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Turning Pro... |
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Turning Pro...
The advice I can give you here is about making a good living from playing drums. It won`t get you stardom, or into the `big time` as this takes, more than anything lease, a huge amount of luck, over and above any talent!
However, the tips I have here worked for me for my entire 22 year career, and today, I earn around £1000 a week from my drumming. If that`s the kind of thing you would call `a professional level`, then read on, and see if these pointers can help you...
The most important advice I can give you is play, play, play – every single gig you can get, no matter where, or when or if it`s paid or not. Because getting to the stage where you earn a living as a drummer is 99.9% word of mouth – networking – getting out there and being seen!
And when you do play a gig, regardless of venue and artist, treat it as if you it was the biggest stadium gig of your life. You`ll be very surprised what a good strong reputation you get just by being the best you can in spite of how small the gig may be. Building this reputation can get you a lot of work in the long run.
There is a kind of two layer earning level in the UK, and may be the same for the US. To explain: I earn my main income from being in to function bands – they play weddings, parties etc. Now, this isn`t the big time, but very importantly, it gives me a regular income, and about 3 gigs a week minimum. That is layer one. That income gives me the freedom to network during the weekdays, teaching and setting up new auditions, publicising myself etc. From this work, I get the bigger money – session work for Dido, Craig David, BBC TV and so on. These gigs come far less frequently, but pay big money, and are great for the CV. Playing these gigs adds to my reputation and in turn gets me more work in this class.
But you have to be prepared to wear those two drumming `hats` with equal acceptance. Real life means you will do a lot of less glamorous work, but for pretty good money, and the occasional big gig for great money – so one day you can be in a top class studio, the next in a community hall at a wedding. But if you are flexible and can accept this lifestyle, you will earn good money, and way enough to work full time.
Some of the worlds top drummers still experience this – they end up with huge payouts on a world tour for three months, then find themselves doing low level work for an unknown artist. You have to accept that is the way of the drummers world.
But remember – who cares! - as long as you are earning a living playing those drums what could be better? Humility is a big part of a great drummers skills – it will get you work!
So, tips for getting this work -
1. Play, play, play play – no matter what gig, no matter where, no matter for pay or for free, get out thee and play everything you can get your hands on.
Get to gigs – go and watch as many bands as possible, and give your card out at the venue. Even if the band have a drummer, be polite, and offer your services in case their drummer is ill, etc. Getting to gigs also gives you the chance to meet other musicians in the audience. Network, get numbers and email address and give out your card to everyone!!
Community involvement – offer workshops, clinics, demos etc to community groups, youth groups, schools, colleges, scouts, guides, music clubs. This is a great way of getting your name around, even though not directly in site of the music industry. Word of mouth goes along way for a long time, and it only takes one person in the right place to see you at your clinic, and it could trigger a lot of work. Any exposure is better than none.
Other drummers – use any means of contact to keep in touch, swap ideas, experiences etc with other drummers. This is a superb way of getting recommended for work, and often the most lucrative method. Build and build your contacts, and it will pay off in the long run.
Retail Networking – very effective – contact drum stores and outlets, distributors and so on. Offer you workshops, demos, clinics, educational articles etc for free in return for having your name on their website and advertised in their store. If you can increase the traffic to their site and shop, they`ll love it, and in turn you get your name to the heart of the drumming community, and the music industry!! A great, great way of getting gigs.
Internet – goes without saying: facebook, myspace, twitter, and most importantly – your own website. Sell yourself big-style (without being big headed). Get people interested in you. Offer help and advice to anyone. But update and network every day. Don`t let your presence on the web stand still. It`s a gate way to world gigs, so squeeze it for everything it`s got.
Fixers / MD`s / Producers – Get a show-reel together of you playing live and in the studio on DVD. With a covering letter, short bio and photo, find fixers (agents) sites and send you pack off to them. Follow it up, and hassle them. They are tough nuts to crack, but don`t ever give up – keep knocking on their door. One day, they`ll suddenly be without someone to cover a major gig, and if you`ve made yourself know, they may just call you! And that`s a great foot in the door. Fixers often stick with drummers they know and trust, but they don`t last forever, so keep banging on their door!
I hope that helps. Just don`t ever give up – you make your own luck, and if you work your arse off, the big gigs and major venues will find you – trust me, they will.
All the very best of luck to you! Go for it! You can make it just the same as anyone else!
Regards,
Steve |
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