The True Financial Life of a Side Musician
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- Опубліковано 24 кві 2018
- Dudes. For the first and last time ever, here's how much money I (the random run-of-the-mill professional drummer) have made from playing in the last 5 years.
(holy dudeness, thanks as always for watching)
Special thanks to m'Patreodudes, who saw this early (among other bonus features) at / harrymiree
Tour dates are occasionally found at www.HarryMiree.com
Doctor: You have 3 months left to live
Musician: (sobbing )But how am I going to pay my bills for 3 more months?
LMFAO
LOL.
In 1992 I was 25 years old and after several years playing clubs (since I was 15), I went on the road professionally in a band. Our food budget was $15/week each. We played 240 shows that year. I made about $10,000. Our rider specified that the promoter had to provide food at the gig. 80% of the time it was a Dominos pepperoni pizza. So much, in fact, that we changed the rider to say "anything but Dominos pepperoni pizza". Our bus had no heat and no water. We'd take sink baths at Hardee's.
It was absolutely the best year of my life and it helped to define me as a person.
Best endscreen i've heard
I never wanted to earn a living from music. That sounds like hard work. Can't make good music like that!
New subscriber! Great video. Your parting question was excellent, and explains why I never “pulled the trigger” to try going pro. Well, that and also knowing I wasn’t good enough.
I don't make any money, I just play drums just for fun and I'm very successful. Successful at having fun!
Wholesome
Keep it up, proud of you!
You’re also successful at being a sex champ.
@@Broyale26 Well.. baningin' is fun; and we drummers love to bang.. ;)
If we cannot keep it hard. Change the drumbeat.
Be honest, Harry, all that money saved on food and living expenses went straight to the cowbell fund, didn’t it?
...and tostitos
*crunch*
The dudebell
@@whomst7574 at least he'll be prepared for many fevers to come.
..🎵...cock - cock - cock - cock......🎵
Hey, it's another Nashville guy. Amazing content man.
Mma on point, my two hobbies crossing over, damn
Don't play music to make money, make money to play music - forgot who said this but I got it from Adam neely xd
My parents told me this when I was young. I was never a "musician," just a music lover. Then, somehow, momentum started building, but I never wanted to live that music life, so I got a job (that I liked), earned the funds (to start getting equipment), and then, I got signed (as part of a group with a semi-well known side musician, odd enough). All, the while, still resisting all of it. Made some residuals, too. Not at any point, did I want to stop working my job, but I had a great little studio and it was a great hobby, that I made some money off of. You have to decide how much off each side you would like to sacrifice for, the art or the business. Then, they can (kinda) be merged into one (maybe). Great video.
Might be derived from a Walt Disney quote with films replacing music.
I get paid in that feeling when you're grooving and you look at your bass and guitar player and they're rocking out. There's no other feeling like it. That's why I still play drums after 30+ years.
I once did a drumming gig that ended up being 8 hours. Got paid $12. This did not cover the $20 parking, gas, or the banana and water that I took along. A homeless guy who had followed us to the parking lot saw this and said, _"Shit man, you got screwed. I made $300 today and didn't do shit."_
But I have taken the advice offered to me by my guitar mentor, the great Zoot Horn Rollo, for finding maximum success in the music business. _"Marry well."_ Indeed, trying to under-bid Josh Freese only leads to more $12 gigs.
Sounds similar to what I heard or read. Some bumb in San Francisco was asked why doesn't he get a job. He said he doesn't need a job. He makes over a hundred dollars a day from people giving him money. Smart guy
Hate to sound like a jerk, but "Hundred Dollar a Day" street person is likely a witty, charming mother lover as I doubt that is what the average street person actually pulls down.
Next, he gets no benefits, he has to do that in any weather condition. I guess I get about $100/day, actually more than that. I get a chair, heat when it's cold, cool when it's hot and right now at the beginning of a new contract I get job training and as I am working on a secure site, I spend a lot of time twiddling my thumbs or studying computer stuff, making myself more marketable.
Trying to figure a way to get my bass through security so I can practice at work...
