The TRUTH About Booking Gigs!

[@bluesdawg8014]

To me the venues are selling $10 beers all night long as well as food. They advertise live music I'm 74, I've been playing all my life. I've opened for many legendary artists. I'm lucky to make gas money. Musicians work very hard to put together 4 or 5 sets of music. for Bars and Grills. Even when your opening for a bigger artist you need to learn the show, 10 or 15 tunes for one gig. Playing music is something we love or we wouldn't do it. I guess we're suckers who are addicted to what we all love. Long live the Blues Los Angeles

[@zopharius5]

Well said, bro.

[@DavidHendersonMusicChannel]

Corey, I just want to send you a huge shoutout for your dedication to live music. It's incredibly challenging to maintain a positive attitude in the face of so many obstacles. Beyond the joy of music and community, there are so many hurdles: the financial strain of pay-to-play, the constant shuffle of band members, the endless effort to book gigs, the struggle to get everyone together for rehearsals, the one-off nature of each performance, the time and money spent on marketing, and the often disappointing turnout. It's disheartening to see how undervalued live music can be, with many unable to appreciate the difference between a seasoned musician and a beginner. Your perseverance is truly admirable. Keep pushing forward, your passion is making a difference! Coming to you from the (so called) Live Music Capital of the World, Austin TX. It's the exact same way here! I am trying to get the energy up to jump back in. Your video has been an inspiration.

[@tomduckworth8335]

I’m sorry but it sucks that the system works like that. I feel like the musicians love for playing is being used against them. I wonder how many people would be in that club if there was no band there. For decades I had to supply my own PA and do four hour gigs to end up with 50.00 to 75.00 dollars but I did it because I loved music and wanted to share that with band mates and crowd. When there was a cover to pay the I would watch the club owner slide over and grab a fistful of cash while we were in the middle of a song. It can be a heartbreaking business. People should remember all the hours musicians spend working on their craft, arriving hours early to set up for a gig and hours late to tear down afterwards and really all we want from you is to have a good time. I’m not really complaining I loved almost every single time I got to be on a stage or floor playing with my band. It’s the rest of it that wears you down. I wonder how much money you helped the bar make that night and they couldn’t even spell your name right.

[@waynehicks1969]

I play at church sometimes for basically gas money. I do it because I love to play, love my church and I love Jesus. As I age, I see myself doing more of this. I have NO desire to play in bars, but I could see myself playing in a function band. There is money in that, once you get the foundational work done.

[@bremlquan]

Why don't you open a bar and pay yourself to play? Supply and demand of skills and labor

[@Scott__C]

I came up in the 80s, and it was even worse. If you went to a popular place to play, they'd just tell you to sell tickets or have a threshold of people through the door to pay you. Some would just hand you rolls of carnival style tickets to sell and whatever you got, that was your pay. There was no YT or social media either, so you's also have to go around and hang flyers all over to try to get people to come. Or, it'd be a smaller place and you had to provide full PA and someone to run it. I also worked at a recording studio for like 6 months for nothing as well as a part time job. That was tough because sometimes a session would go from like 5pm to 5am. Actors also go through this kind of thing.

[@jameswilson6374]

I hear you! 20 years ago we provided the sound system, amps, insturments and everything else to make little more than 100 bucks a night per man, but we sure had a shit load of fun! Covid pretty much put it all to an end in my area as only about a quarter of the bars that survived lock down have live shows anymore! Now it's karaoke and pop music you hear, seems like a lot of young folks don't give a shit for good old rock and roll! Their loss, lol!🎸

[@brianwood7237]

I always worked a deal for the bar, per set, even %10 paid out cuz we brought in a hard drinkin crowd. They had the stage, PA, lights, sound man and barstaff, big overhead. It's not an art gallery, it's a bar or nightclub, you are selling booze, whether you like it or not F**k the cover...

[@BuddyBlues]

This truly is mind blowing to me. It’ll take decades to get another musician with your talent. Always grateful for your videos, sharing your talent, lessons, and above all your friendship.

[@Gilyslas]

Corey you are amazing. Gibson 335 with a Bigsby what a beautiful site. All of us dig your positive attitude doing the gig thing. Not easy.

