I despise the “pay to play” racket that venues and promoters in Hollywood leverage over artist. It’s absolute bullshit and only exist in Los Angeles – land of the “I’ll do anything to make it” and the “My rich parents will grease palms to get me whatever I want” artist.
Here’s the scam:
The promoter books say five bands for the night, tells them “you need to sell at least twenty tickets ($10ea). Anything you sell beyond those twenty tickets is your earnings. If you sell less than twenty tickets – you owe me the balance.” This “promoter” has now secured $1000 simply for making a few phone calls. The venue now has 100+ patrons who are inevitably going to pay $10 for parking as well buy drinks which in LA are easily $10-$12ea. In return for filling the venue with paying customers, the bands get… well, we get to pay $10 for parking, $10-$12 for drinks, we get to pay $50-$150(varies per venue) for video recording even if your friends record it! And, to add insult to injury ZERO promotion from the promoter!!! ZERO!
That being said:
If you plan on attending this show (I’d love to pack the place and deny them when they ask us back) please either buy a presale ticket from us or save this flyer to your phone. The club will charge $12 at the door with out a flyer. Just my personal opinion but the venues that take advantage of the artist who BRING them patrons (by essentially charging us to play) don’t deserve a cent more than advertised. If you really wanna help send a message – don’t buy one single drink. lol
I should add, charging us to play and providing NOTHING in return. No promotion, no free parking, no drinks… no lube… nada.
Here’s a prime example of the lack of concern for the artist. We were booked as a replacement act. It’s now the day before the show and this is what the venue’s calendar reads:
I will not pay a promoter who has not done their job. Period. Not to mention the lack of concern and disservice for fans of Jussie Smollett – the artist who we replaced.
From the venue:
COMPENSATION/DOOR POLICY:
200 tix for $220 due in cash the night of the show before you play.
* The venue provides it’s own door person/hostess to collect door charges
and keep track of head counts.
Audio & Video Policy:
Recording equipment of any kind is not allowed without prior permission
from The Viper Room management and the performing artist. Audio recording
of live performance is $100. The Viper Room does not provide a video
recording of your live performance, however, handheld video cameras are
allowed. The price is $250 per camera, regardless of its quality (no
tripods allowed, and for non-commercial use only). This fee must be settled
with the manager on duty prior to your set, or when your camera person
enters the club. Videographers must wear a wristband provided by the door
person after paying the fee. Still photography with NO FLASH is acceptable
upon request from the artist. Any other type of recording set-up MUST be
advanced with management and fee will be negotiated.
Here’s another (less aggro lol) take on this LA phenomena: http://blog.earbits.com/online_radio/the-los-angeles-pay-to-play-scene/