Question about these Starbucks gigs

[Blackbelt1]

I'm seriously thinking of putting together a solo set to try one.

 

I've been playing open mics trying to get comfortable up in front of everyone after a long haitus. I'm starting to feel at ease now and I'd like some other avenues to explore that won't step on the toes of accomplished, full bands. I'm thinking a few small Starbucks gigs may be good for me and for the store.

 

Those who have or are doing them, how did you get the gig? Who do you call, just the store manager? What is the typical pay for such an effort? How much material do I need? What about BMI/ASCAP issues? Usually establishments pay these...are Starbucks covered?

 

Thanks,

 

~Blackbelt

[BlueStrat]

 

Originally posted by Blackbelt1 I'm seriously thinking of putting together a solo set to try one. I've been playing open mics trying to get comfortable up in front of everyone after a long haitus. I'm starting to feel at ease now and I'd like some other avenues to explore that won't step on the toes of accomplished, full bands. I'm thinking a few small Starbucks gigs may be good for me and for the store. Those who have or are doing them, how did you get the gig? Who do you call, just the store manager? What is the typical pay for such an effort? How much material do I need? What about BMI/ASCAP issues? Usually establishments pay these...are Starbucks covered? Thanks, ~Blackbelt

 

 

I don't know about those, but I know wineries and small restaurants often hire singles, and usually pay pretty well. The ones I work pay 100-150 a night plus dinner plus tips and usually get over between 10 and midnight, and one of the wineries I play gives me a 28 dollar bottle of wine to take home, too.

 

All in all, it's one of the best moves I ever made musically.

[way2fat]

Around these parts, wineries usually hire solo acts on Sundays and bands on Saturdays. A solo act would need more than one set, though.

[zookie]

I don't know about Starbucks in particular, but for most gigs like that you'd call the store, ask for the name of the person who does the booking and ask when will be a good time to call that person.

[Terry Allan Hall]

Starbucks do not pay, as they feel like musicians only deserve to play for tips, no doubt due to the number of "wannabes" who'll do so...

 

If you feel like you MUST play for free, just to get your feet wet, as it were, try busking in a very public place...you'll have a MUCH better audience, and you might be pleasently surprised at the reception. Plus, you'd be amazed at the gig offers you'll get, from time to time!

 

And, there are lots of other places to play besides wineries...try restaurants, City Park Summer Programs, Libraries, Day Care Centers...just call around 2pm (when things are generally slow) and ask who does the bookings...

 

Very important: DO NOT EVER OFFER TO PLAY FOR FREE!!!

[Beachbum]

Solo & duo gigs can be very lucrative indeed. Less players to split the income.

 

I've noticed that coffeeshops in general don't pay very well, or at all, they have to sell a lot of volume (numerous cups of coffee) just to meet their expenses.

 

Great comments in this thread about other places to play though. I thought I was the only one who did the busking gig , it's incredible what people will toss in an open guitar case while you're playing in a public place.

[BlueStrat]

 

Originally posted by way2fat Around these parts, wineries usually hire solo acts on Sundays and bands on Saturdays. A solo act would need more than one set, though.

 

 

Yup. 50 songs is a good number to have.

[Blackbelt1]

Originally posted by Terry Allan Hall If you feel like you MUST play for free, just to get your feet wet, as it were, try busking in a very public place... Very important: DO NOT EVER OFFER TO PLAY FOR FREE!!!

 

Hi Terry,

 

I've been playing some open mic nights for free just to get out there again and get used to being in front of people. As you know, playing in front of strangers is a lot different than just playing for your wife and kids at first...

 

Now that I've been doing some of these I'm looking at other low-key outlets to explore that might involve some sort of formal arrangements. I don't want to do the busking thing here, there are too many legal hoops involved in my town. The coffee-shop thing sounds intriguing though.

 

Thanks to all for your comments on these so far. Please keep the input coming if you've got any insight to share.

 

 

~Blackbelt

[Guitar Centaur]

...and don't forget to buss a few tables on your way out....

 

[Blackwatch]

LOL....

[Kevin T]

http://www.last.fm/music/Mike+Doughty/_/Busting+Up+a+Starbucks

 

Kevin T

[Roy Brooks]

Open mikes are generally about playing for the fun of it with folks you don't usually play with on gigs. Though there are those music playing people who live for open mike nights. I occasionally go to them to visit with some of the characters I have met while playing music.

I play duos occasionally. In fact I played one last night. I made $100. And I will do it again on Wednesday. I never play an entire night for free.

[HuskerDude]

 

Originally posted by Terry Allan Hall Starbucks do not pay, as they feel like musicians only deserve to play for tips, no doubt due to the number of "wannabes" who'll do so...

 

 

I played a Starbucks, and they paid me $150 up front. From the other folks that have played there, that seems to be the standard.

[brianwahl]

I got a few Starbucks gigs via MySpace. Kind of random - I just got an email in myspace one day from a girl who works (and books) for a particular Starbucks. She asked if we wanted to play after hearing only our MySpace songs, and we're gonna give it a try. This particular Starbucks doesn't pay, though (only tips and whatever merch you can sell). Oh well - its our first couple gigs, so we're just excited to play - as Terry Allen Hall would say - we're "wannabes". Oh well, gotta get your foot in the door somehow.

[Beachbum]

Originally posted by brianwahl I got a few Starbucks gigs via MySpace. Kind of random - I just got an email in myspace one day from a girl who works (and books) for a particular Starbucks. She asked if we wanted to play after hearing only our MySpace songs, and we're gonna give it a try. This particular Starbucks doesn't pay, though (only tips and whatever merch you can sell). Oh well - its our first couple gigs, so we're just excited to play - as Terry Allen Hall would say - we're "wannabes". Oh well, gotta get your foot in the door somehow.

 

We were all 'wannabes' at some point Brian. There's a lot to be said about playing for exposure, experience, advertising your band, and just plain good times.

 

Have fun with your Starbucks gigs. Let us know how they go.

[Terry Allan Hall]

Originally posted by HuskerDude I played a Starbucks, and they paid me $150 up front. From the other folks that have played there, that seems to be the standard.

 

Didn't know ANY Starbucks would pay...all the Tx., Ok., La., and Ark. sites are "tip-jar" only.

 

Will definitely check out the Starbucks in CA., next time I'm out that way.

 

Check your PM when you get a chance!

[brianwahl]

Originally posted by Beachbum We were all 'wannabes' at some point Brian. There's a lot to be said about playing for exposure, experience, advertising your band, and just plain good times. Have fun with your Starbucks gigs. Let us know how they go.

 

I'll definately let you guys know how it went (it's still about a month away).

 

One thing - I wasn't taking offense to the "wannabe" comment at all or anything - I was just joking around.

 

I really believe in my talent and the quality of my band's music - I just know we haven't played anywhere yet, and this is a great opportunity to get out there and get some exposure. We won't plan on playing for free for long. (that being said - if we really are good, we should get at least a bit of tip money - but who knows, people are stingy - even when they're buying $5 latte's)

[Terry Allan Hall]

Originally posted by brianwahl I'll definately let you guys know how it went (it's still about a month away). One thing - I wasn't taking offense to the "wannabe" comment at all or anything - I was just joking around. I really believe in my talent and the quality of my band's music - I just know we haven't played anywhere yet, and this is a great opportunity to get out there and get some exposure. We won't plan on playing for free for long. (that being said - if we really are good, we should get at least a bit of tip money - but who knows, people are stingy - even when they're buying $5 latte's)

 

One way to improve your odds of at least making gas money is to have someone (preferably someone cute) walk among the patrons with your tip jar.

 

Best of luck!