Legend has it they called up Paul McCartney and offered him a million dollars to write live and let die for the James Bond movie and gave him a month. He said "yes" and went into to his studio. He finished in an hour and decided he should wait a couple of weeks before he gave it to them so they would feel like they got their money's worth.
Hi Tim, I'm a huge fan of your playing and videos. I'm a guitarist in Cape Town, South Africa and the touring guitarist in a band called Big Sky. The material we play was cut in US studios using session musicians. One of the tunes has a beautiful sitar line that just makes the song come alive and which I love playing. I checked the album credits the other day to see who played it - it was you! It all makes sense now!
@@pramesh.gurung here it is. It’s his unboxing. Funny he talked to DG about what PRS to get but I can’t remember what this is. Watch if you want. It’s the blue PRS. ua-cam.com/video/nPCltSVMyoM/v-deo.html. Almost forgot to paste the video.
Tim, I really enjoy all of your videos but this one and your discussion about the reality of finances for musicians in the last 20 or so years really hit home. In the late 60s when I was in college, I played almost full time in rock cover bands. One day I decided to study guitar with a very highly respected guitar teacher in Chicago. After he put me through the ringer for about 6 weeks (I thought I was good because I could read music and pick up by ear any rock tune easily - he straightened me out very quickly about how little I really knew about the guitar) he asked me at the end of my lesson, what I planned to do with my life. I told him I originally wanted to be a lawyer but had recently decided to make music my career. He spent an hour telling me why I should not be a musician....I think he saw the way music was going.....and I walked out of that lesson in shock. He said I could always play music in a band but being a lawyer would be a much more promising career. It was a life changing moment and I took his advice and never looked back. I still play guitar in a 22 piece jazz band and love playing the guitar every day but he was right....being a lawyer was for me much more financially and personally rewarding. I owe him a great deal of gratitude!!
Similar story. I sacrificed a career as a musician quite early for what ended up being 27 years in aviation. Got to fly wide body jets for a major airline on international routes, got looked after by some lovely cabin crew, stayed in lots of swanky hotels & basically lived the dream. Then 2020 came along with Covid & all the associated nonsense, & in the blink of an eye my career was brought to an abrupt & unceremonious end. Now I'm back to writing & recording music. ua-cam.com/video/qhWqah7iIp4/v-deo.html I'm just very lucky that my wife has a well-paying job & has always been my No.1 fan, so she is willing to support me as I try to reinvent myself. Loving the creative process but not holding out much hope for making anything other than loose change. On a side note, I like to have a chuckle when Tim describes his set-up as an aircraft cockpit. 😎
One of my favorite things about your teaching is demystification. While so many tend to overcomplicate a topic and often suggest that the successful formula is filled with "Unobtanium", you explain that there is compromise and practicality in any success story. Player-grade guitars, multiple options for mics, mic preamps, speakers, studio setups and even business models are the reality. Too many of us are paralyzed by options and hype. Thanks Tim!
Tim, you got me hooked on Relax The Back stuff many years ago. I bought that back support you used to bring to sessions, I still use it to this day. Totally worth the price. THANK U!
@@timpierceguitar Hey Tim, do you have a link to the back support RJ is talking about? I'm finding that playing the standard 3-4 hour gig is playing hell on my 49 year old back these days. Thanks for all the great vids.
@@timpierceguitar I am also curious about where to purchase the back support. Your videos and content have been great for my evolution in tone and approach. I am about to subscribe to your training, and I will likely follow up with some more gushes of praise, because you’re definitely worthy of massive amounts of it for sharing the kind of pro tips and insight for free. I am a progressive, improvisation violinist, and I can play everything from Tchaikovsky, to Beatles mashups and emulate different artists, violinists, vocalists, guitarists, synthesists and horns/players with my expanded range violins. Having a good tone is super key, and so is a large dab of business and studio know-how. If you are inspired, click on my picture and feel free to watch some of my Videos. Looking forward. Thanks Tim!
If you really want to know what causes all the back problems on guitar players (and generally on all people) just shoot me a mail. pasi at selkafix dot fi . Good chair does not fix anything. it helps but wont fix it. Been fixing backs last 15 years (been on GIT back in the day too) and I have a extremely successfull business on back fixing.
Session Music is quite a huge commitment indeed. I have so much respect for musicians in this field, I couldn't possible see myself working as a musician full time.
Thanks, Tim, for your honest take on the music industry. Refreshing to hear a realistic appraisal, without bitterness or self-pity. A testament to your integrity, and your ability to adapt. True professionalism.
Thank you for being a staunch model for everyone on attitude and guitar playing mentality. You seem so comfortable and pleasant in your space and I'm happy for you. Much love from Seattle!
always a class act, Tim, I really enjoy the videos, you seem like a genuinely nice down to earth guy. If you haven't wrote a book, I am sure you could fill one easily with your history and engagements while working and living in the Music industry. That would be a good read.
It is strange how life moves us. I remember watching you with Rick Springfield on a music video compilation. It was awesome by the way. You guys influenced the way I wanted to sound and my songwriting. I even landed a short lived recording contract with BMG & EMI. I think that the only thing that bugs me is that kids today get it too easy. They no longer skip the needle back and re listen to the guitar part and have to work it out for themselves they get to watch you for free on UA-cam. I still think that you are amazing and wish that we could have met back in the 80’s / 90’ and that I could have got to work with you. Please keep doing what you do, as you still inspire and love watching your channel
Tim, love your channel! A word of advice although I’m sure you probably addressed this subject BUT the current value of all of your gear has to be covered by a property insurance policy. Since much of your gear is discontinued, vintage, collectible or whatever term is used it increases in value and should be appraised by an independent adjuster periodically. Thanks for all you do! 😊
I agree with so many comments here about working musicians. As a hobbyist musician I always make a point to drop $ in tip jars anytime I'm enjoying live music. It is truly amazing how few people will recognize (monetarily) a live band or solo musician. Such a shame. And, this is not even commenting on the recording world as you have so eloquently put it Tim!
