Three times in the last month I've been asked the question, "what do I need to do to organise a gig?" In reality, when this question is asked it can mean several things: How do I find a venue? How do I sort out the PA? How do I get an audience? And so on.
But there is a stage before all of this: the budget. I would suggest that the moment you start thinking about organising an event you should write a budget. This budget spreadsheet informs you of most things that you will need to consider and will also show you the risk, projected profit and the breakeven point. A sample spreadshhet is available to download from this address http://www.josaka.com/features/2005/Organise-A-Gig/Event-PandL.pdf
If the budget numbers don't look like they are working perhaps the event is not the right thing to be running. If you don't like the level of risk, perhaps you aren't cut out to be a promoter.
So the start point is a spreadsheet. This should include all costs and all incomes. The key headings for costs should include: performer cost, PA, lighting, venue hire, marketing, box office costs etc. The income is likely to be largely ticket sales but don't forget the opportunity to add a sponsor to the event.
The spreadsheet will help you work out the breakeven point for the event i.e. how many tickets you need to sell to cover all costs. Every sale beyond breakeven is of course profit (exluding any box office commision). The added bonus of creating an event spreadsheet is that helps define all the key tasks to be performed.
The realisation of the forecasted numbers becoming actual figures suggests that all parties have got the deal they were looking for or agreed to. The sample speadsheet also illustrates that everyone else involved in the gig is largely earning a fixed fee and therefore the only person taking a financial risk is the promoter.
So if you are thinking of organising a live event I coomed you to work on the numbers first. This will help ensure you deliver a great show and have control over the money.
Kevin Harrington is the founder of josaka http://www.josaka.com the site that supports live music in Berkshire, UK. He is also director of marketing for Arkade http://www.arkade.com the mp3 distribution business.
Today's technology for the recording musician has been getting better... Read More
To most people, owning the "genuine article" is the only... Read More
When a painter is getting ready to paint, a color... Read More
Have you ever started learning a lick or exercise and... Read More
Most people look forward to the summer months because they... Read More
Three times in the last month I've been asked the... Read More
Many students think that being able to play what you... Read More
Did you ever wish that it was your song playing... Read More
When you first learn how to use a mixing console,... Read More
One of the Appalachian Mountain region's greatest contributions to the... Read More
Virtually all of you have probably heard of the RIAA's... Read More
Since chords (the main component of harmony) are one of... Read More
The Greg Koch Fender guitar began to take shape all... Read More
Rarely is a chord played with its tones contained in... Read More
It has become increasingly popular for U.S. military veterans and... Read More
Here's the method I use every time I want to... Read More
A soulful vibe along with an amazing voice is what... Read More
The 'trois Gnossiennes' (1890) is a set of dance-like pieces... Read More
I will be honest. I am addicted to music recording.... Read More
Where music meets licensing, there's money to be made. How... Read More
Yowza! Did you hear that hideous noise? It sounded like... Read More
You've probably heard the saying "practice makes perfect" and it... Read More
In a recent post to my Yahoo group, I mentioned... Read More
Problems with humidity can lead to heartbreak for the classical... Read More
Have you ever dreamed of penning your own compositions? Writing... Read More
The idea originated with singer Jon Bon Jovi. Jon kept... Read More
A number of people have asked about my own methodology... Read More
So it has come to this... what we see overrides... Read More
On July 28, 2004, French Internet access providers and music... Read More
That's a fair question!Basically, you can call music any noise... Read More
Some people think composing is this miraculous thing that only... Read More
Everyone has a talent. For Miami, Okla.'s, Brian Beauchamp, it's... Read More
Every once in a while a band comes along that... Read More
Music and musical instruments are an extremely important part of... Read More
Virtually all of you have probably heard of the RIAA's... Read More
Admit it... you were expecting a magic answer to this... Read More
We call it music, ever noticed how vividly music triggers... Read More
This article discusses 8 vital things to remember as improvisers... Read More
Three battles at the end of the 8 Mile movie... Read More
Different styles of music have different "sounds." We can all... Read More
We all know that music can be inspiring, entertaining, and... Read More
You may have heard that bagpipes are a Scottish invention;... Read More
Do you want to learn how to play chords on... Read More
Boy, I really detest how some people do websites. Bands... Read More
For years, you have been searching for a song lodged... Read More
When you first learn how to use a mixing console,... Read More
How To Construct Basic Chords on the PianoThe easiest way... Read More
Buying a digital piano could be a very delicate attempt,... Read More
New York born singer songwriter Michael Alan, who records with... Read More
Was the request six months ago, a sixtieth birthday party,... Read More
Three times in the last month I've been asked the... Read More
Now, that you are familiar and likely connected with online... Read More
Congratulations! Your singing has become amazing, and it's time the... Read More
What in the world is "naked music?"You know it when... Read More
I have always believed that success, in practically any subject... Read More
A lot has been said about the 'post-rock' revolution as... Read More
Since chords (the main component of harmony) are one of... Read More
I'll never forget the first time I played the piano... Read More
Interviewed by Scott G (The G-Man)G-Man: When people think of... Read More
Most of you have probably heard of the RIAA's quest... Read More
While Richard Nixon's diplomatic visit to China may have created... Read More
If you or anyone you know wants to learn to... Read More
One of the Appalachian Mountain region's greatest contributions to the... Read More
The idea originated with singer Jon Bon Jovi. Jon kept... Read More
My friend, guitarist Brian Hughes, toured with the Chieftain's in... Read More
It may surprise many to find that the hobby of... Read More
Music & MP3 |