[@JoshGordonGuitar]

Excellent video! Up here in Toronto Canada I find the further my band ventures out of the downtown core of the city the better the pay is. We do country and rock covers. It tends to be more appreciated in the suburbs of the city and further out. Less competition between bars compared to the heart of Toronto. Bar owners outside of the city seem to be willing to pay more to bring in decent bands and keep the locals from driving in to the city for entertainment. Love your channel and wish you much success!

[@joshuaraysummey7679]

Get it dude! Taking care of your players, coming prepared, and showing love to your colaberators, that IS one size fits all.

[@JohnDoe-xr5is]

I've played thousands of gigs in central Ohio. From nice gigs with big stages with full PA and lights....to dive bars and animal clubs. (Moose, Eagles, Elks) There have been rock bands, dance bands, wedding bands, country bands, RnB bands...a little bit of everything. Most of the time, when you play a bar, there is the constant battle with the owner/manager...where they think hiring you will bring in 'your audience'. And the bands point of view can be "You've hired us to entertain YOUR customers." If the bar isn't full, get ready for the manager to complain that WE didn't bring people in. Guess what, your bar didn't bring in people either. A few years ago, I hit the wall, and decided I'd had enough of playing in full electric bands. At the time, being in my mid 50s and getting home at 3am was loosing it's appeal. (all the while, having a full time day job) Not to mention the difficulty of all band members getting along...something that seems to have gotten more difficult as I get older. My tolerance for assholes just isn't what it used to be. Now at 62, I play acoustic solo and duo gigs. The shows are earlier, pay better, quieter..etc. I've hooked up with a keyboard player from an old band, he's about the same age as me, and we get along really well. It still can be musically satisfying as we will often change the arrangement/style of a song because we know that as an acoustic guitar and keyboard, we can't possible play a straight cover. So instead, we change it up and make it our own...and audiences seem to like it.

[@guitrr]

I’m currently making about 30% more money per 3 hour gig than I made doing 9-1am gigs in the early 1980’s. Now in my sixties, I no longer play four hour gigs, and refuse to play later than 10pm. The fine arts really need some sort of government subsidy to flourish, and some European nations do provide that to some degree. I know a lot of American musicians relocate there and become expats. I think at the heart of the matter is that with very few exceptions, North American communities simply do not value music and art as part of the culture. Despite having a music degree, I chose an unrelated career, and just played music on the side throughout my adult life. Now retired, playing music is my only job. Everyone I know who does nothing but music in my area is barely paying the bills, drives an old beater car, and lives in substandard housing.

[@harriheinsoo]

wow, that last tune was on fire 🔥!

[@catfishjohntisdell3578]

Hey Corey, Thanks for putting this video up, you have an infectious enthusiasm for music and I really like your willingness to bring in other great players and showcase their talent. Maybe you could host a regular night with a variety of special guest musicians. Reading the comments here sounds all too familiar, I'm retired from the music biz now at 72 and understand the struggle we all have in this business. Having a passion about something is its own reward is what I have learned, so I'm just thankful to be able to still enjoy playing. Best of luck to you with your own music career, side man no longer, time to strut your stuff!!

[@joeurbanowski321]

Just outside Philly it’s $50 an hour for a large rehearsal room.. no frills..but there’s amps and a workable drum kit and PA..

[@dylflah7630]

The pay as a musician is criminal. Last night i played a four hour gig. I have to pay out my sound guy and after paying my fellow band mates i walk away with $100. Not every gig is like that but it shouldn’t be that way. Especially when the bar is packed all night.

[@theaimuse]

While I completely agree with you the fact is that it has to do with supply and demand. Challenge is, that bar can pick between 500 musicians all lined up to play for pretty much nothing but the experience and exposure.

[@dylflah7630]

yeah but when the bar has a packed house with people eating and drinking all night, because they came to see us, they can afford to pay us more is all i’m saying. i’m not talking about thousands either, im saying like a few hundred dollars more. you could higher a band to play for free but that doesn’t mean people will stay eat and listen to it.

[@TheFeelButton]

I've played almost exclusively solo because I haven't been able to pay side musicians a fair wage. Cheers Corey!

[@guitrr]

In my area, most venues advertising “Live music”, book only solo or duet acts, and pay $100-150 a night.

[@TheFeelButton]

@guitrr exactly! There's no budget for extra players at $150 a night. You end up with a bitter band of people that aren't even making gas/beer money.

