BANDS TOO GREEN JELLO PLAYED THERE FROM TIME TO TIME.
Great topic suggestion! Many of us had no clue about the bite of taxes until club owners or band leaders told us, we got a 1099 form in the mail, or worse yet - the IRS came knocking on the door. Then you quickly learn about how to deduct all of your various related expenses for the year and for previous years, and hopefully come out relatively unscathed.
i try n temper what i tell people about the real truth..just sound like a crackpot when i try n explain to them really how this all goes..its like they dont blieve me. no other “business” runs like this…its dang near impossible to play enough gigs to survive much less have anything left to actually properly promote what youre doing..im as clueless as ever these days
Handing out flyers, using the off color paper because it was cheaper or free! 😂 mailing lists, and now look badbrad, flip of a switch and you have a packed stadium 🏟 audience. 9 8k!
When it comes to playing clubs and bars, the band are alcohol salesmen first and foremost. The club owner doesn’t really care about the musicianship of the band as much as asses in seats and the bar ring at the end of the night. I was lucky enough to regularly play a club where the owner would give you a percentage of the alcohol sales for the night as a bonus in addition to what he agreed to pay the band. Even if the club wasn’t packed, if you had a lot of heavy drinkers in the crowd, he would still be happy. Wish I came across more people like him.
Yes indeed I have talked about that in the past.
You speak the truth but I don’t miss performing in those environments. I was always the point man to deal with the owner or manager. I just wanted to play guitar in a band.
This is the truth
They are in demand in garages across the nation LOL
@@ProbablyTooLoud Ditto! All of the behind the scene work, satisfying the customer, and herding the cats is a tough job. It is why few people were as capable as you in doing it.
“Chasing Dreams, Finding Nightmares” - what a great title and idea for a song!
Right on!
My dad had a swinging dance band in the 40’s when he was in high school and college. They made quite a bit of money playing dances. Dances were lucrative until stereo amplifiers became more affordable and the DJ replaced bands. Bands played parties and clubs. The party and club scene for bands isn’t what it used to be and there is no money to be made in recorded music. There’s still an interest in learning how to play an instrument. Many musicians are music teachers now. I was lucky. I had a weeks worth of lessons from Jack Casady. He said something I never forgot. He said to be a real musician you have to play for people. You will never be a real musician playing at home. That’s true. All I can say is get out and play. I jam for fun. Making a living doing it today? I think it’s tough. There aren’t the places to play that there’s used to be.
As a guitar teacher, this is the one thing that I've always wondered about. Do I tell these kids with stars in their eyes the truth? Some are good on social media it's true. The only advice I could tell my bass students: a good bass player is in demand.
I don’t really teach per se but I tend to lean towards giving them a bit of reality without killing the dream.
Sadly bass players are being replaced live with prerecorded tracks.
I agree. Good musicianship rises to the top.
Thanks, you guys. Besides playing out, teaching has been a great experience. Some of my students have been amazing. They can out play me, but I got them started. Just give them the keys and the they take it to the racetrack. Very gratifying.
@@creativenativeproductions Not always.
life is hard anyway trust in god
So true
Yes, He pulled me out of 30 years of weekend beer binges 15 years ago
...and Brad.
I'd say trust in reality.
I was driving down the road 2 days ago and a rainbow dropped down right in front of the car...no gold though. Chasing dreams leads into nightmares in all fields. I think all young musicians should work a steady career alongside practicing craft until you've been promoted 2-3 times at your job. When you know how hard it is to be successful at a non dream career you'll have the skills to map out some music success, some cash to pay the bills and a 16 hour a day work ethic. If you can't work that hard the main stage ain't your space. Cheers Brad!
That's a great plan! The music industry is super competitive and having the work ethic is a big part of it.
