JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Industry Message Forum Fees to charge for festival performances?

I was just wondering what sort of fees people here charge for performances at festivals particulary (I'm in the UK, no idea if it varies greatly in the US)

http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/boomtown/2013/

I'm thinking of applying to this festival, but it asks "what fee, if any, do you require?". Obviously I don't want to ask for too much as they would probably not book me, but I don't want to miss out on the chance of getting paid! I'll have a 4 piece band with me too.

I'm hoping that my slot at Isle of Wight Fest will give some leverage in booking gigs...

What should I write in that box?

Of course I'm not a businessman or agent and I don't know a thing about this Boomtown Festival. But since you asked. Unless you're such a huge act you can draw people to the festival on your name alone, I think asking for anything is too much. That is if you want to play the festival.

I'm sure you'll hear from others who disagree.

I looked at last year's line up and I don't know the bands so I can't guess how much they charged. The pictures show a large crowd and the tickets are fairly expensive so there should be a good sized budget.

Since you are starting out, I would ask for a modest fee but make sure it covers your costs to get there and to pay the band members if you have to. A wild guess would be to ask for 400 pounds and be flexible if they ask you to play for less.

I don't believe in playing for free if someone else is making money from your performance.

Hi Lex, I think that you've moved up the ladder quite a bit. You need to start thinking about professional representation. Read all you can here. Maybe contact Mike Dunbar at JPF for advice on how to find fair managment.

Thanks for the advice y'all. Dan, that's what I thought at first, but my opinion really leans more towards Colin's. I suppose it depends on the event, right? I think I'll leave the application for a few days and have a think and read up on other people's opinions.
Ben - that's what my dad and I were thinking, but we had no idea really how to know when I do need a manager. It's something I was just having a look at on various sites yesterday. The only thing is, I'm based in the UK, but being a country artist, the contacts are really in Nashville... do I need a manager based locally or one based over in the US? I'll try talk to Mike, thanks for the suggestion Ben!

WRT a manager - a personal manager who represents you should be someone you know and trust and hopefully who you can meet with in person, so I would lean towards one close to home.

An agent on the other hand books gigs and other performances (for you and a bunch of other artists) and can be anywhere. She may be hired by a festival to book all the acts but not represent any of the artists.

I don't know if you are ready for a manager yet, but you need someone in your camp to keep you out of trouble because there are a lot of sharks out there. Usually a few local gigs will not require a manager, but if you start signing "deals" of any kind, watch out (you may not be old enough to sign a contract yourself).

Even though you're a Country artist I would stick with an agent based in Europe. A country artist friend of mine has used an Irish agent for a few years and he's doing quite well, although he is now booking on his own (the agent passed away).

Nashville is hard to break into mainly because it's all based on friendships and relationships. Which is why it takes years because it just takes time to develope those friendships.

I think you should determine the REAL cost of doing the gig (travel, room and board (i.e. food) and gear rental etc. Then add to it a little so you actually get PAID and aren't working for free (because even if they cover your costs, that still you working free unless you charge). Once you have a number, start searching ALL the previous acts that played there and try to find one who might clue you in on how much they got paid. (Ask for a range, or some other non specific amount to help you understand what is realistic). It will be a plus since those are all people you should be connected to already anyhow, so you kill two birds with one stone. If you work hard and fast, you may get some quality info to help you AND start some important new networking relationships. Use that info to compare to the real number you need and with that info, decide if you are willing to risk a "no" to get what you need and deserve (while being 100% fair). It's a learning experience and could prove important as you do more and more gigs. People appreciate professionalism. And if someone there asks you how you came to that figure, you can intelligently explain what the gig is financially worth to you and also what the going rate has been in the past.

Get info, be professional, don't sell yourself short and don't be greedy. All those things are critical and even if you miss out on a gig here and there, in the long run, you'll be way ahead of everyone else who just wings it.

Let us know how it goes, good or bad. And good for you for asking for help and please help us give good advice by telling us what worked and didn't work and also sharing how much it took so we can help others in the future.

Good work ahead! -Brian