[@JosephCompton66]

Wish I would have known, I would have come out to support you. Back home now, but was in Nashville for a month. Got to see Guthrie on a couple of Mondays. You guys kill it.

[@staggs5034]

Corey, really enjoy your playing and like most great musicians you’re at your best in a live setting. I saw you at the Underdog when I was visiting Nashville last summer. Lance Lopez’ show you hung out for Larry Mitchell’s set. Larry was a fan of yours. Between songs he took a selfie with you.

[@perandersson5070]

Thanks for this ! Had to check out the 'Stuff' band you mentioned, Fearless Flyers apparently, made my night after a decent gig here in Gothenburg, Sweden. Booking gigs is pretty much the same here, financially, but we'll have to persevere. All the best!

[@ryshpanmusic]

Thank you for this honest video, Corey. With all due respect, I just wanted to push back on something you said about not considering yourself well known enough or having a big enough audience to "charge your friends $10 on a Friday night." First of all, a $10 cover on a Friday is a pittance these days. Secondly, and more importantly, your reputation as a sideman and educator precedes you; you and your band are DEFINITELY worth $10 (if not more with the guests you invited). It's also reinforcing the notion that a patron/customer/listener does not have to pay to enjoy high-calibre music, which is a detriment to all of us working musicians at every level. As you outline in the video, putting on a show of any scale takes work and that work should be properly compensated.

[@coreycongilio]

I appreciate that. However, that’s how it is in Nashville in my experience. Im not well known or a desirable enough attraction to warrant ticket sales or a door cover. It’s not self deprecation, it’s just a fact and I’m truly ok with it. Thx for the kind words!

[@Scott__C]

I get what you're saying, but truthfully, and this is in no way a slag on Corey, he's a monster player, but if you went outside the guitar community, not a ton of people would be familiar with him. And, frankly, supply and demand are in play. Tons of places to play, many many more musicians looking to do just this and it puts the venue owners in the advantage. If they think you're asking too much, there's someone else who will come right in and play for nothing. Also, frankly, since Napster happened and now streaming, most people in the public view music as a commodity.

[@coreycongilio]

Yep. That’s what I’m kinda saying. As a Nashville musician, I’m so inundated with it that I don’t go out and support others as much as I should. Why should I expect others to feel any differently?

[@stratman9449]

cheers Corey....wish you all the best for your personal and musical future...keep going....and yes...sadly we can't all be "professional" musicians...i leaned that 50 years ago....but i'm still playing....and i enjoy it more today than back then

[@Boost_n_Roost440]

Hope to see you play when we visit Nashville in June!

[@slicksalmon6948]

I never regretted quitting the music business. I am essentially a full-time guitar student now, and Corey is one of my teachers. But, the business feeds on dreams and never delivers.

[@geneevans7885]

It ate at me for a few years when I gave it up. Shit was like a drug.

[@j7cc]

Do your thing and have fun.

[@jdfolbre]

Keep pushing bud

[@DrumTipTuesday]

Thank you for sharing my friend. Even in Pittsburgh we used to make $50 a gig in the 1990's as a side man. As a side man on cruise ships I used to make $700 per week for one rehearsal a day and two seatings of the main show at night. ...just in case anyone watching this is curious.

[@coreycongilio]

Thx Gabe. Always a great time playing with you. Those were fun times

[@manfredpristas6096]

I would like to join all the great comments in this feed regarding your dedication to music, your passionate and tasteful playing and your ability to teach and share your knowledge with others. I live in Swizerland (Europe) and I'm in the "industry" for more than 30 years now. Done a lot... a lot of session work here in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy, Slovenia and so on. Also countless gigs as a sideman and toured with artists all over Europe and part of Latin America. However I see also a huge decline in the "value" of live played music. A couple of years ago, the average gig-rate was between EURO 250/300.- per musician. Sometimes, when you play a wedding-gig in a trio that would be also between EUR 500/700.- witch was great! That was fairly OK. But after the Covid-19 thing things started to change radically. Nowdays you play live for what we call "Hutkollekte" (hat collection). That means that the public is free to give us what they want. Sometimes it turns out great and we have around EUR 1200.- in our "hat" and sometimes it's maybe 200/300.- That's the reality here. I'm fortunate to be a sideman for a famous female artist here in Switzerland and we earn on average EUR 500,- per gig. But as you know: That includes all your expenses for gasoline, overnight stays, insurances, investments, repairs. Unfortunately we do not have such a intense session scene here in Switzerland/Europe like in Nashville, where your overall income is a mix of all activities together. So you basically need a daytime job ...

