Communication Breakdown

I wish this blog was about Led Zeppelin’s song “Communication Breakdown” but unfortunately it’s in regards to expectations. And how often the music and event industry has failed to properly communicate our services and desires. This includes yours truly.

When you’re in the middle you hear both sides of the story.

One side feels that venue owners and management don’t take the time to properly promote. They also feel that there is a lack of essential tools to get the job done ( stage, sound system, lights, and most importantly a built-in crowd .)

The other side is only searching for bands or musicians who can bring in a crowd that consumes $9 IPA’s. They want fans with deep prime rib pockets who walk around with bitcoin on their smartphone.

You may be thinking…. how the hell am I supposed to bring out friends and family to a gig in the middle of a F*&%#$% Pandemic!!! Or when I play five to six gigs a week?!

And the owners are thinking…

Who has my money and how can they save my business!!! “Help I am Sinking!” My cost is through the roof!

Both sides just want to make money and get through each day.

And by understanding each other we can start moving forward as a team.

I’ll be the first to admit that in the past, I did not properly relay the message. I failed with delivering expectations for both parties. I should have been more upfront and stated each individual intention. If your company bypasses an agent, and you book direct. Learn from and write down all expectations in a contract. Contracts keep both parties honest.

Let’s get to know each other so we can bypass the Communication Breakdown

Musicians

Base their pay on the going market rate and their skill level
Book their schedules out three months in advance
Typically play five to six shows a week ( so bringing fans to each show can be tough)

Venues

Base the bands pay on 5% of the total sales
Run a higher overhead than most small businesses
Tend to get behind in scheduling and promoting

How do we remedy these problems? And more importantly, how do we move forward? Because let’s face the fact…..our old business model is not getting us anywhere.

We start by communicating our wants and needs. Instead of running away from the conversation. Let’s work on cultivating a solid work relationship.

From here on out we are going to do two things.

Communicate & work together

We have always been afraid of negotiating and discussing expectations. We duck and take cover when it’s time to communicate our needs. We hide behind the screen and blast each other but when we are in close proximity we get tongue-tied.

How can we create a prosperous and positive work environment if we can’t even communicate our needs?

We start by talking.

Step 1 – Call all of your venues or all of the musicians on your lineup and ask them this?

How can I help you?
How can we work together to provide a safe environment that is fun and entertaining?
How much money in sales do you need to profit off the entertainment?
How much money do you need for each show to live comfortably?
What can both parties implement to draw more interest in the entertainment program?
Have you brought in a consultant to review your venue?
When was the last time someone gave you feedback on your gig? And what did you learn from it?

There are tons of questions we can ask. All of which will help us think more clearly and lead us to get better.

Step -2 – Follow through, Follow Through and Follow Through

If either party fails to follow through with their expectations then cut ties.

The hardest question to ask…is…. am I willing to admit my faults and am I willing to build a relationship that is based on communicating expectations and working hard to convert ideas into sales and fans?