Tim, you first caught my ear on Living in Oz back in the 80’s...been a big fan of your playing ever since. But your content for the development of playing and musicianship online has been great. Thank you!
I also got a similar chair from Relax The Back. The company which supplies it is calls them Humanscale Chairs ... and the model I have in my studio, which I think Tim has, is the “Freedom Chair” model. It’s the best chair I’ve ever found for guitar/midi controller/studio mixing etc. The flexibility to move the arms of the chair out of the way to play an instrument like guitar is great. Expensive ... yes, but I couldn’t think of a better music studio chair. So ergonomic.
Hey Tim! Maybe think about have a descending rate scale when you go into a studio. You charge a higher rate for the first couple of hours and it decreases as hours go on. Benefit to you: protects your earnings if you are able to get done fast. Benefit to artist, producer, label: your rate goes down if they need more with you, partially offsetting their cost for the extra studio hours. I did this type of rate scale for a decade in my consulting business. Cheers! Shawn Stoner
Hi Tim, I'm a huge fan of yours, been listening for many years. Since I retired from my carpenter job, Ive spent hundreds of hours re-invigorating my teenage guitar hobby, Im so much in your debt for all I have learned from you, as well as being influenced by your positive vibe! Please keep up the wonderful work! Mike
I really enjoyed your hiding the cable section. As a teacher, we had to pass a room inspection and I had 100s of videos, papers, and historical items. Lucky for me a double door was shared with another staff member. I would push it all next door, have the principal inspect area, approve, leave and I would move all the gear back into my area. On stages now, I work cables to be out the audience's view and out of the way of the artist and the crew. I apprefciate how clean your set looks in your vids. Thanks for being you.
I submscribed and it is VALUE for money, and after 2 weeks Im getting better than ever. Thanks Tim I am super inspired. An early Christmas gift to myself.
I was watching this and noticed that the Fender Bassman head wasn’t there, so I thought that you might have moved it... then a few minutes in, SHAZAM!, it magically reappeared!
I've taken a lot of pointers from you both in playing and in the studio layout. My studio is a 9 foot by 11 foot room and I do have an ISO room for the guitar cabinet although I have amp in the room with me as well, I put urethane foam in front of so they're not too loud in the mix. They are on the same wall as my speakers. I recently reorganized in order do you have everything accessible at my fingertips and feet and now I can switch between 4:00 amps without having to get up, that was a huge Improvement alone. By the way I took your tip for using a volume pedal to get rid of the noise when you have gainy amps and pedals going but since I mostly use a wet dry rig and record with two amps at once I use a stereo volume pedal. Thanks for all you do for the music community and how cool it is that you share your experience with us🎸
Putting my dream studio together and I'm in cable hell right now, really timely! I was just brainstorming on how to make everything available and/or workable, when I clicked on this. Thanks!
Hey Tim, I am almost your age and I figured out that the "deep squat" is the best excercise when having back problems. Wishing you all the best. Stay healthy. God bless!
@@timpierceguitar Furthermore, if you go to bed try to sleep without a pillow and force yourself to sleep on your back only. And do not angle your legs keep legs and arms straight. Might take two weeks, but once you get used to it you surely will love it no other way. Another thing you should do is jumping carefully in the beginning on a trampoline if you have one. That helps to distribute the lymph liquid to every corner of your body to all body cells and it helps reducing inflamations at certain areas. Jump a 360 times daily and you will feel the distance. Another effective thing are pull ups or at least hanging. Just check here: ua-cam.com/video/5jC2DvRFips/v-deo.html Once you got used to it, it should be possible to do it for 7 minutes daily splitted into 1 up to 2 minutes. At last: Check also for collagen supplements and frankincense supplement to support your body when doing the excercises. Just get well soon!
I m too far to mention even . Just recently I discovered mr. Tim Pierce... Im full time musician ( guitar 🙈) ...Tim is a walking library of my world. Im so happy to listen all those stories he is talking about . Tim is a living legend and living treasure.. 🙏
i wish i was talented enough people would want me to play on their stuff.....its all i ever wanted and i try so hard.....i busk all winter ...and i live in canada lol.....but i do what i love and some people love me and they are kind .... and thats good enough....i feel blessed. but thats me ....tim you are amazing and i am so glad you do these vids bro....i learn alot....happy new year man
It's really great to hear how you've changed the focus of your "hustle" to be more selective about the sessions and therefore be able to spend more time on the course. To me, it just makes sense to put the majority of your energy on what makes you happy. It's more sustainable and absolutely improves your quality of life.
And also thank you for showing up at Gearfest in person to share of yourself! I wish you could do more 30 minute breakout session for particular instructive there in the future as well. You are a good teacher, and give great live examples.
Tim, I think you are AWESOME! I would like to sit down over dinner and just listen to your stories! Fantastic career and catalogue of music you are responsible for. Thank You from all of us old teenagers!
Tim! I just stumbled onto your videos, wow, they are awesome! Brings back fond memories of our sessions at Nowels' and elsewhere. Hope you're well and that we get to rock again some time in the not too distant future. Cheers bud!
There is always valuable Insight every time I click on your content. You have a lot of wisdom to share from your experiences as a successful working musician.
Its a real testament to your skill, talent and attitude that you've been able to survive as a session musician and actually live a comfortable life. Sooooo many of us out here were not able to keep that going. I started in the late 70s and made it through to the 90s before being completely bankrupt and having to give it up. For me some of the issue was living in the wrong location for session work... instead of moving to the west coast like I should have. Ironically I've been living in LA now for almost 14 years. Hehe. I'm only now getting back into recording music---but as a hobby.
The economics of a great artist - I love it, and especially love that now with digital distribution channel you can choose and make money by doing only what you love doing!
Very informative. The point is your time will likely produce my joining your master classes. My doctorate is done, besides a few details. So I want to put together all this musical studying I've done in the past. So yes very interrsting show today Ty Tim. Peace
Great video all around Tim. Especially your insights and street level experience on getting paid as a session musician. Also- great points on the value of income split between ‘product’ (Masterclass subscriptions..) and client services. Keep up the great work!