[@mkrj2576]

Thanks for the video. Solo gigs are much more lucrative and setup is easier and faster. Playing in a band is lots of fun but I can’t see how someone could make a living on it. Playing small towns where there is less competition helps. I’m a mediocre musician at best but focus on involving and entertaining the crowd. Most people don’t want to sit there and watch someone else all night having all the fun… they want to be part of the scene. For me music is not a spectator sport.

[@garybackstrom183]

Finally some d good music in a you tube video I’m also a professional musician using my own name So nice to hear you You’ve inspired me and I can’t thank you enough

[@coreycongilio]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@DimitrisLoizos]

Man, I know the struggle! It's the same situation here in London - but in most of cases, you will have to pay for the venue hire (which I think is a messed up thing to ask musicians to pay you for your venue). I recently did a gig that cost me £1000 just to play 90 minutes. It was really fun, but the stress of loosing so much money took away from it.

[@alexreverberi]

wish I had known about your Underdog gig I would have loved to come by.

[@jeffreyziemba5588]

Im in vegas. Covid pretty much shut us down for a year or more. It took two years to kinda get back. I used to play regularly on freemont and other places on the strip (gilleys with a country band) In vegas its all cover acts. I never hustled enough for it to be my main source of income but what I do notice is lower pay and lower tip jars. It’s also silent stages most everywhere. Smaller pub gigs you’ll get around 350-400 for the whole band with three sets, so $100-125 plus tips which can be anywhere from $10-100 who knows. If you play main stage on freemont your looking at double that. Im also realizing an aging crowd. Im 44. Im not sure if im right or not but people in their 20’s early 30s are not coming to rock shows.

[@michelleneeds4165]

Man your whole band is tight AF but absolutely adore your drummer! Keep hold of him!

[@RJRonquillo]

Good times!

[@hudgee]

Thanks for the info! Booking has been the biggest challenge of my life, so a pro perspective is appreciated! Seems to me it’s a brand new world, and we’re all still trying to use a worn out, archaic system that never worked that great to begin with. A new world requires some new ideas and the courage to try something different…

[@matthewgregg31]

As someone who is currently ramping up to start playing live again here in Austin Texas this is invaluable info. Thankyou Corey! Your positive attitude, professionalism and musical talent is a constant inspiration!

[@bks252]

I live south of Atlanta and the music scene for regular gigging bands suck if you’re expecting to make any money. We do it for the love of music. Most of our gigs pay from $350-$500 for a 3-1/2 to 4 hr set. We can use a tip jar and we normally get about a $75 bar tab for food and drinks. Not much for a 5 piece band but we don’t drink much and we let the younger guy eat what he wants. I have a rehearsal space so no cost there. It seems there’s just not any money to be made around here and there are plenty of guys who will take a gig for very cheap which hurts the good bands. We are looking into doing corporate and wedding things but they just aren’t as much fun usually. We will probably have to venture into Atlanta to get better gigs. We hired a booking agent so that’s another expense that hopefully will bring us some better results.

[@garypotterton6840]

Really appreciate your open, sharing way that you communicate your musical experience. The money transparency, and just how much you make is something that we are all curious about, but nobody is really sharing. What does a session pay, is there double scale guys and triple scale guys, we're all adults here lets talk about it. Nobody ever does. Keep doing the live shows in town. Once a year, twice a year, three times, it will grow and grow into a cool thing. Thank You for a great channel.

[@travishawton7281]

I was fortunate to catch you playing at the underdog over a year ago. That was an amazing show and experience. It wasn’t just amazing guitar. The songs, the set, the groove, it was all there. It was great to get away from the main strip and see people at the top of their craft having fun. Easily worth $10 cover no question. BTW, you know this, but your drummer is a beast. The way you two play off each other is why live music is the best! Thanks Corey!

[@Tremolo100]

Newly subscribed, but watched you and your lessons for a while now - you are a very talented guitarist - just keep doing gigs and playing and things will happen - especially for those of us who can't!!! - R.J. = the man.

[@coreycongilio]

Thanks so much, Mark!