Work ethic is really important. Proper training is Paramont to success! And that training must begin very young. There shouldn’t be much struggle in any of this to become successful, the simple fact is if you’re properly trained, people will beat a path to your door and your talents and you don’t need to work a frivolous job. These antidotes to failure or carved out way before your success to your goal, so working Some meaningless job is a never-Ending cycle to failure!
bro country & tribute bands took all our outdoor summer concerts & casino & corporate gigs. Went from 30 gigs PT in 2022 to 10 in 2023 and not only 5 for 2025... slow slide baby! Time to take up plein aire painting!
You’re right recently I saw three cover bands at a casino for $30. I couldn’t resist when the bands they were covering would cost $300 for a decent seat.
I know what you mean!
Fact the tribute bands are killing it.
My favorite so far is beyond purple.
And those dude are almoat as old as the bands hahahahah.
I’m a musician first should anyone ask. I’ve been blessed to grow my professional career as an aside from my passion. Songwriting and playing music. At age 51, it’s afforded me an outlet to exercise myself as a musician while never having to rely on my passion to support myself nor my wife. Great topic Brad! I really appreciate your channel as it’s inspiring.
That’s the way to do it! Thank you!
Long ago I spoke to Kirk Hammett of Metalica and he said they didn't see substantial money until the Justice album and tour was over....and most of us never have a Justice record.
Man you know it! The system is rigged.
Reb Beach says he had to borrow airfare from Kip Winger to get home from their final tour in like 91....and they had enjoyed a big 3 years as Winger, all over MTV and alot of hits. We all know Vito Bratta was happy to walk away from White Lion in 91, said the accountants made more than they did. Don't do it for the money, as Brad says, you have to love the music, and there may be many chapters in life. Chris DeGarmo walked away to become a Pilot. Music is a business as Brad well knows, having lived it. Good stuff Brad. 👍
"Show me a man whose chasing dreams and I'll show you a man who is sleeping, walking" -Wayne Kramer 1971
Generally speaking, the "Music" business isn't really for musicians. Musicians play a supportive role in the music business, generally speaking.
Indeed.
You're doing it the right way. I know Beato is a different situation but he's been able to get killer gigs and a Gibson Model from his channel. He could probably release music now as well. Another point, Jizzo brought up the Classic Rock route. The older bands even with just one original member like Quiet Riot have been tracking bigger gigs and more $$ for shows. These classic band names even withnot as big a name are getting bigger gigs and more money. I watched some recent vid of Quiet Riot and with Rudy in yhe band, the Rockers are showing up to see Rudy, that mental connection to Ozzy and original Quiet Riot is huge. The crowds are growing
Nostalgic, Tribute and Legacy acts can still make a living with Merch and Meet & Greets. I love classic rock and will buy a hat at a show because the cut of ticket sales is peanuts.
@ProbablyTooLoud it's actually a growing market for nostalgia. Bus not needed. Fly in dates, cruises , Vegas , Festivals are possible.
I really think what the world needs is a BadBrad signature model Charvel!
@OlePalmer-t6z absolutely
@@bradhardisty1652 How do we kickstart this campaign?
Nobody under fifty year's old, has any idea about selling encyclopedias 😂 I still have a full - set on the bookcase in the living room.
Hehe! I'm 58. I remember! Wow, that is so cool.
he he
I threw mine out not too long ago. It was the set my parents bought for me when I was around 12, way back in 1974. Nerd that I was, I read them...
Everyone worse, no one under 45 has ever looked at an encyclopedia or dictionary that’s not filtered and altered by a giant deep state corporation.
I'm 53 I remember the book salesman coming to our house one guy was an acrobat or something did all these crazy things in the front yard.
Mom bought his book.
We had an encyclopedia set in the house.
Wow, Brad… you just shared the number 1 secret in sales - take the spotlight off yourself to build the relationship! The more you keep them talking, the better & the less opportunity to talk yourself out of the sale
I learned alot in this business.....Street level sales.