We just feel so blessed that you are willing to share so much of what were once considered trade secrets. Having played amateur guitar for 45 years it is great to have yourself Tom Marty and all the other pro musicians sharing techniques on playing and carving out a great tone. Although none compare to your humbleness and wisdom. Once I get back to work I can't wait to join the Master Class. Stay safe.
One thing that you could do to eliminate the wash from the pairs of studio monitors is to install a partition between you and the client....oh wait....lol! Thanks so much Tim! You are a gem.
Awesome love the explanation on how and why you built the cockpit. Very interesting hearing the business side of things. There really is a big difference between doing service work and selling a product. Thanks again Tim :)
I suffer from chronic back pain,and a high quality chair can be a game changer. I have a Aaron chair and it was amazing how much it mitigated my back pain. It sounds like you have experienced similar results with your chair.
Advice from another musician / filmmaker - No matter what your niche, you shouldn't be charging for time. You should be charging for the JOB (ie: Your skill). You should also include a piece in your contract that says if they keep you over a certain amount of time, you have to charge more. If you charge for the job and you believe it should be one day, but they want to keep you for a week, you have to charge more. That's how I've always done everything. Of course, you can still offer "deals" to people who need it. But in general, you should have a starting point for the *job*, not for your time. If I can finish a film edit in one day, and I only charge for my time, I'd only be making a few hundred dollars instead of the several thousand that the job is actually worth.
I know that things are always more complicated that they may seem to someone on the outside looking in, but even with that in mind; you seem to be in a great place in regards to music and where you are in it presently. Liked every other teenage kid who grew up in the 70s, 80s, 90s; when I started to play I had ideas of rock stardom. I started playing when I was 14,15. Once I was 17 or so, I wasn't really playing anymore. Luckily for me, when I first moved out on my own at 20, my roommate who was the older brother of one of my friend, and he was a great guitar player. He's that one that every neighborhood has; the guy that could play "Eruption" note for note by the time he was 15, and was like the standard all the younger players held themselves to. When I moved in I found myself literally surrounded by different musicians, everything from students attending Berkeley School of music in Boston, garage band players, sessions guys and one guy Pete who's parents had died and left him that house and enough money that let him build his own studio in it (looking back, he was into that place WELL over they $100K mark, and with the exception of isolation booths for singing and drums, you could probably produce an album today in your bedroom for a few grand in equipment). So obviously, it wasn't long before I was playing again, and with the exception of a few years after I went and did a skydive with a friend, I immediately sold almost everything I could, took that money and what else I had saved and went head first (pun both intended and not) into that, got cleared for solo jumping within a couple weeks and moved through to me class D license and jumped professionally as a camera flyer for a team and to people doing tandem jumps like I had the first time. An old motocross injury started to cause my shoulder to pop out of socket in free call, and after a few REALLY close calls (because unlike people who aren't idiots, I continued to jump even after a couple close calls) I eventually gave it up. I went a pretty dark depression, then I picked up the guitar again, and haven't stopped. It's been around 17 years since then. Sorry for the long digression, I have a tendency to do that, just feel lucky I'm writing this because I'm worse in person, lol. Anyways, playing with those people REALLY changed my view on what the fantasy guitar career was. If I were offered some Faustian bargain, and I could be either a guitarist in a super popular band, or a reasonable in demand sessions player, I'd take the sessions player everytime. Hearing you talk about it and seeing the glint in the eye when you do just reenforces how great it is to have the opportunity to play with so many amazing artists, as well as having the opportunity to go from playing one genre of music at some point, to a completely different one the next. Love the channel and the videos. Cheers
Oh that marshall bottom...My buddy had thst and a 300w marshall head in the late 70s.Didnt know if it was true ...but if i remember it was powerful...You probly know.
It's too bad that as hard as it's historically been to survive as a working musician, it's actually gotten worse. Anyone who's been one, or has played in cover bands knows that if you're in it for the money, you're facing a hard headwind. Go to Nashville and you can see extraordinary people playing for tip money. They're not in it for the cash, just the joy of playing and the sheer amount of great practice opportunity. Those are my favorite people to see, hear and support.
I was in Nashville last year.Its true,the high level of talent of the musicians that just play for tips during the day is amazing!..its a must see for all music lovers..not just C.W fans..plus the music stores are packed with vintage gear.
@@timpierceguitar Absolutely. Anyone who ever played a gig at a bowling ally bar to one person at midnight should have learned that lesson. BTW, I hear a lot of your solo stuff on my Pandora channels. Big fan of it!
@@mrabrasive51 I have been a few times. I've been a rock player my whole life, and it's a great, humbling experience to see guys doing things that are like a foreign language to you. The fact you can get up close and talk to these men and women, and talk about technic with them makes it even better.
In the early 80s I almost was able to support a family of four by playing guitar in a local cover band in Cleveland. That was when even the crappy clubs were running the same band for 3 to 6 nights per week.
My favorite thing back in the day was Tommy Tedesco’s little article about his studio sessions. He was one that could command triple scale rates. Those were the days
@@davidflint12 Man, my life revolved around my magazine subscriptions back in the day! I'm an information junkie. I prefer the resources we have these days (the Internet) but I do think I probably paid more attention to knowledge back then because it was so rare.
Back in those days there were heaps of studios and way way more opportunities. If Tommy was around today even as brilliant as he was he would be earning nowhere near as much. Read his book,which I own,its very good.
Great as always Tim. There are many industries that have been hit in a similar way to the recording business. The consumer software business for example. It takes many thousands to millions to create the software and most people won't pay anything for it. The revenue has to come from different sources like advertising. Similar to what you have done with UA-cam and your master class. As Darwin said, the ones that survive are the most adaptable not the strongest.