[@billywebb4325]

Damn, Corey! You're an amazing guitarist with a great band! I love your playing!

[@coreycongilio]

Thanks so much!

[@jimamsden]

My band has been playing in the same area for more than 10 years. So we're kind of known and play a routine set of clubs, usually each club once a quarter or so. We book ourselves by just contacting the clubs that know us, and picking up a few cancelations. But Since Covid, some of the clubs we played in have closed or changed hands and are now using booking agents. Getting gigs has gotten harder. We might need to consider using booking agents. We all love it though and each gig is really special to us.

[@johmica]

Keep doing it, Corey! I hope that, despite the stresses, you're also enjoying the hell out of it.

[@LP-123]

I was super active in southern California - San Diego, in particular - back in 2005-2009. It was the same schtick then. We were paying a 50 tix minimum to book a gig. Fortunately, we were able to sell out consistently and then some, but it was a stressful hustle. Pay-to-play is shit for the artist. :(

[@waynehicks1969]

I appreciate you sharing this. You have to do those things in life that you are passionate about. When you have an art to share, not sharing it feels like suffocation, so do it, learn grow, share it, and help some others out with your honesty. Keep going!

[@warrenb79]

I'd happily pay a cover for that show. Get it on the road. Corey and the KZbin Allstars. Dan, Mick, Danish Pete and Chris Buck would do nicely for the UK leg.. 🇬🇧🔥

[@dreadnotpop]

After hustling as a band leader/manager for years making sure everyone got taken care of I had to step away. I stepped away from that situation and got the joy back. Good luck to you. If you make it to the California Bay Area, I'll pay to come to a show. 🎸🎸🎸🤘

[@bgrierofficial]

Nice video! Thanks for sharing.

[@coreycongilio]

Thanks for watching!

[@dwise3651]

You are a first class man to put this out here. I love RJ and your contents, and all the best to you and the fine musicians in the world.

[@geneevans7885]

I remember when this started in Hollywood back in the 1995. It basically started because a club over sold a slayer concert and the place got destroyed while they were playing. That was a wild night.

[@coreycongilio]

Wow!

[@JesseIsleymusic]

Man it was a joyous night getting to play with you! Too kind to include me!

[@coreycongilio]

Glad you could be there!

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a good weekend Corey

[@guitar-21]

Long time subscriber and you are one of my favorite TrueFire teachers. Great video and info!

[@coreycongilio]

Thanks for the support!

[@MikeTheEarGuy]

Corey, I’d likely be able to arrange for a sponsor a few shows a year starting later this year, if thats anything you are open to.

[@julesleyhe]

My band plays a monthly Blues Showcase series out in Oakland, CA - we charge $30/ ticket and sell over 100 tickets to willing/ enthusiastic ticket buyers which ends up bringing in at least $3,000 for the band... I have to say that if I'm able to do this out in Oakland, CA at a pretty intimate venue that I'd at least hope something kind of similar could happen for a world class talent like Corey Congilio in an amazing music town like Nashville. I think the only part of the video that I have to say is root of the problem is not feeling like being able to charge a ticket price to come see the show, especially considering that it's coming to see such a kick ass band. I think musicians have a hard time valuing ourselves and our work ESPECIALLY in 2024 with spotify and the live music scene being close to impossible to make sense of post covid but man, if I lived out in Nashville all I gotta say is I'd pay $50 to come see you play, Corey. Happy Birthday! And great vid!

[@donyacos582]

Please keep it going!! Love you man!

[@rocinblues]

Great video!

[@duaneharlick]

The issue I run into in Detroit is that there are seriously SO FEW venues for an actual band, and fewer still that will let you do “your thing”. I’m blessed to have a buddy that has a bar (not a music venue) and will allow my band to perform at his place occasionally. And yes, it’s a pay to play deal… but I can’t not do it. 😬

[@jasonswitzer1748]

Smalls in Ferndale. Magic Stick and St. Andrew’s in Detroit. Crofoot in Pontiac. I dunno… where else?

[@fisher46789]

We get about $600 for bar gigs and then about 60- 100 in tips in Upper Michigan .That’s a 4 piece band playing for 4 hours.800-1000 for special events.Always have to set up our own PA.Lighter equipment,earlier hours and no cig smoke makes it enjoyable.

