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Economics of a One Man Band:Pete Farmer - August 2012 I took this business of foot percussion to the next level just before the worldwide economic decline of 2008, so I am fully aware of what it means to crunch the numbers to make things work financially. The recession aside, my first foray into making foot percussion was spurred by the fact that hiring a drummer meant splitting any profits for the night. It was tough to bump up against the reality that the band of my dreams meant we would have to work twice as hard to actually making a living at it. However, by creating my own live percussion, I not only get to maximize my profits for any gigs played, but I have an easier time getting that paying gig. Bar owners and festival organizers all want to see something 'engaging' on stage and using foot played percussion does just that. As a bonus to bar owners, they also don't have to give out huge bar freebies to quench the thirst of whole band. So while you are drinking with your new Foot Drum curious friends, be happy to know you won't ever be thirsty again! Playing a foot percussion also gets me a lot of attention from those who witness it, it also leads many people to come up to me after a performance to ask about the Foot Drum and talk with me about my music. It has led to many positive things: name recognition, a chance to swap contact info, and most importantly, an opportunity for people to pay attention to my music. Another economic advantage to playing foot percussion is the fact you can travel light. In the era of $150 oversize / $150 overweight luggage fees and $4+ gallon gas prices, touring has never been more expensive. Touting |
around less gear and fewer musicians, you can tour small and save a ton of cash on your travels. Farmer instruments have even led a few folks to take on some of their mini tours via a bike, motorcycle, or train!
On a final note, I have talked with several people about the trend of musicians taking on several music projects to make a living playing music. Obviously, a solo act is among the easiest to start up and maintain for any musicians looking for a little side money. While many I have talked to wouldn't consider themselves a OMB (one man band), a growing number of them are getting behind the idea of providing something interesting for their audiences to listen to and are thinking creatively with how best to match their talents with an engaging performance.
In summary, some might say making music for a living is getting harder these days because it is too hard to rise up out of the clutter of all the folks out there doing much of the same. Today's musicians know that keeping an act original, engaging, and as economically feasible as possible is the best combination for getting gigs, having folks listen to your music, and ultimately, having fun playing music for a living.
"Being your own band is the ticket to freedom!" |
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Ginny doing some quality control in the shop! http://t.co/WtASs3lgaH
Sick view on my way home from the shop! Just another day at the office in Washington state! http://t.co/oYMp539Ikz