Pay Through the Nose

To Pay or not to Pay...that is the question.

I have seen some recent posts on this, as well as been approached by several different promoters and venues about "Paying to Play"

I personally like to think I'm an open minded individual. I think I'm pretty level-headed, that is unless I've been at Red Eyed Fly pounding Love Juice, then I'm pretty water-headed. I try to look at both sides of the coin, and imagine myself on the other side of the table. Often times I try not to make a rash decision and get the counsel of those around me of whom I admire and respect their opinion. Taking all that into account, I then make the decision and hope for the best. I do this in both my personal and professional lives...including Snake Skin Prison.

So here's what I think about paying to play a particular venue and/show:

-If you are a brand new band, and looking to get out there, and an opportunity comes along to play a big show...then sure...what quicker way to gather the troops then to drop some cashola and take a chance at a big audience

-I think if you're playing as a hobby you'll play for free...but not pay to play

-I think if you're playing as a business...uh...well the last time I got my oil changed at Pep Boys the didn't pay me...I paid them for their services.

-As for the venues charging to pay...well this again is where I would say, that's a double edged sword. Bringing in a big headliner, then charging the bands to open for them, makes perfect business sense. However, as a musician, I have to question the quality of show you're delivering your audience.

EX: "Just released: Metallica reunites with Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine...this show is going to happen only once...and on MARS!! with special opening guests:
-Tha Shithouse Boys
-Dickhead and the Spermy's
-Diamond Crusted Terd Swappers
-They Rapin Evurbody Up in Hur!
...and 28 other no name shit bands whose parents have money to buy their way in...hence the Rebecca Blacks and Justin Beibers flooding the music channels that were once dominated by real musicians who play real music without the aid of stealing…or sampling…from other musicians and/or machines!!!!

So...again there are 2 sides of the coin here....Donald Trump would say, "EFF it, we're making money and that's all that matters in the world...."

However...Sharon Osbourne would say, "Eff that...we can make money and put together a KILLER Line up...people will pay for good music!!" (hence the success of Ozzfest for the past how many years???...15…)

As a venue you have to ask yourself, are you doing this for money?? Or are you doing this cause you love music and you love the people and you love giving them what they want and want to make money??

That's just my thoughts...

Has Snake Skin Prison paid to play??? yes...years ago when we had 6 songs and Keef had short hair.
Will Snake Skin Prison pay to play now??? yes...if currency is Straight Up Southern Metal!! LOL....if you're talking our hard earned green backs...no...we will not pay to play.

Now...how/and how much should a venue pay a band...whew lawdy...that's a whole other monster. Stay Tuned for that one!

Come check out Snake Skin Prison's next Austin show!!


NEW MERCH
NEW SONGS
SAME 3 COOL CATS