I have learned so much from your videos I recently recorded my first song and it turned out great thanks to your awesome knowledge. I,m going to join the masterclass and hopefully expand my ability even further
Its from relax the back and It's called a lifeform, Contact me anytime at timpierceguitar.com Ill hit back with my cell number..I can't recommend this chair highly enough...And it's the same one they been making forever...
You’ll see it on the website I’m not sure what it’s called but it’s the mid back model with a headrest..The cloth is the best choice because it warms up and molds your body
Joe Strummer said ' it only makes sense in the moment' its on his pic nic documentary. Different example however when you were talking about working fast. I made me think about Joe's comment 'Push everything out of the way and write it or play it now 'It only makes sense in the moment' Now get to work, lol Cheers Tim love the channel Doug 😎
Recorded music isn’t distributed in the same manor as it used to be, with digital formats now in favor. I still buy music, but Bandcamp appears to be the leading method, as most self published music channels through there. Of course, there are others, and it would seem that musicians have a choice, and buyers do as well. The production path is missing the executives and the promotion, the production that once helped elevate virtual unknowns into super stardom. If those methods still exist, I somehow fail to connect. Without TV and Radio in my everyday life, it’s all digital these days, perhaps the platforms like UA-cam and Facebook could be utilized to discover and promote new artists, perhaps connect the talent to the production team. I would buy it. I would go to the concert. And I think this generation deserves the fun and enjoyment that comes from live music. Wishing you the best of successes Tim. This channel doesn’t give me ads, you’re not monetized? Although it adds commercials, your high subscriber count and dependable viewing time merits compensation. I would still watch your videos, they’re an eagles eye view into all things music. Thank you Tim!
I told my partner an flute playing wife that we might not charge club owners anymore for the music, just let them feed us and solicit tips by listener inspiration. Brave New World
There's so little money in music because the production costs have collapsed so dramatically that the supply has exploded and distribution costs have collapsed so there really are no gatekeepers anymore. The industry that used to price its product like an airport Chili's now has no choice but to compete directly with the offramp White Castle and margins for everyone have shrunk. That being said, there's an entire generation of creators who literally would never have had a career in the old system that now get their music heard by millions and do the whole rockstar thing...even if they still have a day job on the side. Even a bedroom producer like me can occasionally turn on the radio and hear his own music coming out the other end. That's pretty incredible.
I have a dual monitor system like Tim's so I can face the other musicans or clients, as well (mostly other musicians). I built a set of baffles (rockwool in small frames) that both back up to, back to back, and that has largely eliminated back splash or issues with isolation.
In the 'old days' you might be an employee, a contractor with pay by unit or by hour or you could be offered 'points' Points might work for you in some cases where you share the risk with the producer. Given the present situation its good to be flexible to suit the situation and to diversify - which you're already doing - perhaps there are more ways to explore !
I think Bauckman Turner Overdrive said it best in one of their tunes - "Looking out for number one". Love that song. Ya always need to look after one self.
That pricing game affects most creative efforts. Whether its coding software, painting, visual effects, animation, it's all a game of how should I price this? If you work fast hourly rates work against you. If you work slow flat rates work against you. And in any negotiation you cannot count on both sides being up front and honest. So you can only go after the price you feel makes it worth your time.
Legend has it they called up Paul McCartney and offered him a million dollars to write live and let die for the James Bond movie and gave him a month. He said "yes" and went into to his studio. He finished in an hour and decided he should wait a couple of weeks before he gave it to them so they would feel like they got their money's worth.
Hi Tim, I'm a huge fan of your playing and videos. I'm a guitarist in Cape Town, South Africa and the touring guitarist in a band called Big Sky. The material we play was cut in US studios using session musicians. One of the tunes has a beautiful sitar line that just makes the song come alive and which I love playing. I checked the album credits the other day to see who played it - it was you! It all makes sense now!
Tim is a great lesson in humility
Thank you sir for all you share
We need this info as working musician
When you were showing that new chair all I was seeing was that beautiful PRS.
Same 😂. Had to rewind some parts because it’s so distracting.
Well for about $7000 you can have both😃
@@StringsOfCrossroads look like DGT on headstock but the body is different??
@@pramesh.gurung here it is. It’s his unboxing. Funny he talked to DG about what PRS to get but I can’t remember what this is. Watch if you want. It’s the blue PRS. ua-cam.com/video/nPCltSVMyoM/v-deo.html. Almost forgot to paste the video.
Tim, I really enjoy all of your videos but this one and your discussion about the reality of finances for musicians in the last 20 or so years really hit home. In the late 60s when I was in college, I played almost full time in rock cover bands. One day I decided to study guitar with a very highly respected guitar teacher in Chicago. After he put me through the ringer for about 6 weeks (I thought I was good because I could read music and pick up by ear any rock tune easily - he straightened me out very quickly about how little I really knew about the guitar) he asked me at the end of my lesson, what I planned to do with my life. I told him I originally wanted to be a lawyer but had recently decided to make music my career. He spent an hour telling me why I should not be a musician....I think he saw the way music was going.....and I walked out of that lesson in shock. He said I could always play music in a band but being a lawyer would be a much more promising career. It was a life changing moment and I took his advice and never looked back. I still play guitar in a 22 piece jazz band and love playing the guitar every day but he was right....being a lawyer was for me much more financially and personally rewarding. I owe him a great deal of gratitude!!
Thanks so much for the comment and telling a bit of your story
And you could be an entertainment lawyer too I guess, then you would be closer to music.
Similar story. I sacrificed a career as a musician quite early for what ended up being 27 years in aviation. Got to fly wide body jets for a major airline on international routes, got looked after by some lovely cabin crew, stayed in lots of swanky hotels & basically lived the dream. Then 2020 came along with Covid & all the associated nonsense, & in the blink of an eye my career was brought to an abrupt & unceremonious end. Now I'm back to writing & recording music. ua-cam.com/video/qhWqah7iIp4/v-deo.html I'm just very lucky that my wife has a well-paying job & has always been my No.1 fan, so she is willing to support me as I try to reinvent myself. Loving the creative process but not holding out much hope for making anything other than loose change. On a side note, I like to have a chuckle when Tim describes his set-up as an aircraft cockpit. 😎
Yep. Semi pro is best with a secure day job. It's too hard otherwise. Good on you.
