The Real Cost Of Music

In an era where music is nearly valueless, concert tickets are unaffordable for most Americans, all while most musicians are struggling more than ever to make ends meet.

The Archies get offered an exposure gig.

While booking my summer tour, I chatted with a brewery that was considering booking me for a Sunday afternoon show. The booker inquired what my fee for a four hour set would be. I replied that the regular rate for a four hour show was $400. I also said that I would be happy to do a three hour show for $300 or a two hour set for $250. For several days, I didn't hear a response.

Ten days after our initial conversation I wrote the booker back to ask if there was any progress towards securing the date. He responded that he would be willing to pay me $250 if I could fill all four hours. Additionally, he informed me that the normal rate for their four hour Sunday performances was $200. But because I was touring from out of state, he was willing to pay $50 above the normal rate. I accepted the gig, somewhat begrudgingly, to fill an empty Sunday in a part of the world where I had never even visited, let alone played.

For days after the second email con…