The Hidden Costs of Touring as a Small-Time Musician
Touring as a small-time musician can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. From playing in new cities and meeting fans to honing your craft on stage every night, it’s a dream come true for many aspiring artists. However, as with any profession, there are hidden costs that are often overlooked in the excitement of touring. In this article, we’ll delve into the not-so-glamorous side of touring and shed light on the hidden costs that small-time musicians must face. So if you’re thinking about hitting the road, make sure you’re aware of these additional expenses before you book those tour dates.
The Cost of Travel
The first and most obvious cost of touring is the expense of travel. As a small-time musician, you may not have the luxury of a tour bus or private jet. Instead, you’ll most likely be traveling by van or car, which means paying for gas, insurance, and maintenance. Depending on the distance of your tour and the efficiency of your vehicle, this cost can add up quickly. Not to mention the toll it can take on your body, as long hours on the road can lead to fatigue and potential health issues.
Accommodation Costs
Unless you have family or friends in every city you’re playing, you’ll also need to budget for accommodation. While some venues may offer a place for you and your band to crash, most will not. This means having to book a hotel or Airbnb for each night of your tour. And let’s not forget about food – unless you’re planning to live off granola bars and fast food, you’ll also need to budget for meals while on the road.
Merchandise and Marketing Expenses
In addition to travel and accommodation, there are also costs associated with promoting and selling your music while on tour. This includes the production of merchandise like t-shirts, CDs, and stickers, as well as the cost of advertising and promoting your shows. While these expenses can be offset by merchandise sales and ticket revenue, it’s important to remember that they are still costs that need to be factored into your overall budget.
Equipment and Instrument Maintenance
If you’re a musician, you know how important it is to have reliable and well-maintained instruments and equipment. However, when you’re on the road, wear and tear can take a toll on even the sturdiest gear. From broken strings and drum heads to blown speakers and malfunctioning amps, the cost of repairs and replacements can quickly add up on tour.
Transportation and Insurance for your Gear
Speaking of gear, transporting it from one show to the next can also come with a hefty price tag. Whether you’re renting a trailer or shipping your gear, you’ll need to make sure it’s safe and insured. This can be especially tricky if you’re touring internationally, as different countries may have different policies and regulations for transporting equipment. And let’s not forget the potential cost of lost or damaged gear – an unfortunate reality for many musicians on tour.
The Hidden Costs of Time and Energy
While the financial costs of touring are certainly significant, there are also hidden costs in terms of time and energy. As a small-time musician, you may not have a large crew to help with set-up and breakdown or a team of professionals to handle promotion and logistics. This means that you and your bandmates will be responsible for managing all aspects of the tour, from driving to sound-checks to handling merchandise sales. This can be physically and mentally exhausting, and can also take away from the time you have to enjoy and explore new cities while on the road.
In Conclusion
Touring as a small-time musician can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that it comes with its fair share of hidden costs. From the financial expenses of travel, accommodation, and promotions to the time and energy required to manage it all, being aware of these additional costs is crucial for a successful and sustainable tour. So before you pack up the van and hit the road, make sure you have a solid budget in place to avoid any unexpected financial surprises.