[@Thorgrim247]

Go for it Corey. It does take a lot of work to get it off the ground. A great singer is always the hardest part. That brings fans. Great musicians are a good start, but singers are what the average music fan relates to more than the musicians. Joe Bonamassa can vouch for it. It is always wonderful to play live and interact with like minded players. True fun for the joy of music.

[@texasblues1]

Incredible tones, amazing chops brother!!!

[@coreycongilio]

Thanks a lot!

[@tonyriverajr1828]

Cory, in LA it’s the same problem, but try city county town festivals. They pay a lot more.

[@sharontiano1348]

Corey - first I so happy you are promoting yourself and booking under your own name, Your talent is off the chart and more people need to be aware of you. But it is so sad that the biggest downside of that is that you have to take a hit financially. We need live music. We need passionate musicians. Nashville is the best town and the worst town. Being willing to sit on the sideline to watch someone else become successful is a bitter pill sometimes. But we are so grateful you are still doing you and you know I only hope for your crowds to grow and the rewards to increase.

[@andydinesguitar]

Damn, seems like a tough town to play if players like you and RJ are just getting by!😬

[@greyguy9767]

I did gigs in clubs county and country rock. Fun at times but mostly a pain in the ass. Longvg I gs late nites.

[@hickskoone5428]

Thanks for sharing your personal ride.

[@ckjjclan]

Corey - could you pull a mix from the board - or,room mics - and then plop a dslr in the back of the room and do high quality live streams? Would they let u do that? I used to live when Rhett Schull and his band did thise live streams… it’s amazing seeing the ‘videos, but could you so,show many the live shows accessible to those of us not right in the room? I’d drop some $ for that…

[@Hugorod86]

Im in Miami. Im pretty lucky. We practice with e-drums on headphones in my 11'x11' home studio. And play for $600 for 3 hrs a night. Just every other month so, keeps us entertained.

[@garybackstrom183]

I just have to say Hell yes’s!!!!! I don’t get blown away easily But you did it

[@vinsanityguitar]

Those are very similar to my numbers out here in wine country. I end up about $3000 negative per year lol to play gigs.

[@mdc58]

Hot set! Great players! I'd pay to do that. It's not monetarily sustainable to do all the time but damn, what a great way to spend an evening. Around here we might get $80 to $100 per person for the gig and rehearsals don't pay. We don't do it for the money do we.

[@jalapainyo]

You're band is burning! Merch could help offset costs.

[@garybackstrom183]

So I’m in the exact same boat here in New England I toured the country in Jiggle the Handle playing my own music full time non stop But it’s hard to break the ceiling to after 13 years I wanted kids and a house I’ve shifted gears to teaching , studio work , GB , put band etc. But I still have a solo band and try to play out carrying the torching my touring days playing allot of the same songs for long time Done nights we crush and make more than enough to pay folks Other nights I eat it and loose about 300 dollars I have a hi profile cover gig that plays rock shows with full symphony orchestras and it pays the most money out of all My gigs. I can use it as a platform to promote my original music so it helps me there and it pays bills so I can afford those nights where the money is not great to pay my band. It’s allot of subsidizing but it seems to be the only way I’ve found to do it I also think don’t saturate the market. Make your shows special with guests and a theme and only do a few each season That will keep people hungry to see more and they will really want to go So far those are my thoughts I’d like to hear what others are doing

[@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender]

can you please teach that lick you played at 11:47 ?

[@ConcertJunkie561]

Thanks Corey. Here in South Florida, there are a couple "talent agencies" that book most of the rooms. If you're not "in" with them, it's slim pickins. Then when you try to get a gig they ask you were else you've played in the area but you can't name a whole lot because there aren't many places to play. The scene is cut throat and you have to compete with bands that play for $400 and club owners here would typically rather have cheap bands than good bands. We travel up to Nashville for Christmas often and will have to look for you at Underground.

[@thekingofelfland3294]

Thanks for the honest insights!

[@gsbguitarsgsb679]

It’s always for the love of playing out. You might make a few bucks here and there but realistically it never pays what we all know it should. Take care…

[@RichardPerrymanGuitarist]

What my band keeps running into "in Southeast Missouri" is bar's and clubs being sued by the music industry for playing covers. So they either stop having live music or want originals only "which is rare". But we are fortunate enough to keep finding gigs and play 3 or 4 gigs a month. And our band has grown from 6 to 8 members but we don't charge anymore so basically we put a few bucks in our pocket but enjoy playing so we keep doing it.

