Sterling Terrell

smart ideas from books

Working With Artists

Working With Artists

I do not have tons of experience working with artists – but in the limited time I have had – this is completely true.

You can’t pin them down for much of anything.

Of course it makes sense.

If one were always particular and systematic, they would more likely to be a CPA or an engineer than an artist.

I am sure there are countless exceptions.

But money and managers does not even change the superstars talked about here.

Because of the vagaries of working with artists, Dr. Luke rarely schedules sessions more than a day ahead. “Their plans always change,” he says, trying not to sound irritated. “An artist is sick. Or an artist was going to work this week, but she got a corporate gig in Saudi Arabia and the guy is going to pay her a million dollars. I mean, a zillion things.” His voice goes up high with frustration. “Their boyfriend broke up with them. They met a guy and they’re going away to Hawaii. So planning is sort of useless.”

-John Seabrook, The Song Machine

How Much Do Touring Musicians Make?

How Much Do Touring Musicians Make?

How should I know how much touring musician make.

That’s a stupid question anyway.

I mean, think about it.

Does Joe Schmo artist XYZ make anywhere near the ballpark of what Taylor Swift or Rihanna make?

Of course not. The figures on these kinds of things vary so widely that we can’t generalize much at all.

And while the quote below is probably true for the top 1% of hit-making musicians out there, it is not universal.

Countless musicians naturally make more from music sales then from touring.

But what do I know?

But because the money is in ticket sales, not record sales, nonstop touring is the norm, and record making has to be fit into breaks in the grueling schedule.

-John Seabrook, The Song Machine