There's a reason it's called being a "full-time" musician. You thought 40 hours a week at a job was a lot? Brace yourself for the long haul and grab an Americano, because your "full-time musician" dreams are about to come true – and it might not be quite like you expected!
Traveling
Expectation:
I hope your manager's handling the parking...
Reality:
Better bring a toolbox!
Your fans
Expectation:
Nothing your security crew can't handle, right?
Reality:
As Mr. T once said, "Treat yo mama right!"
Your free time
Expectation:
Party on, Wayne.
Reality:
Free time? Oh, you mean that time that I spend writing emails and running SEO on my website?
Housing
Expectation:
Hmm, not bad, but I wanted a seven-car garage. Sigh...
Reality:
Hey man, back off! You got to use the cymbal bag as a pillow last night! You get the throne tonight!
Venues
Expectation:
Oooh... I don't know if our lighting rig is going to fit. Couldn't we have gotten a bigger space?
Reality:
Let's be real, a club date is the new arena gig for the working artists of today.
Your stage location
Expectation:
Everybody wants to be a star!
Reality:
He might not get the shiny outfit, but I bet he pays his bills!
Dylan Welsh is a freelance musician and music journalist, based in Seattle, WA. He currently plays in multiple Seattle bands, interns at Mirror Sound Studio, and writes for the Sonicbids blog. Visit his website for more information.