house concerts and 21st century touring

or… how dare you try to make a living from your work?

Since I get this question a few times per year, I think it’s about time I addressed it publicly.

Here’s a recent email, from an artist who started signing up without understanding the financial part.

Fran, I just got to the “time to pay part.”

I am not interested in participating in something where, as an artist I have to pay money, just to play.

I have a major problem with folks who try to make money off struggling artists. As it is, it is impossible for those of us with a viable talent to make an living at it in this country, must less pay our band members, produce recorded work, get any sort of attention whatsoever.

I’m not sure why anyone else needs to profit off of my artistic contribution–especially when I myself cannot pay my own way.

I’m saddened and disappointed. I thought this was an altruistic endeavor.

My Response:

As a newcomer, or first time visitor, I can appreciate how challenging it can be to see what is behind a website like this. This online community is the result of almost 6 years of full time, every day work, which now almost supports the people behind it.

But the effort and financial model should be inconsequential if artists do not derive value from their investment. And that’s not something you should hear from me. If you’re inclined, check out the artists on our site, find some that you know and respect (I bet there are many) and reach out to them personally to ask what they think of my motives, and more importantly, if they are getting gigs that make the investment worthwhile.

However, if the thought of investing in a website that helps provide opportunities is a non-starter, here are some free sites. Nice people, too.
eurohouseconcerthub
acousticroof.ca
houseconcertsaustralia
homeroutes.ca

Next time someone asks you to play for free, implying that you don’t deserve to make a living from your art, please think of me.

Best,

Fran Snyder
ConcertsInYourHome

PS - other companies that make money off starving artists: Taylor Guitars, music stores, and the people who sold you your Chevy. Tangible goods are easier to justify in the short term, aren’t they? Maybe we should sell $200 shirts and throw in the membership for free. Hmmm… that’s an idea. 8^)

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The most valuable songwriting lessons I’ve ever seen. This stuff feels so intuitive, but it’s really eye-opening when you start listening to your own records with these tips in mind. There’s a whole series of these videos on youtube.

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Wow… your responses… the DNS video. And the new version.

This is by far the best and strongest response I’ve ever received to an email. Hundreds of you checked the “very rough” video and gave me some thoughtful and helpful feedback.

(Oh, and 8 new hosts signed up for DNS events!)

The New Version on Vimeo.

Some of you offered help and expressed a desire to put your own touches to the video, and I’d love that. Let’s keep it going on our DinnerAndSong page at Facebook, OK? And here are answers to your most common questions about DNS.

(Oh, and here’s the YouTube version)

Share this one!

Fran

ps-  thanks The Twangtown Paramours for their voiceover help!

Create Your Own Version!

or… get in on one of our future versions.

PS - If you want to contribute to future versions, here are some things I could use. Please don’t spend money on this… I don’t know what I’ll use… only do this if you have the time, the equipment, or the desire to make your own DinnerAndSong video. (I’ll provide the sample script and logo if you want it.)

Video (I’d only use a few seconds of each.)

• a great side-angle shot that shows 6-10 people and a solo/duo enjoying the performance. No microphones.
• view of 4-8 people enjoying SIMPLE, uncluttered dinner in a residence. Pizza, chinese take-out, etc. Laughter, smiles, a few people taking bites, some chatting. I don’t want the table too cluttered or a pot-luck feel. Sliced up 3 foot sub would do it.
• a host or artist describing what appeals to them about this program. (We’ll probably make separate video of this as well so we can feature many excerpts)

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