@@lextual Careful, you run the risk of breaking narratives if you keep talking like that.
lextual you could try to use the force on your security guards like in Star Wars,"THIS IS NOT THE BASS YOUR LOOKING FOR,YOU WILL ALLOW IT THRU THE SECURITY GATE!"🤣🤣😉🤘
pro tip, get paid for half or ask for a security deposit prior to performance.
there is no way that just happened accidentally, you must have assumed they had good will or some shit
"... but the worst rip off in the entire transaction is that I bought into other people's idea that having this material crap is going to help me live the life I want to live, and that my dudes is the cost that keeps on costing me." Amen... my dude.
I'm an audio engineer....I always felt bad for your side of the glass. When freelancing stopped supporting me, I literally just applied for a job at a studio and got it, the same way you'd go to work in any other field. I truly wish that was how it worked for musicians
That’s what I tell people all the time. Just get a job at one of the thousands of recording studios hiring. Full benefits. 401k. Expense accounts. Great hours. And BIG BUCKS. It’s like the recording schools cant churn out grads fast enough for all the lucrative studio gigs virtually on every corner of the good old USA.
Just transferred into audio engineering at school. Hearing this makes me happy.
@@viciousattackvideo *sarcasm detected*
@@mcr969 Lol
@@viciousattackvideo To illustrate your point. This is from around twenty years ago, and it certainly hasn't gotten better. Between 1998 and 2002, I had the opportunity to visit Full Sail in Florida, Expression Center in Emeryville, 3 SAE schools in the US and 2 in Europe. They all contained absolute state-of-the-art recording equipment (SSL consoles, latest Pro Tools, great mic selection, etc.). They all had a very talented staff. At each school, I was able to sit down with the administrators or department heads and discuss the music business with them. At every one, I asked how many students actually got jobs. The answer at every school was: very few.
Bless you, sir. This is raw beauty. Thank you for sharing your insight on the topic & for keeping strong! Awesome to see you live your dream in the face of consumerism ✊
I love you so much. And you keep making me love you more!!!!
Ha gay
So what your basically saying dont play the drums and do youtube videos 🤣😅😂
You've condensed a lot of information into a short monologue. You touch on one of the oldest dichotomies in the world that of Art vs Business and which path should one choose. You talk with a complex rhythm which tells me you've got music in your blood. The trick with any profession is to keep track of the strain it puts on you financially, physically, mentally etc. versus what you get out of it spiritually, emotionally, psychologically which it sounds like you are discussing here . The world is full of bitter artists and athletes who pine over how close they were to being contenders but something got in the way. There are those who chose the safer career paths, who can roll out of bed and make 100k before they get to breakfast who pine over not following their passions and giving to the world the beauty that is in their soul in the form of music or Art. When your young it's harder to see yourself objectively and in comparison to others and HOW others see you. Money is in some ways, one objective message you get from the world to extent what you are worth doing what you do, admission to school programs, gigs record deals, all messages ( and why should you compare yourself to anyone else monetarily and why should you care what the world needs vs what your heart tells you to do as long as what your doing gives you what you want) Then there is the whole discussion of what kind of music you play and to whom. Your struggle with money and music is universal and thank you for opening a dialogue.
Too any young drummers, or hell any person reading this, always go with your gut feeling.
If your parents/significant other and friends are saying one thing and you strongly feel another,
...Do me a favor and just go for it.
I know it's really hard because you secretly care what everybody thinks,
And your going AGAINST everyone's advice.
Go with your first gut feeling,
it's usually the one that, works out in the long run.
I can't tell you how many times, I made that mistake being younger.
Everyone told me I should pursue music... you're right, I should have gone against their advice.
@@ercussio mind sharing your experience?
@@dancicconedrums Sure. 10 years and six figures debt to get my DMA, then spent 5 years making less than a living by cobbling together dead-end part time gigs. I'm now pursing a real career.
This man has described my ideal life
Carrots and crushed red pepper on a mattress on the floor with six other guys-
Making music the whole time
That would be awesome. But I'd need burgers on some days. And some girls.
You might not see this comment, but holy shit, I just wanted to say thank you for the honest and generous way you offer insight into so many aspects of your life. Please keep the ball rolling here on UA-cam, if only for the fact that you help a great many people here find their way through the day. Cheers!