[@Pete-n4t]

I believe ASCAP fees covers that in NY state .commercial establishments are required to pay the fee just to play background music.

[@bks252]

@@Pete-n4twe’ve never ran into that in Georgia.

[@tnvalleyyoga7122]

You are way worth a $10,00 cover charge. I pay that in Chattanooga for bands that are not on your level and still feel it's a very fair charge.

[@jppavon9504]

I don’t know I play drums out here in California, and our band leader just got us 100 bucks a piece, and there were five of us at a flat rate. He just said fast food employees make more than that. Don’t forget the load out and the load in and the set up time plus the three hours of performance.🎉🥁💥let ‘em know! Stand up🇺🇸🥁

[@thesunabsolute]

I played and lived in NYC for years, and it was always a bummer to navigate the whole band thing. There isn't as much centralized talent as there is in Nashville, so people come from all over the metro area (NY, NJ, CT ,PA) to play. I just gave up because the whole thing was just exhausting. I also preferred collaborating on originals vs hiring players to play my stuff, which is a whole other can of worms. Any way, best of luck Corey, you definitely need to be up on that stage on a regular basis like Guthrie and Ruch are.

[@alexanderbryant7666]

If it helps, that’s a dream come true man. To know those people, book that kind of gig, have a career in music…what I wouldn’t do…

[@buzzfretwear2906]

I simply cannot believe how poorly touring gigs pay for side musicians. It's almost criminal, and it's kind of sad.

[@KarenBasset]

Utilize the good old tip jar. Free to get in and the $$ goes directly to the band and they can pay what they want.

[@coreycongilio]

I made 170 in tips that night.

[@Gvecchi]

Is it just me or is this guy one of the coolest guitarists on KZbin?

[@coreycongilio]

Ha! Well thx!

[@danielmakesnoise]

KZbin aside, one of the coolest people.

[@johncat9564]

I missed you at Papa Turney's, I was so bummed, Me & Roguie Ray were supposed to bring some harmonicas for Mikes friend that night, we'll have to catch you next time, 😎👍

[@coreycongilio]

I’ll be there tonight hosting the jam!

[@johncat9564]

Cool, me and Roguie Ray are gonna head up there. @@coreycongilio

[@jkylehopkins]

Random question Corey (if you see this) is that a Two Rock vintage deluxe you're playing on stage there? Sounds killer!

[@coreycongilio]

It is indeed!

[@presleyguitarstudio]

The memes in the middle of this video got me good.

[@guitarplayer5932]

we play the hits people want to hear, mostly cover tunes and get 2500 for most gigs, 3500-5000 for corporate gigs/ weddings, per night not much competition where i am, for 4 sets and we supply lights, p.a system although its not my full time job and we dont play a lot anymore, maybe 1 gig per month

[@bks252]

What area do you live in if I may ask?

[@guitarplayer5932]

@@bks252 northern Alberta canada

[@guitrr]

@@guitarplayer5932That explains a bit, isn’t your area flush with oil industry cash? The wages you mentioned are extremely rare in most areas. Good for you though, making that kind of pay 👍

[@guitarplayer5932]

@@guitrr yes its oil rich , thats one of the main reasons

[@guitrr]

@@guitarplayer5932 I traveled in Alberta not too long ago, it’s beautiful

[@dannyprasetya2496]

Question. Did you have a ton of fun?If yes, keep on keepin on! Rootin for you!

[@bigboomInc]

I’m a fan Corey. Love your playing and all your content. Your True Fire courses were some of the first I ever bought. I hope this wasn’t a “click-bait” type post though… The video comes across like, you’re surprised that Nashville clubs and touring work is very low paying. And you are just now becoming aware of this disparity, even though you’ve been in this game forever. The gig pays what it pays…If it’s not worth it, don’t do the gig. If the music and the hang is really great? Then do the gig! I’m not sure where your comment about how you have to pay “out of pocket” to the guys you hire is directed, but EVERY pro player is happy to put bread in the pockets of great players on their gig. You feel bad for charging your friends a $10 cover?? The cost of a latte basically? Is it because everyone in Nashville or the underdog patrons will think Corey is trying to big-time everyone? You are worth EVERY dollar man. Expect more for your hard work. Expect more for your art. Do the gigs, pay your guys. If the gig doesn’t compensate enough for your costs, then make it up in others formats….I mean this KZbin video will receive all kinds of residual benefits am I right? Maybe this video was directed at the 20 year old kid that just moved to Nashville? Everyone else in the game, we all know about making that dollar! Always a fan Corey. All the best!