What is it that you do as an attorney, that is enjoyable?
One of my favorite things about your teaching is demystification. While so many tend to overcomplicate a topic and often suggest that the successful formula is filled with "Unobtanium", you explain that there is compromise and practicality in any success story. Player-grade guitars, multiple options for mics, mic preamps, speakers, studio setups and even business models are the reality. Too many of us are paralyzed by options and hype. Thanks Tim!
Carl thank you for the wonderful comment
Tim, you got me hooked on Relax The Back stuff many years ago. I bought that back support you used to bring to sessions, I still use it to this day. Totally worth the price. THANK U!
RJ Glad you still use that thing yeah Keep your backStraight ha ha
@@timpierceguitar Hey Tim, do you have a link to the back support RJ is talking about? I'm finding that playing the standard 3-4 hour gig is playing hell on my 49 year old back these days. Thanks for all the great vids.
@@timpierceguitar I am also curious about where to purchase the back support. Your videos and content have been great for my evolution in tone and approach. I am about to subscribe to your training, and I will likely follow up with some more gushes of praise, because you’re definitely worthy of massive amounts of it for sharing the kind of pro tips and insight for free. I am a progressive, improvisation violinist, and I can play everything from Tchaikovsky, to Beatles mashups and emulate different artists, violinists, vocalists, guitarists, synthesists and horns/players with my expanded range violins.
Having a good tone is super key, and so is a large dab of business and studio know-how.
If you are inspired, click on my picture and feel free to watch some of my Videos. Looking forward.
Thanks Tim!
@@SooBahkJoel - It's even worse at 67. lol/sigh
If you really want to know what causes all the back problems on guitar players (and generally on all people) just shoot me a mail. pasi at selkafix dot fi . Good chair does not fix anything. it helps but wont fix it. Been fixing backs last 15 years (been on GIT back in the day too) and I have a extremely successfull business on back fixing.
Session Music is quite a huge commitment indeed. I have so much respect for musicians in this field, I couldn't possible see myself working as a musician full time.
I don't understand why you don't have waaay more subs, this channel is awesome. Thank you!
I appreciate that!
Thanks, Tim, for your honest take on the music industry. Refreshing to hear a realistic appraisal, without bitterness or self-pity. A testament to your integrity, and your ability to adapt. True professionalism.
Thank you for being a staunch model for everyone on attitude and guitar playing mentality. You seem so comfortable and pleasant in your space and I'm happy for you. Much love from Seattle!
An example of what makes you a good human: how you humbly respond to people giving you ‘advice’ about your profession. Love your work.
Thanks so much
Thanks for an open conversation about how it all works. Us viewers love that kind of content even though it might be rude to ask.
always a class act, Tim, I really enjoy the videos, you seem like a genuinely nice down to earth guy. If you haven't wrote a book, I am sure you could fill one easily with your history and engagements while working and living in the Music industry. That would be a good read.
Great idea
@@timpierceguitar Yes it is!
It is strange how life moves us. I remember watching you with Rick Springfield on a music video compilation. It was awesome by the way. You guys influenced the way I wanted to sound and my songwriting. I even landed a short lived recording contract with BMG & EMI. I think that the only thing that bugs me is that kids today get it too easy. They no longer skip the needle back and re listen to the guitar part and have to work it out for themselves they get to watch you for free on UA-cam. I still think that you are amazing and wish that we could have met back in the 80’s / 90’ and that I could have got to work with you.
Please keep doing what you do, as you still inspire and love watching your channel
Tim, love your channel! A word of advice although I’m sure you probably addressed this subject BUT the current value of all of your gear has to be covered by a property insurance policy. Since much of your gear is discontinued, vintage, collectible or whatever term is used it increases in value and should be appraised by an independent adjuster periodically. Thanks for all you do! 😊
I agree with so many comments here about working musicians. As a hobbyist musician I always make a point to drop $ in tip jars anytime I'm enjoying live music. It is truly amazing how few people will recognize (monetarily) a live band or solo musician. Such a shame. And, this is not even commenting on the recording world as you have so eloquently put it Tim!
Thanks so much
Tim, you first caught my ear on Living in Oz back in the 80’s...been a big fan of your playing ever since. But your content for the development of playing and musicianship online has been great. Thank you!
first caught my ear on Living in Oz back in the 80’s. Same here. He astonished me then.....and Now!
You deserve to be "in heaven," Tim. Nothing but quality from you, EVER. Thank you so much.
I also got a similar chair from Relax The Back. The company which supplies it is calls them Humanscale Chairs ... and the model I have in my studio, which I think Tim has, is the “Freedom Chair” model. It’s the best chair I’ve ever found for guitar/midi controller/studio mixing etc. The flexibility to move the arms of the chair out of the way to play an instrument like guitar is great. Expensive ... yes, but I couldn’t think of a better music studio chair. So ergonomic.
I think you are brilliant Tim, what a fantastic leverage of your time with the master class, a true entrepreneurial musician !
Wow, thank you!
Hey Tim!
Maybe think about have a descending rate scale when you go into a studio. You charge a higher rate for the first couple of hours and it decreases as hours go on.
Benefit to you: protects your earnings if you are able to get done fast.
Benefit to artist, producer, label: your rate goes down if they need more with you, partially offsetting their cost for the extra studio hours.
I did this type of rate scale for a decade in my consulting business.
Cheers!
Shawn Stoner
That's a great idea
Hi Tim, I'm a huge fan of yours, been listening for many years. Since I retired from my carpenter job, Ive spent hundreds of hours re-invigorating my teenage guitar hobby, Im so much in your debt for all I have learned from you, as well as being influenced by your positive vibe! Please keep up the wonderful work! Mike
I really enjoyed your hiding the cable section. As a teacher, we had to pass a room inspection and I had 100s of videos, papers, and historical items. Lucky for me a double door was shared with another staff member. I would push it all next door, have the principal inspect area, approve, leave and I would move all the gear back into my area. On stages now, I work cables to be out the audience's view and out of the way of the artist and the crew. I apprefciate how clean your set looks in your vids. Thanks for being you.
