Sadly, running a professional band is a costly business. For a function band gigging 3-5 times a week at weddings, corporate events and other functions across the country, simply getting to the show can cost hundreds. In this blog, we lay out a couple of ways to cut costs and help maximise profit…
It is reported that storing equipment, hiring rehearsal rooms and recording demos can result in bands spending upwards of £4,000 a year. Inevitably, this cripples some musicians and results in many talented bands calling it a day, simply for financial reasons.
We asked members of the Last Minute Musicians community how they deal with the costs of running a band and whether they had any tips to share.
1. Transport and insurance
Transport is a major cost for most professional function bands. While it may cost money in the short term, investing in a van to travel communally will help pay off in the long term, with reduced fuel costs. You also have the added benefit of more space for gear.
Look into garages on the popular routes in and out of your hometown that sell the cheapest fuel – supermarkets will generally have good offers.
If your band is spread out geographically, find a convenient meeting spot. Musician, Michael Groves suggests using truck stops to leave band members’ cars:
My function band is a bit spread out. The truck stops are a fraction of the price of motorway services.” He goes on to praise Musicians Union insurance. “Always make sure your equipment is insured, obviously it costs but it’s worth it. [My] bands van went up in flames a few months back and being an MU member meant that I could replace all my damaged kit without spending my own cash.
Michael Groves
Paying into a band account for expenses after gigs can also help minimise personal costs.
Owner of Vocalise Singing Studio, Lilli Badcock says,
Put some money aside from each gig to go into a kitty for transport, costumes, insurance etc. Obviously all band members need to be in agreement. It’s often worth doing lower paid pub gigs to promote yourselves and boost the kitty initially.
Lilli Badcock
Both Instrument and Public Liability insurance are essential for when you’re out on the road, as you never know what will happen. The Musicians’ Union offers both included with its membership, as well as other benefits. This can help cut down on cost and hedge against any accidents on the road.
Getting your equipment regularly serviced can not only help prevent any problems, but can also help conserve re-sale value. Find a local technician to work on your PA, luthier for instruments and, of course, a reliable mechanic for vehicles.
2. Recording audio examples
Unless you happen to have a world-class recording set up in your garage, getting a professional studio recording is always going to be best. However, there are ways you can cut down on the cost if your budget is tight.
Nowadays, thanks to the universal availability of recording software, many bands do choose to record at home. If you do go down this route, consider having the stems sent off to be mixed and mastered by a professional producer as this will increase the quality of your output, without incurring the expense of loads of studio time.
University students often have access to top level equipment, and will need to record bands for their portfolios.
Look out for any other opportunities to collaborate with new studios or producers, who may be prepared to give you a bit of a deal in order to build their porfolios.
Michael Groves says,
I’d recommend reaching out to University students. They’re learning the trade and often need bands to record their projects. They also have access to a lot of top gear and if it’s only a demo you’re after it should do the job.
Michael Groves
3. Saving money on the road
Being out on the road can be extremely expensive. Accommodation, fuel, food, insurance… there are many costs which could easy financially hurt a band. That said, there are some ways to save cash.
Some chain hotels offer discount schemes and memberships for those that use there services regularly and, when booking rooms, don’t be tempted to go for the nearest hotel to the venue. Being prepared to drive just a little extra distance can save a lot of money.
If you’re looking to have a drink after a show, perhaps avoid the venue bar and grab something from a supermarket to take back to the hotel.
Similarly, avoid the additional breakfast costs at hotels and opt for a local cafe in the morning.
If your show is at a hotel, it can be tempting to book a room there. However, this may not be a great rate, especially if there is an event on. That said, some corporate events will be prepared to offer you accommodation as part of your fee.
Your final option is to look for any willing friends you might have in the area, who might be prepared to stay up late and donate a sofa for the night.
When planning a series of shows, it’s good to try and get a hot meal and soft drinks included with your contracts, especially at weddings. Most venue staff will usually at least comp you a cup of coffee on arrival if you ask nicely enough!
- Rehearsal room hire: From £35 – £50 for 4 hours
- Instrument insurance: From £10 to £20 per month, per instrument. Popular insurers include Allainz and New Moon.
- Making a demo: Varies on the quality, average cost: £1,000
- Costumes: Getting a costume made and dry cleaned, costs around £15 per item
* Prices are London focused.
4, Rehearsal and gear storage
If you aren’t lucky enough to have room in your house for all of your bands equipment, then renting a full time storage facility can be costly.
If you are also looking for a rehearsal room, then you can cut down on cost by offering to share this space with another band. If it’s large enough (and they can be trusted!) both acts can then use the space to store gear and rehearse.
If this doesn’t seem likely, then your only other option is to get creative.
When it comes to finding rehearsal spaces, you might be surprised at how many local landlords might be willing to allow a band to practice in their function space, in return for cash, the purchase of drinks or perhaps even in exchange for a free gig!
Other business owners may be prepared to let you practice in their space, if it is large enough and relatively sound proof.
In terms of gear storage, look online for spaces that might be suitable. Shipping containers or garages may be cheap be to rent, but make sure that they can maintain a temperature that will be okay for your gear.
5. Do your research when buying new equipment
If your band is look to purchase new equipment, then spending a bit of time doing your research can potentially save you hundreds of pounds.
If your heart is set on brand new gear, then check out the sale section of larger retailers, like Dawsons Music or Thomann.
However, if you’re prepared to go second hand in order to seek out a bargain, then make sure you read up on our blog with top tips for buying and selling gear online.
How do you save money as a band? Let us know your tips in the comments below!
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