[@coreycongilio]

Thanks for this and the support over the years! I actually am surprised about this information presented. When I lived in smaller markets My bands would make $400 on average. That was 20 years ago mind you. Aside from Broadway venues here, (who pay a small base pay with tips) there isn’t money to be made and I didn’t realize that. As mentioned, when you’re a touring sideman, you get paid what you get paid and that’s it. So, as a bandleader in THIS town, I’ve learned a lot. This vid is far from click bait and I’d need another 25-40k views minimum to make half of what I spend on paying my players. Not bitter though, just sharing the truth! Thanks again!

[@bigboomInc]

You are held in high regard Corey. I used to play in some of the usual markets/cities, etc. Your name comes up and it’s always what an excellent player you are, but also what a super nice cat you are. And can’t tell you enough what a great teacher you are. I’ve learned so many things from your lessons, but how you present it, lay it all out is exceptional. Truly! Looking forward to more music from you!

[@GraniteSoundtrack]

I'd pay to see your gigs Corey!

[@sebastienboisvert3268]

I was at the Underdog that night, bought tickets on line actually since I was coming down from Montreal. I hope you got that cash….lol. Anyway the show was great. Best music I heard all week. Nice change from hearing Sweet child of Mine 3 times on the same night on Broadway. The scene in Nashville is obviously 10 000x bigger than up here in Montreal but it sounds like the hurdles are the same. You can sort of make a living as a side guy but if you wanna be in the driver’s seat, you have to pay for gas. Anyway, thanks for a great Nashville experience at the Underdog and Kudos to Johnathan who’s an absolute beast on keys. Peace

[@coreycongilio]

Wow, a ticket? I certainly wasn’t selling them haha! Were you the donation that came in?

[@sebastienboisvert3268]

@@coreycongilio Idk about a donation....lol...feels like I'm giving to a kids hospital. I legit bought tickets about a week befor the gig when I found out I was going to be in Nashville for that Friday night. And it was awesome 🤘

[@The..Butterfly..Effect]

what a band 😝🤘

[@jeremyversusjazz]

dude. you shoulda made 10k for that killin gig not been out 1k!

[@nickd8289]

I use to get gigs taking a boom box to the bar and playing a tape I recorded with my cassette 4 track recorder for the owner or manager hat hired the bands. Recently I get gigs by opening for bands and playing a set and the bar hired me for open slots in their calendar or playing at events at vfw or fire halls that needed bands. Another way, playing graduation parties and other events and parties at people's houses. Also open mic's and the bar would hook me up with some shows. My bass player put us on web sites that have bands available for hire, we got some parties and bar gigs from . Playing car shows for free and people passing by hired us for their events. Pay not that great, I had a three piece most bars paid us about 300 to 350. parties between 350 and 600 dollars. Opening for other bands free food and beers. I live in new jersey.

[@SuiGenerisMan]

COME TO TEXAS LONGHORN BALLROOM in Dallas

[@Lil_Abner]

What happened to complete blues volume 2? It's no longer there on teachable.

[@coreycongilio]

Hey Lil Abner. It’s been renamed to Blues Beyond the Basics. You’ll still have access to it if you previously enrolled. Thx for asking!

[@Lil_Abner]

@coreycongilio Thnks for replying so fast. I just enrolled in the bootcamp and can't wait to get started.

[@coreycongilio]

@@Lil_Abner Awesome! I'm glad to hear it. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for the support too!

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

Even though I have a fair amount of professional experience, I've always found being a musician a really fun, low paying job. Is it worth it? If you consider the pay to be friends, fun, connection, food, drinks and yes - money too, I would say that it is.

[@Haku_records]

Long live the underdog

[@Gearhound62]

@11:48 blow blow blow...🔥🔥🔥

[@guitpizz]

i know a band here in Vancouver, they don't leave the couch for less than $5k. They only play covers for weddings and corporate evenfs. no clubs for them.