Thanks for your videos Brad. I'm a bass play here in Knoxville. Cover bands and fill ins. Also in an original band Shady Sadie. I've only been playing about 6 years but I am averaging about 100 giggs a year. Ive learned alot and got inspiration from your channel, thanks again
100 gigs a year is good work man! 👍🏻
At the end of the day, being a gigging musician is basically being a traveling salesman. You're always selling something: yourself, your band, your latest record. During my time playing out, my band never played the same venue twice. The upside was getting the appreciation of the audience. One of the downsides was getting the feeling of almost being a prostitute, in a certain sense, selling yourself to people, trying to make enough money to keep going, and hoping that you become one of the few who make it big. But even if you do, you're still selling yourself to the promoters and record labels in addition to trying to sell your "product" to the masses
I know what you mean
Well said!
Great video Brad- thank you for sharing your experience & knowledge 😊 it’s not a glamorous life like most people think it is- thank you for sharing about it.
I sure wish I knew you back in the day lol 😊 you have some great stories man.
Thank you!🙏
Words of wisdom kids!
Throughout my many years of struggling to “make it” within the music industry, one of if not the most difficult hurdles I ever faced was convincing the rest of “the band” to work as hard at promoting our mutual goals and dreams as I did and I truly don’t think that the average person has any clue as to how difficult it can be to get a group of four or more headstrong musicians on the same page. 😎
Man you are so right. Most don’t want to work that hard.
@ Everyone wants their moment in the spotlight however not everyone is willing to put in the work that it takes to get there. 😎
what a great episode today, I especially liked the dance monkey -sooo true. My younger brother was a writer and over 50 years ago in his early days of writing he had walls papered 1/2 his house in rejection slips
WOW
The US music scene seems to have lost itself along the way. Countries like Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and parts of the UK/EU and even Japan still love rock bands.
Because original acts are becoming less and less, the nostalgic tribute type bands are filling the void. Some reports indicate tribute bands are paid better than good original bands.
Strange times to be a working musician. I’ll stick to recording.
It is indeed.
It might be because there are more baby boomers and millennials in America today with money to spend on nostalgic entertainment and who don't care for today's pop music. When I'm in Europe I hear a lot more original music so I think you're correct.
prob one of my fav videos yet bro
Thank you!!
This channel is my favorite comment section to read.
I read every one when I have time.
Lately I havnt had time to even play my guitar or bass.
And Usualy I play most in winters but I cannot turn down work. And my customer base for mechanic work is taxing my time right now.. But ya gotta make the money when it's there. Be frugal with it.
And make it last. Hopefully I get to fix my own cars soon. Hahaha imagine that.
Money ruins everything eventually....and we all know it.
Marketing, networking, knowing your customers, perfecting your product, overcoming adversity, understanding the market, networking, and a realistic and mature attitude are all critical to success for any business, including music. You're closing in on 10K subscribers with more and more likes! It appears more and more people, especially musicians, are realizing the great value of this channel.
And I am much appreciative of that.
Great video as always Brad ! Keep up the good work! (Combat Sports)
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Oh man, there's no doubt about it, being a committed musician is effing brutal. There's no other word for it. Thanks man, you're spot on!!
You ain't lying, brother!
If you want to make big money in the music business, go to Belmont University. Then go to law school and represent the friends that you maid at Belmont. That's what one of my coworker's son's friend did. The son and his wife now teach and catalog music for a church.
Good plan
excellent advice
Glad you think so!
Im so bad at "selling" 🙄 and some friends tell someone I dont know, "his so great guitarist". Yes it feels good but at the same time its like I need to explain myself cos Im not where I wanna be, or done my own stuff like I want. But people dont wanna hear that. People dont want to see somebody too modest. But I will get there. And there are people and bands who barely can play but they have the attitude and you think whats wrong with me, Im zillion times better. And there are different genres, punk, fusion, jazz blues, each have their own values, not strictly about skills.
Man that is tough. Watch footage of Rick Flair or Ild David Lee Roth videos those guys could sell anything.
Another cluster bomb snuck in this morning. I think you’re right, and if you look at the low numbers of people who watch once famous album artists on TH-cam, it validates your point.
