*Featured image of local musicians by Robin Pendergrast Photography.
A vibrant music community has three invested parties: the performer, the venue, and the audience. It takes all three to have a successful and healthy music community. For most Utah musicians, performing is only a part time gig, since compensation won’t cover the cost of living, making it hard to give up that day job. For most venues, performers are an added expense, not always returning a profit. For audiences, live music enhances time with friends and provides a unique experience every time. Live music adds so much to our community, but with participation comes responsibility. To ensure a diverse and high-quality music community, here are suggested responsibilities we should all take seriously:
MUSICIANS
- If you expect to be paid, then act professional
- Know the venue, stage, and resources available before you arrive to perform
- Show up on time to set up, then start your show ON TIME
- Communicate effectively with the booking agent
- Promote your shows and don’t overbook yourself
- Dress appropriately and professionally
- Treat your sound person with respect (if you have a great night, show appreciation)
- If you are provided meals or drinks, show appreciation to staff
- Be respectful to the venue management, staff, and the facility
- Respect and thank your audience
- Don’t encourage bad behavior from your audience
- Read your audience and play to them
- Be ready to perform (it is not time for practice or rehearsal)
- Look like you enjoy what you do!
- Don’t play for free! It hurts the entire music scene
VENUES
- Compensate musicians fairly
- Hire musicians that help reflect your brand
- Promote shows
- Coordinate promotion and social media with performers
- Provide adequate space and lighting for performers
- Treat performers as professional contractors
- Communicate with musicians effectively
- Provide on-site contact for performers
- Don’t double book performers
- Encourage your audience to show appreciation to the performer
- Don’t offer performers to play for exposure — folks can die from exposure!
AUDIENCE
- Support your favorite performers (this is how they make a living)
- Show up to performances and invite friends
- Buy CD
- Buy merchandise
- If tipping is allowed, show your appreciation
- Follow musicians on social media
- Attend festivals and special events — this helps the performers and venues
- If at a ticketed show, respect the performers and other audience members
- Pay attention to the performer
- Don’t ruin the show for others by talking or standing throughout the show
- Support the venue
- Buy food and drinks if offered — that’s how they pay their performers
- Show appreciation to service staff
- Share performance information with friends and family
- Post your experience on social media
- Thank the venue for providing local live music
- Act responsibly and leave no trace
Utah has an abundance of musical talent. If you want a great music scene, be willing to invest in it.
