Examples of the payment deals you may be offered or able to negotiate
- A straightforward guaranteed fee (paid in advance, on the night or within an agreed timescale).
- A guaranteed fee plus a percentage of the door / box office takings
- The entire door take, whatever that might be.
- A split of the gig’s profits. This could include box office and/or bar takings. We have a MU L10 Profit Sharing Agreement for use.
Hidden costs: Make sure there are no hidden deductions, such as payments for the hire of PA, lights, promotion or other unnamed expenses.
Written terms of engagement
Having written confirmation of the terms of the gig ensures both sides know what is expected e.g., what time to arrive and how much you’re going to get paid etc. Without written evidence of the contracted terms, if a problem arises, recovering your fee is made far more difficult.
Fair Pay for live musicians
The Musicians' Union helps to make sure musicians are paid when doing any live work. That includes recommended rates, contract advice and the union’s Work Not Play campaign.