I submscribed and it is VALUE for money, and after 2 weeks Im getting better than ever. Thanks Tim I am super inspired. An early Christmas gift to myself.
I was watching this and noticed that the Fender Bassman head wasn’t there, so I thought that you might have moved it... then a few minutes in, SHAZAM!, it magically reappeared!
Love your content, Tim. Such a down to earth personality and as always, incredible playing. God bless and stay safe.
Thank you kindly!
I've taken a lot of pointers from you both in playing and in the studio layout. My studio is a 9 foot by 11 foot room and I do have an ISO room for the guitar cabinet although I have amp in the room with me as well, I put urethane foam in front of so they're not too loud in the mix. They are on the same wall as my speakers. I recently reorganized in order do you have everything accessible at my fingertips and feet and now I can switch between 4:00 amps without having to get up, that was a huge Improvement alone. By the way I took your tip for using a volume pedal to get rid of the noise when you have gainy amps and pedals going but since I mostly use a wet dry rig and record with two amps at once I use a stereo volume pedal. Thanks for all you do for the music community and how cool it is that you share your experience with us🎸
Putting my dream studio together and I'm in cable hell right now, really timely! I was just brainstorming on how to make everything available and/or workable, when I clicked on this. Thanks!
Hey Tim, I am almost your age and I figured out that the "deep squat" is the best excercise when having back problems. Wishing you all the best. Stay healthy. God bless!
Hey thanks for the tip I’ll try it
@@timpierceguitar Furthermore, if you go to bed try to sleep without a pillow and force yourself to sleep on your back only. And do not angle your legs keep legs and arms straight. Might take two weeks, but once you get used to it you surely will love it no other way.
Another thing you should do is jumping carefully in the beginning on a trampoline if you have one.
That helps to distribute the lymph liquid to every corner of your body to all body cells and it helps reducing inflamations at certain areas. Jump a 360 times daily and you will feel the distance.
Another effective thing are pull ups or at least hanging. Just check here: ua-cam.com/video/5jC2DvRFips/v-deo.html Once you got used to it, it should be possible to do it for 7 minutes daily splitted into 1 up to 2 minutes.
At last: Check also for collagen supplements and frankincense supplement to support your body when doing the excercises.
Just get well soon!
I m too far to mention even . Just recently I discovered mr. Tim Pierce... Im full time musician ( guitar 🙈) ...Tim is a walking library of my world. Im so happy to listen all those stories he is talking about . Tim is a living legend and living treasure.. 🙏
Thank you so much
That is one of the nicest DGT's I have ever seen outside of Dave's hands. You are right those chairs are Pricey. Thanks for the Vault View.
Excellent advice and content as usual. Thank-you Tim.
i wish i was talented enough people would want me to play on their stuff.....its all i ever wanted and i try so hard.....i busk all winter ...and i live in canada lol.....but i do what i love and some people love me and they are kind .... and thats good enough....i feel blessed.
but thats me ....tim you are amazing and i am so glad you do these vids bro....i learn alot....happy new year man
It's really great to hear how you've changed the focus of your "hustle" to be more selective about the sessions and therefore be able to spend more time on the course. To me, it just makes sense to put the majority of your energy on what makes you happy. It's more sustainable and absolutely improves your quality of life.
And also thank you for showing up at Gearfest in person to share of yourself! I wish you could do more 30 minute breakout session for particular instructive there in the future as well. You are a good teacher, and give great live examples.
Thanks for the idea!
Great video Tim. Nice to see the cab vault too. Always great informative stuff.
Tim, I think you are AWESOME! I would like to sit down over dinner and just listen to your stories! Fantastic career and catalogue of music you are responsible for. Thank You from all of us old teenagers!
Thanks so much for the comment
Tim! I just stumbled onto your videos, wow, they are awesome! Brings back fond memories of our sessions at Nowels' and elsewhere. Hope you're well and that we get to rock again some time in the not too distant future. Cheers bud!
There is always valuable Insight every time I click on your content. You have a lot of wisdom to share from your experiences as a successful working musician.
A vision and such clarity of thought! And the elbow grease to back it up. I’m a keyboard player, but boy do I learn from this guy!! Great stuff 😃
Its a real testament to your skill, talent and attitude that you've been able to survive as a session musician and actually live a comfortable life.
Sooooo many of us out here were not able to keep that going. I started in the late 70s and made it through to the 90s before being completely bankrupt and having to give it up. For me some of the issue was living in the wrong location for session work... instead of moving to the west coast like I should have. Ironically I've been living in LA now for almost 14 years. Hehe.
I'm only now getting back into recording music---but as a hobby.
Thanks for the comment hope you're enjoying getting back into it
The economics of a great artist - I love it, and especially love that now with digital distribution channel you can choose and make money by doing only what you love doing!
Very informative. The point is your time will likely produce my joining your master classes. My doctorate is done, besides a few details. So I want to put together all this musical studying I've done in the past. So yes very interrsting show today Ty Tim. Peace
Great video all around Tim. Especially your insights and street level experience on getting paid as a session musician. Also- great points on the value of income split between ‘product’ (Masterclass subscriptions..) and client services. Keep up the great work!
Velcro ties. Absolute godsend for cable management. No more snipping plastic ties every time you make a change.
Thanks for sharing!!
So happy to hear about your career. It is such a joy to see how you have adapted to the new world of music.
Thank you I appreciate it
We just feel so blessed that you are willing to share so much of what were once considered trade secrets. Having played amateur guitar for 45 years it is great to have yourself Tom Marty and all the other pro musicians sharing techniques on playing and carving out a great tone. Although none compare to your humbleness and wisdom. Once I get back to work I can't wait to join the Master Class. Stay safe.