Not a good sign
@ but you’re correct about building a relationship with your audience first. Some very untalented, unskilled individuals have huge followings because of that. It stands to reason if you combine good music with good audience contact, the two could self support. We shall see.
Hey Badbrad! Today I enjoy music more than ever without the stress and BS of being in a Live Band. I paid my dues playing Live as a Drummer from 1983 to 1998, retired cause of Heart Problems. I prayed to GOD to help me get back in the Music Business some way. My prayers were answered and Found my Producer Warren Huart from PLAP. Warren was a Needle in a Hay stack Blessing considering my Budget. I get to Record w/ many Top Artist like people from THE WHO, TOTO, Taylor Swift,Etc. I am enjoying Music at my own pace w/ little to No Stress now. Performance Anxiety can eat your Lunch as we all know, thats why so many people are on Drugs. Jumping from Garage to Bars to Clubs to getting offers for American and World Tour. I'm Glad I didn't throw in the towel after 42 Years Drumming, Mixing,and Mastering. I do it purely for the Love , Challenge and Fun of Music. Thanks for the Help Brad
You’re doing a favor to those thinking about this!
Great video Brad, you’re getting really good at the TH-cam thing. I’m a couple weeks away from 49 years old and I’m just starting on my TH-cam journey. I suck at it, but I’ll keep moving forward getting better in baby steps. I hope to grow my audience by sharing my amazing gear and eventually putting out some original music. Thanks for all you do BadBrad.
Keep at it! It will all work out.
yes, the thing you love the most, can end up hurting you the most.
Very true!
I'm a keyboardist in Northern Michigan. I want to move to Nashville!!!!
Probably would be good for you.
The art of self promotion. I did that and never told the people that we were the best band. Always underselling, that way, we seemed better than we sold. Also, we had a 45 minute set, every band tried to cram an hour and half set list into 45. We took a different approach. We played 30 minute set, the other bands were happy because that meant they could play longer. Our idea was, if they liked us, we’d leave them wanting more.
I like that. That’s good strategy.
Always endeavor to leave them wanting more, regardless of how you accomplish it!
When we decided to play shorter sets, the decision was made after seeing countless bands, and noticing that people would be there to see their friends band or whatever, and a band would try to play as many songs as they could fit in the time slot. Many times we overheard someone saying, “I think it’s the last song, “,only to have the band play another one. We were like, I wonder if people think that way about us? So we shortened our set by 15 minutes. We happened to get kind of popular, but stuck to the shorter set. Then the crowd would want us to keep playing. So we eventually would throw in a Bowie cover for an encore.
Goid times!
Great video man!
Appreciate it!
Smart and well spoken. A lot of this applies to other musical genres also. Best to you in all your musical endeavors, Brad.
Thank you!🙏
"Now" it's a problem? You mean always! 8:56 💯!! Even VH struggled. Did easy opportunities ever really exist? No. It's always been extremely hard to "make it." Name the day the path was easy, clear, always lucrative, never cutthroat. You can't. Name the time when success was readily available without rejection, cheating, stealing, or being a victim to them? You can't. It's always been true.
Brad is dead on. I've been playing in bands for 50 years. Some recording during that time, and still gigging to this day. I manage and lead my own band which I am the lead vocalist and guitarist. Play regularly in L.A. But I gig now because I love it, mostly showcases, that end up costing me money. And now and then some sweet paying gigs. I've got a profile from acting so I'm lucky to get some gigs based on that also. Can't say enough about playing live, large or small crowd...as long as it's live!!
You've got the right attitude!
Brad you have a Great and meaningful show it’s good to hear someone tell it like it is
Thank you!🙏
Be a songwriter, keep your publishing
That helps but not if your songs don't get recorded by a big name artist or you are one.
Thanks Brad. Yea, man, I'm not sure either, how mid-level bands are make a living these days.
It's really tough out there.
They parallel the struggles of the middle class.