I appreciate your honesty. I have been a player since 1970 - I was 12 and got my first party gig and made (I'll never forget it) $25 - what blew my mind was getting paid for doing something I loved... I Played in a lot of bands and even got to hear my music on the radio. But you really hit the target when you said your lifestyle is the payoff. I did many side gigs as a photographer, designer and graphics guy. But mostly due to my musicianship I was privileged to work with some really talented people,... I won't bore you with the names, but trust me you have heard of them! Keep living your life on your terms... Peace and happiness!
That might be the most honest assessment of the finances of a professional musician than I have ever seen before. Kudos to you for having the stones to put that out there, and I hope your luck holds!
Dude that was priceless! That was the best 12 minutes I spent today...Thanks! You're a great drummer!
Your transparency is extremely refreshing for someone like me who aspires to be half as good as you are some day. Keep it up Harry!
You are such an underrated youtuber
No one underrates him
Amen.
Dude, I Appreciate your Candid Honesty. Many musicians think that you can make tons of money and still live the charmed life doing the politician thing. In reality, unless you've hit the big time, chances are you'll be grinding away as much as the nonpro.
I had a choice at one point and chose the regular route, working a day job and playing when possible, no touring. As a result, I've seen my pro buddies and former bandages go on to tour, the us, some Europe, and bounce back and forth moving coast to coast, playing huge festivals, but having no real assets. Instead they have amazing experiences that i will never know. But I have a paid off house, 3 cars 2 kids and a pretty modest yearly income. I do have a steady gig that pays virtually peanuts, but allows me to get my inspiration out. All and all, its nice to see the other side of the coin.
Thanks again. Your vids are awesome. Tell it like it is and I hope you hit the MegaMillion jackpot of musicians and land a legendary gig some day.
Yes I'm 52 and it's still on my bucket list to tour with a band. I play with an Elvis/Tom Jones tribute band The Kings of Vegas. I finally can I get the opportunity to tour a little bit. Playing theatre's, in Penn, Florida, Georgia, so far Scheduled. Day jobs have paid my bills all these years. But took jobs i didnt like and lived frugally in hopes of landing a band that desires to hit the road and have no regrets leaving a good job. Music has been in my heart and what im the best at. Your videos are spot on and funny!! I wish i was 25 again . Peace
Bluntly poetic as always. Love it! A toast to your continued success. Thanks for making videos!
This gives me a lot of hope. I wish people are more transparent about this. My current year looks like your first year but it leaves me hopeful that its only up from here.
Also its reassuring to see that after you getting fired from so many gigs you keep going and always find new work. When I lost my first gig it left me devistated emotionally but this give me the hope to get up and keep going.
I can only advise you to also think about teaching.
And look for a nice woman with a steady job.
This was really well thought out, structured/shot and absolutely hilarious you're awesome : )
Damn Harry...let me just say this:
I found you on the Internet about a year ago, started watching your videos I have to say you’ve totally help me with my drumming abilities. Because of you I completely changed my set up and I have to admit it totally helped me even further! The more I watch your videos and the more I practice on the new set up I have to admit I’ve gotten better, however, I have to say, that your realism, honesty, and straightforwardness has probably been the greatest help of all! Thanks Dude! I truly mean that, thank you!! 💙
That beard is nothing short of incredible.
I've been a fan for a long time, Harry. Really enjoyed getting the insight to your life. That kind of honesty is hard to find. Keep doing your thing, stay true to yourself - that's a gift in it of itself.
Hey dude! Great video! 👍I love the fact you actually talked about money and made the video a whole lot of fun to watch on top of that. I saw your backbeat fill video on drumeo by chance... nice drumming. Keep it up, funny videos and all!
Thank you so much for continually seeking to live your best life. I just stumbled upon you in the recommended video sidepanel dingy and I'm grateful as heck for the serendipity.
So glad you‘re back, dude.
Man I have missed your videos. and then you drop a bomb vid on us.
Consider me a lifer my dude. I will forever dig your videos and more importantly your heart.
Man this was really well made. Awesome personality and made me day. Keep up the good work man
UA-cam had been recommending this video to me for a while. Glad I finally clicked. Fucking Brilliant Mate! 🤘
Wow, this is so deep in way more than just drumming. This is a philosophy for life. Thank you so much for sharing real numbers. It really makes it feel more real, I hope you don't eventually regret it because I honestly appreciate it. I don't normally comment here but I had to let you know that what you've done here is impressive.