Thanks for the insights! Nice to hear the reality of how certain things work... of which no one likes to talk about publicly.
One thing that you could do to eliminate the wash from the pairs of studio monitors is to install a partition between you and the client....oh wait....lol! Thanks so much Tim! You are a gem.
Thank you, TIm, for answering the question about how the sound comes back up from the vault to you!
Thank you so much Tim. Very grateful for all you offer. Thank you Thank you.
Awesome love the explanation on how and why you built the cockpit. Very interesting hearing the business side of things. There really is a big difference between doing service work and selling a product. Thanks again Tim :)
I suffer from chronic back pain,and a high quality chair can be a game changer. I have a Aaron chair and it was amazing how much it mitigated my back pain. It sounds like you have experienced similar results with your chair.
A really great video, man. Thank you for your transparency and, frankly, your vulnerability therein. Truly commendable.
Yup, change, constant change... got to keep your eyes on the ball.
Advice from another musician / filmmaker - No matter what your niche, you shouldn't be charging for time. You should be charging for the JOB (ie: Your skill). You should also include a piece in your contract that says if they keep you over a certain amount of time, you have to charge more. If you charge for the job and you believe it should be one day, but they want to keep you for a week, you have to charge more. That's how I've always done everything. Of course, you can still offer "deals" to people who need it. But in general, you should have a starting point for the *job*, not for your time. If I can finish a film edit in one day, and I only charge for my time, I'd only be making a few hundred dollars instead of the several thousand that the job is actually worth.
I know that things are always more complicated that they may seem to someone on the outside looking in, but even with that in mind; you seem to be in a great place in regards to music and where you are in it presently.
Liked every other teenage kid who grew up in the 70s, 80s, 90s; when I started to play I had ideas of rock stardom. I started playing when I was 14,15. Once I was 17 or so, I wasn't really playing anymore. Luckily for me, when I first moved out on my own at 20, my roommate who was the older brother of one of my friend, and he was a great guitar player. He's that one that every neighborhood has; the guy that could play "Eruption" note for note by the time he was 15, and was like the standard all the younger players held themselves to.
When I moved in I found myself literally surrounded by different musicians, everything from students attending Berkeley School of music in Boston, garage band players, sessions guys and one guy Pete who's parents had died and left him that house and enough money that let him build his own studio in it (looking back, he was into that place WELL over they $100K mark, and with the exception of isolation booths for singing and drums, you could probably produce an album today in your bedroom for a few grand in equipment). So obviously, it wasn't long before I was playing again, and with the exception of a few years after I went and did a skydive with a friend, I immediately sold almost everything I could, took that money and what else I had saved and went head first (pun both intended and not) into that, got cleared for solo jumping within a couple weeks and moved through to me class D license and jumped professionally as a camera flyer for a team and to people doing tandem jumps like I had the first time. An old motocross injury started to cause my shoulder to pop out of socket in free call, and after a few REALLY close calls (because unlike people who aren't idiots, I continued to jump even after a couple close calls) I eventually gave it up. I went a pretty dark depression, then I picked up the guitar again, and haven't stopped. It's been around 17 years since then.
Sorry for the long digression, I have a tendency to do that, just feel lucky I'm writing this because I'm worse in person, lol. Anyways, playing with those people REALLY changed my view on what the fantasy guitar career was. If I were offered some Faustian bargain, and I could be either a guitarist in a super popular band, or a reasonable in demand sessions player, I'd take the sessions player everytime.
Hearing you talk about it and seeing the glint in the eye when you do just reenforces how great it is to have the opportunity to play with so many amazing artists, as well as having the opportunity to go from playing one genre of music at some point, to a completely different one the next.
Love the channel and the videos.
Cheers
Thanks so much for the comment , Enjoyed hearing a bit of your story
Thank you sharing you life’s work with us. Cheers!
Oh that marshall bottom...My buddy had thst and a 300w marshall head in the late 70s.Didnt know if it was true ...but if i remember it was powerful...You probly know.
Love the faded blue jean finish on a PRS. Thanks for another great video!
It's too bad that as hard as it's historically been to survive as a working musician, it's actually gotten worse. Anyone who's been one, or has played in cover bands knows that if you're in it for the money, you're facing a hard headwind. Go to Nashville and you can see extraordinary people playing for tip money. They're not in it for the cash, just the joy of playing and the sheer amount of great practice opportunity. Those are my favorite people to see, hear and support.
Glad you support everybody
I was in Nashville last year.Its true,the high level of talent of the musicians that just play for tips during the day is amazing!..its a must see for all music lovers..not just C.W fans..plus the music stores are packed with vintage gear.
@@timpierceguitar Absolutely. Anyone who ever played a gig at a bowling ally bar to one person at midnight should have learned that lesson.
BTW, I hear a lot of your solo stuff on my Pandora channels. Big fan of it!
@@mrabrasive51 I have been a few times. I've been a rock player my whole life, and it's a great, humbling experience to see guys doing things that are like a foreign language to you. The fact you can get up close and talk to these men and women, and talk about technic with them makes it even better.
In the early 80s I almost was able to support a family of four by playing guitar in a local cover band in Cleveland. That was when even the crappy clubs were running the same band for 3 to 6 nights per week.
My favorite thing back in the day was Tommy Tedesco’s little article about his studio sessions. He was one that could command triple scale rates. Those were the days
He had a column in Guitar Player, didn't he? I remember reading his columns. Smart, funny guy.
@@user-eu3mn6ss5l it was the first thing I turned to.
@@davidflint12 Man, my life revolved around my magazine subscriptions back in the day! I'm an information junkie. I prefer the resources we have these days (the Internet) but I do think I probably paid more attention to knowledge back then because it was so rare.
@@user-eu3mn6ss5l yes, I remember those
Back in those days there were heaps of studios and way way more opportunities. If Tommy was around today even as brilliant as he was he would be earning nowhere near as much. Read his book,which I own,its very good.
