About 75 years ago, when being a music artist for a living was becoming something people did, there was the idea of paying your dues.
And paying your dues has always been associated with going out on the road. Slugging it out. Bad clubs, bad pay, bad pizza…but you had to do it. You were paying your dues. And it was pretty awesome.
Let me say here…it’s a good thing its PAY your dues and not GIVE your dues. When you PAY you get something in return. And for those of us who paid those dudes…we did. I did. You did. We got a lot in return.
(And also paying your dues on the road meant that you were engaging in the music business, you were pro active…not waiting on the music business while sitting in your bedroom playing your guitar all day)
But I’m wondering if ‘paying your dues’ is changing.
When I moved to Nashville everyone was still paying dues via the road…but I just don’t see it as much anymore.
I don’t see new bands racing out and playing 200 shows as fast as possible.
Particularly in the last five years, how has the definition changed?
How does a new artist pay their dues now?
If it’s not the road…What is the new daily, weekly, monthly active practice of a new artist to participate in their maturity and having their eyes opened?
Hit me back on this one. I’d love to have your input.
***I’ll still argue that regardless of technology and a changing music business…getting out there and playing 200 shows as quickly as possible is a life changing, fun, unforgettable way to pay some dues.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com