This is the most philosophical rant I have ever heard, and it applies not just to being a drummer it applies to anyone who has chased a dream. It's nice to see not all human spirits is completely crushed by the man. Rock on DUDE.
I have a sneaking suspicion you're one of the best, most humble and genuine people to ever walk the face of the earth, Harry. Thank you for that, and keep doing what you're doing (or do something completely different if you feel like it, you know what I mean)
If I could go back in time knowing how unfulfilled and depressed I would be now, and just keep drumming instead.
First vid he's uploaded since I started watching, can't wait to see more!
+
Wow, this is insane. You worked your ass off and are a working a musician and made more than minimum wage only one year after going full time. Thanks for this video, I’ve been thinking about a full time musician as a career and this really puts the financial part of it into perspective, and i think I’m gonna try to do it. Thank you❤️
I am watching this again with my ad blocker disabled. THANK YOU!
This is way better than television. Funny, informative, human, entertaining, inspiring and well worth sharing.
Hey Bro. Im a Drummer also for over 50 years. Your AWESOME and love your personality. Keep up the good work!!!
College guitarist here- I live about 3 hours from Nashville and I had the sick idea of "what if I just spend the summer playing music at Nashyville instead of washing dishes back home?" and I think this gave me the answer I was looking for- I've never been worried about money because I don't buy anything but everyone and their mother plays guitar at Nashville, so I'd have to be a man among boys if I wanted to make it big.
But that's the thing, I don't aspire to be big. I don't care to make serious scratch playing music. In fact, I regularly refuse pay anyways- so maybe this Nashville busk-fest would be a terrific experience after all; If only I stay motivated to pursue it.
Thanks, friend
Do it!
ive played two busk fests down here in miami and it was a really fun experience. i say take any opportunity man. ive thought about moving to nash for music, bug like you said.....everyone plays guitar (im a guitarist too) so competition is high. and i hate the feeling of competition
More power to you man, you are a true inspiration to all those looking to chase their dreams. Don’t give up. Follow your heart.
There’s a very interesting article online somewhere by Fish, who used to be the singer for Marillion who had hits in the 80s. He breaks down in detail his touring income and expenses and it’s a real eye opener (though it’s a few years old now and in UK money). Especially if you put yourself in the position of a sideman to an artist like that, rather than the artist himself. Basically, the only musicians making real money are people you’ve heard of, there are no rich anonymous session players. Not any more.
Finally another video! I think I have rewatched all his other vids like 10 times:)
Nice to see you in resurrected form, Harry. You've been away way too long. And thank you for the honest info too. I'd also be interested to know the larger picture. After how many total years of drawing an income from drumming, to include the time before your relo to Nashville, are you making what you're making now? It may be helpful for newbies to know that as well. Thanks again, and more cowbell please. ^_^
Devikah devikah! love ur vids :)
Devikah it's been a while since your last video as well....
LOL Yes, it has been. Only I wasn't able to grow a beard during my hiatus like Harry was. ^_^ I had three significant life events occupy my time for the past few months. Graduation from my college studies, an out-of-state relocation, and the beginning of a full time job. I'm looking forward to resuming my videos very shortly down the road. ^_^
Devikah we wait eagerly :)
Love your vids! You've got insane chops!
omg man. this was equally real and inspiring. as a group of full-time workers trying to push this project and make it a full-time thing it's really nice to come across videos like this. Really appreciate you doing this. Heard you mention Boston as well. We're from Providence, RI!!! #subbed
Great question at the end! I really enjoy your videos Harry, informative and pretty funny!
This was deep on so many levels. You've got a new subscriber.
Really fun video. Thanks for sharing your story and creativity.
This was an awesome watch. Thank you, Harry!
Great content. Very genuine and funny. Keep doing what you love Dude brother!
This proves what I felt 20 years ago: I need to make music, but I don’t have what it takes to be a pro. IOW, I need a steady income (eg faux security) for my sanity. And I’m not brave like you. But all in all it sounds like it’s working for you, and I’m grateful cuz I really like your vids and hearing about your adventures. Rock on, Harry, and thanks for your honesty, dude.
CumulusSkies I'm in the same boat. I admire the dedication and courage it takes to live this lifestyle.