@greenman4508 bro ☝️ @PaulLoughrin great comments 👍 i know international artists here in Australia that look like they are in the same boat.. guys that have charted hit records.. 😳
There's still hope through social media to make it big. I think it's even easier to achieve success now. If a band or musician came out that was actually good with youth on their side they could carve a nice little niche for themselves.
Perhaps so.
@kirinzon It's a double edge sword really. On one hand getting exposure is easier these days and on the other hand there's a lot more people doing the same thing. A lot of music sounds like generic shit to me now.
two books for everyone - Bad Moon Risin' (Fogerty's story will wake everyone up) and Neon Angel (Cherie Currie pulls back the curtain) - selling your music is hard...I do it for fun...for passion...blame it on Hendrix...blame it on Halen....blame it on Elvis....I never quit my day job and I haven't killed a band mate yet....have fun...learn ....be curious....Bad Brad for President!!
🫡
As a fellow ex-nashville player, love your channel. I used to be hired by “B,C, & D” level bands and man was it a grind.
Also, I would ask if you could back up from the camera a bit? Close talking makes me feel weird deep in my gizzard.
Would not want to upset your gizzard
The streets were littered with flyers. Every band in Hollywood had “label interest” just like every waitress was the next big actress. It’s a tough racket.
Was indeed!
@ 9:30, You are correct!
Great video
Definitely a good idea to know how to do something else 😬
Wisdom indeed.
Thank you!
Please show this man some love and hit the like button and subscribe! Truth teller giving you the real deal.
Thank you immensely.
Brad I never made it to even mid-level, I played a few clubs around San Diego in the 80s-early 90s pay to play most we ever got was beer, it was one of the best times in my life just loved it, I was just wondering to the mid-level guys what are they doing with the IRS do you have to pay taxes?do they track you down? Able to get SSI at the end of the day? Just wondering bro I love your channel, would have gave anything to make it to your level....
We file taxes just like anybody else and pay into the system.
Band name? I did the same in bands called Espionage and Sanity's Void.
@@SanitysVoid we were called Bayport blues band, played mostly at the spirit club and some clubs around IB and PB, DID Mostly BLUES AND SOME TOMMY BOLIN, JOHNNY WINTER. GOOD TIMES I LOVED WATCHING OTHER BANDS TOO GREEN JELLO PLAYED THERE FROM TIME TO TIME.
Great topic suggestion! Many of us had no clue about the bite of taxes until club owners or band leaders told us, we got a 1099 form in the mail, or worse yet - the IRS came knocking on the door. Then you quickly learn about how to deduct all of your various related expenses for the year and for previous years, and hopefully come out relatively unscathed.
k Brad. really enjoy your content. Save the strobe closed captions for tik tok man eh? i dont watch tik tok
Just trying to up my game brother. Competition is fierce.
Insight born of experience......
Thank you!
Sadly bands are dead. Now it's all singers with throwaway pickup bands.
Perhaps so.
I don't agree, I put out the music anyways but I don't care about having a fan base, maybe thats why
It’s tough …
i try n temper what i tell people about the real truth..just sound like a crackpot when i try n explain to them really how this all goes..its like they dont blieve me. no other “business” runs like this…its dang near impossible to play enough gigs to survive much less have anything left to actually properly promote what youre doing..im as clueless as ever these days
It is tough.
oh , nice subs
Thanks! 😃
So it's a job to you 😂 that's where you went wrong ..so its just business for you, and that's why you fail 😂
Who "F"ING CARES ...ether you do it because you love it or dont ..sounds like this guy was into music for all the wrong reasons 😂
Chasing a nightmare living the dream? Hahahahaha
Perhaps so
Dead on. It can be depressing.
I treated empty bars as a paid rehearsal. To stay sane
Punters can be demoralising ignore them.
Man you know it.
Handing out flyers, using the off color paper because it was cheaper or free! 😂 mailing lists, and now look badbrad, flip of a switch and you have a packed stadium 🏟 audience. 9 8k!
After 40 years.....
The after party these days is hitting up the kebab shop with the boys 🤩👌
He he right on!👍🏻