Thread: How would you respond?

Several months ago I posted about a cringe-worthy music video I was in as a baby belly.

When I posted a few months ago I'd found out the album the singer was working on years ago was finally released, but the video was not though they have a final version of it (I contacted the singer's manager & asked, he remembered me/us and told me about it). At the time I figured the manager would mention it to the singer (small operation) so I also sent the singer a short email saying "Hey I was in the video, saw the album was released congrats" and let it go.

Yesterday the artist contacted me via MySpace. Said when they're in the area again would I be interested in in "crashing the stage" during that song? .w.:

The first thing I thought was, Well, I'm not dancing for free (again - yeah..we weren't paid *hides*). I have a lot more experience under the ol hip belt now, and he's just asked if I'd be interested in solo-ing on stage during his concert. Which of course I get could be good for both of us - him because he's promoting his album, for me because well, I'm starting out (teaching, etc.) and it would be exposure.

How would you respond so that it's positive but still says I'm a paid performer now? I was thinking "Sure that sounds like it'd be fun - just let me know when you're thinking of & I'll forward my contract to you" ?

I thinking acting like OF COURSE you would be getting paid is definitely the way to go, complete with "normally my rate is X for four songs, but for one song plus travel time my rate would be Y."

Originally Posted by DancingRuya

"Sure that sounds like it'd be fun - just let me know when you're thinking of & I'll forward my contract to you" ?

That is exactly what you should do! Email him saying you are excited and looking forward to working with him *emphasis on Working With Him* and attach a contract giving him options: ie - 3 minute solo with live music = $$$, 3 minute solo with canned music = $$$, duet (singer/dancer together during song) = $$$ and so on. Make sure to specify travel expenses (if needed), arrival/departure time, performance time, overtime pay, etc...

If you "ask politely" if you can get paid, it won't happen...you need to come across as business woman from the get go!

Go get 'em!

Originally Posted by Amaryllis

That is exactly what you should do! Email him saying you are excited and looking forward to working with him *emphasis on Working With Him* and attach a contract giving him options: ie - 3 minute solo with live music = $$$, 3 minute solo with canned music = $$$, duet (singer/dancer together during song) = $$$ and so on. Make sure to specify travel expenses (if needed), arrival/departure time, performance time, overtime pay, etc...

If you "ask politely" if you can get paid, it won't happen...you need to come across as business woman from the get go!

Go get 'em!

That's what I was thinking. Thanks guys ..g.:. I surely wasn't going to ask to be paid, just want to find a nice way of saying "I'm not performing for free/I get paid now". Once he finds out I'm not where I used to live, but now closer to where his base is - which is still 3 hrs away - the possibility is there for this to happen sooner rather than later.

That being said, given they did everything on the cheap last time I saw him - we didn't get paid, that's how we got 'hired'; they contacted another dancer et al & they charged so they weren't hired - I'm not actually expecting much of anything to come of it once I give him prices. It's possible, but honestly I'm not going to hold my breath. Though I've no idea what to quote for something like this anyway. I'll have to think about it this weekend.

I danced on stage with a rock band at their cd release show once... in a much younger day... it was waaaay cool!!..g.: So, if it was me in your shoes, I'd try to get paid, but if there was definately not gonna be payment, I might still do it anyway!! Too much fun to let go by!

I guess you should think of this as exposure and getting some money, even if it's a little. Make sure you have business cards or flyers handy.

Business cards & flyers for class, I have. It's the coming up with a dollar amount I'll need to meditate on, lol. Nightclubs & parties I can quote no problem. This is kind of an odd thing though, and totally unexpected. Just to give you an idea, the drive time to either his city or the one he mentioned in his email would be anywhere from 2-3hrs, depending. So drive time alone is *bleah*.

One of hte questions I would ask is is anyone being paid? Depending on the size of the venue and the level of the band, I know a lot who are touring for the price of the beer they drink and most of the cost of the tour is being covered by a sponsor, but the band themselves isn't making any money on the shows.

Now, if it were Sting or someone equally as A list, never a problem asking for compensation. But small bands, well, just something to keep in mind.

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

One of hte questions I would ask is is anyone being paid? Depending on the size of the venue and the level of the band, I know a lot who are touring for the price of the beer they drink and most of the cost of the tour is being covered by a sponsor, but the band themselves isn't making any money on the shows.

Now, if it were Sting or someone equally as A list, never a problem asking for compensation. But small bands, well, just something to keep in mind.

{{{HUGS}}}

I'm not all that familiar with his music, but I don't think I'd say he's up there with Sting (dunno, again, I'm not totally familiar with him - however as a soloist he's pretty much staying touring/playing in TX & OK). To the best of my knowledge they're all getting paid, because this is their job. He's won two Grammy's (w/his former band, he was with for 20yrs) and was nominated for a third (as a solo artist on his first solo album). The new band bills themselves as Latin/Tejano, Tex-Mex, Blues, R&B, Cumbia, Salsa, Mariachi. Which is a pretty eclectic mix. They're primarily in the Latin/Tejano/Tex-Mex genre though, which I don't really listen to enough to know who's hot & who's not.

eta: I know they get paid, but how much is unknown. Trying to keep in mind they're probably not getting big bucks, though. It did take them 3-4 yrs to get $$ to put the first album out.

I'm wondering what $175-250 would sound like? Too low or too high? I've a feeling his suggestion of 'crash the stage' is probably meant as hey wanna come dance for free. Also while I'm trying to gauge their popularity/status, I feel like shouldn't I take my own experience into account as well?

if he insists on this being a free gig, then ask him about raw numbers and the specific promotional opportunities you will receive. will people, ie potential customers and students, come to his show or will you be the only one from your area to make the trek?

ask him if your name and info will be featured on the program. is there any way you can get your promotional materials to the audience. basically, what's in it for you? if he says nothing except for the fact that you get to share a stage with him for one song plus bragging rights, ask yourself if anyone in your area would even care.

unfortunately, you sometimes have to do stuff that doesn't seem worth it but it might turn out to be the biggest opportunity in your life.

good luck...

I once danced on stage with a U2 tribute band, one song only, got paid for travel time, waiting time and dancing time. Had a ball, was really good fun.

Hope you sort out the financial and contractual side of things - have a great time!

PS anyone ever considered getting an agent? Anyone already have one? Just that an agent would do this kind of thing on your behalf ...