You're hilarious Harry. Keep on rocking dude.
Thanks for the video!
Came to this video through UA-cam's autoplay.
Most of the time since I was 20 I used having a thin matress on the floor, got myself a bed like proper adults have 5 years ago and now I think of ditching it.
Actually going to try some drums - yesterday booked a lesson. No expectations.
Thank you Harry.
For those of us whom aren't quite as bold or as brave as you seem to be, you give us hope.
Life truly is what you make and perceive it to be, and you just did a great job of reminding us of that.
Thank you.
7:45 Brother, I literally laughed out loud. As a working drummer (in a basement apartment) I can relate. In fact, my last gf made a HUGE issue of this very thing. So I bought a cheap bed frame...and lost the chick.
Someone caring about what your mattress rests on more than your happiness is a good early indicator they aren’t the one for you. Cheers!
Beard of truth on the UA-cams... Thanks my dude 👍
Ur quickly becoming one of my fave drumming youtubers... great stuff mate
Thanks for sharing openly. I like and share some of your value system. Kudos for just being you , and real. I have enjoyed several of your videos am subscribing and will keep watching
Dude! I don’t even play out, let alone try to make money with music. And yet, you STILL inspire me. Deeply. I’ve chased dollars before for too many years, and it just made me feel like I was prostituting my life. You’re particularly right about those “Allen Wrench Effects”-or what the pros call Opportunity Costs. If my life is free of the cruft of stuff, especially the time-suck of keeping and maintaining stuff, then I am free (let me repeat that, “I AM FREE”) to pursue that happiness I was promised as a birthright. Thanks for the reminder, Harry.
I’ve been a professional guitarist since 2001. It’s awesome to know that other people get it. It’s such a blessing being free
Dude! I've got to say, there's a stroke of genius in you. Props. I missed my calling as a full-time drummer lol, but can live vicariously through you. You truly crack me up. God bless man.
Love these, man. Keep ‘me coming.
Damn. I guess I'm glad I failed at being a pro musician and switched to software dev. Oh I tried, and made a lot of the same sacrifices you've made, except that I smoked a lot of my money and practice time away. Doh! I also spent 5 years in university getting a degree in music. When I was finished I tried film composing. I encountered a lot of the same challenges, especially the ubiquitous "we can't pay you money (even though literally EVERYONE else involved with the project is getting paid) but it'll be great exposure!" At the peak of my composition 'career' I made $20 for a few minutes of music for a dance troupe, which took roughly 15 hours of work on my part. Now I have a wife, kid, mortgage, and a regular paycheque to help clothe and feed us all (just barely). I still love to bang the drums, and still play in a gigging band making enough to cover the gas to get there and the beer I drink while there. So I guess I'm winning...? Yadda yadda. Great video, dude, and your drumming is superb. Keep chipping away.
Great content! I spent 12 years as a gigging drummer and did quite a bit of work for Nashville folk so we probably have some mutual acquaintances. Your words are so true. If you get in that business to make money, you're not there for the music. Looking back on those years, my favorite part of it all was touring the country in a band with my friends, completely broke and living out of a van. I wouldn't trade that time for the riches of the world.
Easily my favorite UA-cam channel, keep it up dude!
Dude, THANK YOU for sharing this and being cool enough to just put it all out there. I'm also an independent recording artist (melodic death metal, so my potential fan base is way smaller than mainstream stuff). But I'll never stop doing what I do!
Thank you for this honest video. Similarly to being a professional musician, as an Audio Engineer I understand that I will face a similar path in life. You're right though, the main focus is on the passion rather than the income. Control what you do everyday, rather than letting it control you.
Damn, dude. Ya know, the first time I saw you was your first appearance on drumeo with Jared, and I thought "this guy is very strange". Not to take a knock at your skills as a drummer, but you didn't seem as knowledgable as the absolute legends (Benny Greb, Larnell Lewis) that I had just come from watching. I had a weird feeling towards you and the way you expressed your interest in the drums.
This video has completely changed my perception of you. Your passion for the art shines true to the enthusiasm you were throwing out on that drumeo video I mentioned. I know I''m leaving this long after you had posted this video, but I hope you're well, and I hope you're benefiting as much from quarantine as much as any musician can! Much love
I subscribed. While I can’t give you money per se I will watch your vids and add to your views list cause you sir are living my dream. Don’t ever stop dude. I am trying to rebuild a weekend warrior gig at the moment and after my last band forgot how hard it is to find that chemistry. I digress. Keep on rocking in the free world. Dude.