Great as always Tim. There are many industries that have been hit in a similar way to the recording business. The consumer software business for example. It takes many thousands to millions to create the software and most people won't pay anything for it. The revenue has to come from different sources like advertising. Similar to what you have done with UA-cam and your master class. As Darwin said, the ones that survive are the most adaptable not the strongest.
LOL I build computers and cable management is a talent all of it's own! Super important too!
You and I have industry friends and connections in common, Tim.
Hi from Australia.
You are a legend! Love your videos.
You rock! 😎
I have learned so much from your videos I recently recorded my first song and it turned out great thanks to your awesome knowledge. I,m going to join the masterclass and hopefully expand my ability even further
That is awesome!
I Have The Masterclass And Just Love It! Thanks Tim! Gotta Get That Chair As Well
Humble Glory sounds like the name of a 90s Christian grunge band name 😉 thanks for having an awesome channel!
Thanks for your honesty and generosity in sharing your wisdom about the business. So interesting 🎶
My pleasure!
Tim, love your videos/gear/attitude! As a fellow freelancer, I'm always intrigued to hear the rate/hustle talk.
Great video Tim. I couldn't make out the name of the company that makes the chair. Did anyone else catch that?
Its from relax the back and It's called a lifeform, Contact me anytime at timpierceguitar.com Ill hit back with my cell number..I can't recommend this chair highly enough...And it's the same one they been making forever...
Actually it’s admin@timpierceguitar.com
You’ll see it on the website I’m not sure what it’s called but it’s the mid back model with a headrest..The cloth is the best choice because it warms up and molds your body
That Texas blues man can play
Just like to say that your "Masterclass" is worth every penny(or dollar :) Tim. Hard to put a price on experience. Thanks for sharing yours.
Wow, thanks!
The money today for band members is about the same that I made as a teen-ager back in 1966. That's 55 years ago.
Joe Strummer said ' it only makes sense in the moment' its on his pic nic documentary.
Different example however when you were talking about working fast.
I made me think about Joe's comment
'Push everything out of the way and write it or play it now
'It only makes sense in the moment'
Now get to work, lol
Cheers Tim love the channel
Doug 😎
Tim you are a living legend
Recorded music isn’t distributed in the same manor as it used to be, with digital formats now in favor. I still buy music, but Bandcamp appears to be the leading method, as most self published music channels through there. Of course, there are others, and it would seem that musicians have a choice, and buyers do as well. The production path is missing the executives and the promotion, the production that once helped elevate virtual unknowns into super stardom. If those methods still exist, I somehow fail to connect. Without TV and Radio in my everyday life, it’s all digital these days, perhaps the platforms like UA-cam and Facebook could be utilized to discover and promote new artists, perhaps connect the talent to the production team. I would buy it. I would go to the concert. And I think this generation deserves the fun and enjoyment that comes from live music.
Wishing you the best of successes Tim. This channel doesn’t give me ads, you’re not monetized? Although it adds commercials, your high subscriber count and dependable viewing time merits compensation. I would still watch your videos, they’re an eagles eye view into all things music. Thank you Tim!
I told my partner an flute playing wife that we might not charge club owners anymore for the music, just let them feed us and solicit tips by listener inspiration. Brave New World
There's so little money in music because the production costs have collapsed so dramatically that the supply has exploded and distribution costs have collapsed so there really are no gatekeepers anymore. The industry that used to price its product like an airport Chili's now has no choice but to compete directly with the offramp White Castle and margins for everyone have shrunk. That being said, there's an entire generation of creators who literally would never have had a career in the old system that now get their music heard by millions and do the whole rockstar thing...even if they still have a day job on the side. Even a bedroom producer like me can occasionally turn on the radio and hear his own music coming out the other end. That's pretty incredible.
Great comment and you are absolutely correct..Same for me ...this is actually a much better environment to be A self starter :)
Thank you for your hard work Tim...!
You are the Dale Carnegie of guitar heros.I Always enjoy every video
You are the best Tim, and I really enjoy the Masterclass!
That's so nice of you to say, I'll keep adding stuff to the master class as we go forward. Thanks for the nice comment
Thank you for your generosity!
My pleasure!
Good for you, Tim!!!
You are amazing Tim. Really appreciate all your insight and inside peaks!
I appreciate that!
That opening impro over the Boston track was unreal
impressive to see this all and how well organized everything is!
Thank you I appreciate it
I have a dual monitor system like Tim's so I can face the other musicans or clients, as well (mostly other musicians). I built a set of baffles (rockwool in small frames) that both back up to, back to back, and that has largely eliminated back splash or issues with isolation.
Such a considerate guy!
Thanks so much
I could listen to you all day, nice and interesting chap. Hi from the U.K.
Good info, thank you Tim. Very insightful.
What a great musician and a professional you are Tim, well done and thanks for sharing
Many thanks!
In the 'old days' you might be an employee, a contractor with pay by unit or by hour or you could be offered 'points' Points might work for you in some cases where you share the risk with the producer. Given the present situation its good to be flexible to suit the situation and to diversify - which you're already doing - perhaps there are more ways to explore !
Tim- Great as usually - What I gigged for in the 70's, is hard to get today!
I think Bauckman Turner Overdrive said it best in one of their tunes
- "Looking out for number one". Love that song.
Ya always need to look after one self.
A great insight into the business side of things. Thanks Tim 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
That pricing game affects most creative efforts. Whether its coding software, painting, visual effects, animation, it's all a game of how should I price this? If you work fast hourly rates work against you. If you work slow flat rates work against you. And in any negotiation you cannot count on both sides being up front and honest. So you can only go after the price you feel makes it worth your time.
@@chazfaz3595 Very true, best to have some kind of intermediary, agent, sales person, etc.
Tim your content Is top notch because of your skills and your great attitude👍
Pleased you are in heaven . I,m in heaven when i play with my band but there is no money in my heaven, just love .
We love you Tim, it's as simple as that!!
Thank you so much