A question about money

[FRIAS]

Hello,

I'm a pianist and composer of my own group and I need to know what's the % of money I must to pay each musician. Of course I am the leader and I think that I must win much money than the others but, ¿What is the correct % for each musician for example in a trío or quartet group?

Thank you.

[studiodog]

Hello FRIAS,
The universal pay scale for band musicians is as follows...

Each member should be paid 125% of all income.

Any money left over can be spent on beer and/or strippers.

If after the beer and strippers you should find yourself with money left over, put that towards buying better beer and better strippers next time.

A penny saved is a penny you didn't spend... WOO HOO !!!

[willpowrd]

Originally posted by FRIAS:
Hello,

I'm a pianist and composer of my own group and I need to know what's the % of money I must to pay each musician. Of course I am the leader and I think that I must win much money than the others but, ¿What is the correct % for each musician for example in a trío or quartet group?

Thank you.

I don't know what the current scale is, but it used to be that the bandleader was paid 1.5 - 2 times sideman scale for a live engagement. Union or non-union, it depends on what kind of agreement you have with your players. If they're good and you want to keep them, you'd probably want to pay them well.

Other things also have to be considered: who pays for the PA, travel, promotional materials, keeping the books, booking the act, etc. How are those expenses handled?

[twistedtom]

You should talk it over with the group.Who owns what equipment and who dose the promo work are things to be considered. Don't piss off the bass player he will go else where.

[dougieb]

Just make sure you have the tax issue handled correctly.

If you have a steady gig, it might be worth having ADP or someone like that do your payroll processing. They can issue W2's or 1099's or whatever your situation requires.

You should also get incorporated to limit your liability if someone under your employ does something stupid or a PA cabinet falls on someone's head - no use losing your savings, house, car, boat, equipment, etc. If you set up a Wyoming or Nevada corporation, those are both State tax free, but Nevada has additional liability protection options. Delaware has a franchise tax on shares and probably not the best option.

I can't stress the tax issue enough though. I've seen two bandleaders/friends lose their homes over employment taxes/1099 issues they didn't know existed until they got a letter in the mail.

If you have more specific questions on any of this, feel free to write.

- doug

[Don T]

Hello:
I was a long time band leader. We divided it up like this:
Promotion, travel & recording expenses off the top.
What was left was divided evenly thus:
1. PA (a cut to whom ever owned it)
2. Sound man (when using one)
3. Band members

Sidemen were hired at $50.00/night if needed for larger venues/gigs. Less if I could swing it.

Under aged roadies were free but you had to keep an eye on your gear.

If the sound guy owned the PA he grossed more money than the band members but in the long run, he never netted more. Unless you figure it hourly with performance, set up & practice.