Sonicbids Blog - Music Career Advice and Gigs

Expectations vs. Reality of Being a Full-Time Musician

Written by Dylan Welsh | Jun 1, 2015 03:00 PM

Image via youtube.com

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:

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I hope your manager's handling the parking...

Reality:

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Better bring a toolbox!

 

Your fans

Expectation:

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Nothing your security crew can't handle, right?

Reality:

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As Mr. T once said, "Treat yo mama right!"

 

Your free time

Expectation:

Image via cocktailsandcountrytales.wordpress.com

Party on, Wayne.

Reality:

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Free time? Oh, you mean that time that I spend writing emails and running SEO on my website?

 

Housing

Expectation:

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Hmm, not bad, but I wanted a seven-car garage. Sigh...

Reality:

Image via audio.thedelimagazine.com

Hey man, back off! You got to use the cymbal bag as a pillow last night! You get the throne tonight!

 

Venues

Expectation:

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Oooh... I don't know if our lighting rig is going to fit. Couldn't we have gotten a bigger space?

Reality:

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Let's be real, a club date is the new arena gig for the working artists of today.

 

Your stage location

Expectation:

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Everybody wants to be a star!

Reality:

Image via galleryhip.com

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.