This video was both insightful and insanely entertaining. Props dude.
Harry one of the best video of the week. It reminds me of something Morgan Freeman once said when asked "if you didn't become an famous actor what would have been the alternative?" Reply "an Actor" this is what I do regardless of success or money. I would have done local theater, commercials etc.
The Beard of Truth. I like it. I really like your HONESTY at the end of the video around why you drum and how earning as little money as you did, turned into a super fulfilling LIFE worth living, because you got to do what you love, which is play music with your friends.
Harry, one of the funniest, and most honest financial views of most musician (and drummer) dudes! Gotta do it for the love... thanks for the laughs!
Side note... love your playing style and backbeat video!
Lots of humor but more importantly total honesty blended with it. It is clear that music is a tough business to make a living but this video does make that point in a gentle fun loving way. I am reminded by another country music drummer, Mark Herndon of Alabama, who spent 28 years with the band and was on all their albums and videos as one of the four band members only to have it later revealed he was a paid sideman. Think of that Mark was there before Alabama became famous and worked as hard as the other 3 members but after decades never made it beyond being a salaried employee meaning he missed out on millions and millions and millions like the other 3 he worked with for decades read his book "Highroad" for details. Anyway, this video is wonderful and the humor is very funny. Thank you so much and keep up the good work!
Great vid. Great beard. Great talk. Great.
Keep doing this.
where are you dude? we all miss you
Needed this! Great video and very uplifted in my drum life 🙌😇 thank you!
Not even a musician but man i love when I stubble upon people who are actually honest. Really hard to find that these days with the amount of people trying to look their best on social media. I wish you nothing but the best!
This is amazing
Ayyyyyyyyyyy
Welp, I'm only about 2 minutes into this video, first I've ever seen from this guy before, I'm not a drummer and don't really need any of this info at all but dammit... i just subscribed. The jokes and witt in this guy's script is awesome lmao. He could talk about soggy kleenex for all I care about but I'd still listen, and most importantly, still enjoy!
I love this - one of the best videos I've seen in a while!
Duuuhuuuhuuud!!! EXCELLENT video: 100 thumbs up! How could anyone actually thumb down this awesome video?! Miree you are daBOMB!!
Are you Krist Novoselic's son?
I was thinking: what if The Dude fucked Luke Wilson and had a son?
"The True financial life of side musicians. (And drummers)" is hilarious.
Love the background music in your vids, dude!!
Absolutely wonderful video, I forwarded it to my musician friends and family. Also sent it to a drummer I know!
You talk like Ryan Reynolds. You're like the drumming Ryan Reynolds.
pillFight i feel like he’s closer to jim carry
Hijole! You look like you would sell me the wrong ticket in the afterlife
@@HerbalistGuybrush Correct mr. Apocket. I am ready to take you now!
Like, the bastard baby of Ryan Reynolds and Jon Heder; talks JUST LIKE Napoleon Dynamite.
Y’all are all wrong he sounds like tj miller 😂
The Jerk Store reference was enough to make me love this video.
🤣🤣
Dude you are awesome, I really enjoyed this. Keep going bro.
Hope you're doing well! I just had to come back to this, the most wholesome dude out there.
You're one of the greatest dudes whoever duded, dude. Keeping being a dude.
Cruise ships, pit work and shows like Cirque du Soleil provide a decent income, and lots of performing experience and connections to land you gigs outside them.
Also, drummers should learn classical percussion as well, since it opens doors to ballet, opera, symphony orchestras, wind bands etc. Many musicals have separate drums and perc, so if the drum set vacancy is already taken, you can offer yourself for the percussion job.
Wow that last part really spoke big. If your passionate about something the money won't matter. You work hard enough at something you love eventually pays off. Dude, your a wise genius. And yes I know this video is old, and I've already watched it once at lease. But I must have missed your closing statement last time. Keep dudeing my dude.
I have nothing but respect for your dicisions in life. Everything has been from the heart and full of passion. Keep on drumming, and if you make more videos that would rock too :)