We had a wonderful Samhain gig yesterday. It was a great atmosphere, everyone was singing along and clapping... I really enjoyed playing this gig and I'm thankful for that 🙏
But afterwards, I am left with a tinge of sadness.
The bar no longer has the budget to pay us what they used to, so we set up a QR code for tips, hoping to make up the difference.
Of about 50 people in the audience, only two left tips, giving us 20 euros between four of us. 5 euros per person.
My train journey cost 12.20 euros. I had my bow rehaired before the gig, which was 90 euros. Rosin, strings, sound equipment, all cost money. And then there is the time and effort that goes into preparing the set. That's before even touching on the years of practice and instruction it takes to acquire the skills.
What kind of society have we created, where people don't expect to pay anything for music? Maybe they all thought someone else would pay, but only two actually put their hands in their own pockets.
It's just as well I don't do this for the money, but it leaves an ache in my heart that this is the reality for musicians now 🥲💔
So please, don't be that person. If you enjoyed the music, pay the musicans. Even a small amount would go a long way if everyone did the same
#musicstr
