Static Live Magazine December 2020

RING!
A Day in the Life of a
Gigging Musician
BY ADAM FLOYD
RING in the holidays and the new year for that
matter. Working musicians are at our busiest
this time of year. Lots of parties everywhere.
Homes and offices, streets and bars are filled
with revelers. With recent events it seems
everyone wants to blow off some steam. We
can’t disappoint the masses and I want to fill the
coffers with cash so it’s time to dive in.
Gig musicians need to keep our holiday season
music fresh and sharp. It’s a good idea to review
the tunes in the summer so they are ready when
the time comes. When the holiday season is in
full swing, it’s too late. Singing seven nights a
week, dealing with an agent and the venues,
working out schedules with other performers.
Meanwhile the rigors of life don’t slow down. Stay
ready, don’t get ready. Plus, I like most of the
holiday songs even if I tire of them by the time
New Year’s Eve rolls around.
One fun way to add a little zip to tunes I have
played since early childhood is to perform them
on a bunch of different instruments. Try the
season’s favorites on a simple fife or ukulele. Get
a recorder or a harmonica. It gives me a chance
to work up my musical skills while the audience
really gets a thrill. Something about seeing the
tunes played well, on simple folk instruments,
makes for real inspiration, even if it’s easy for the
musician.
This is also a good time to shout out to all the
special someones. If your partner is playing
music all month and you don’t get much alone
time - never fear! It will all be over soon and you
can go back to the normal routine of only being
ignored on weekends and practice nights. You
can bet your sweet potato that when you do get
some loving, it will be passionate and from the
deep heart of an artist!
When we play three gigs a day it can be a bit
much. I try to eat right and avoid heavy drinking
to stay fit. My party comes later when the crowds
have gone home. Also, beware of traffic which
can be much worse in the season’s rush. I can’t
be late because all of these events depend on
ME! Planning ahead, stocking the fridge and
leaving most equipment in the vehicle are a few
of the ways I cope with the onslaught.
Keep your business card out and visible at the
gigs. Make sure to mention on the mic that you
are available and love doing events. Most people
don’t know any professional musicians and some
are looking to book last minute parties. This one
tactic could add thousands to my holiday season
payday. Get noticed by the movers and shakers
in office buildings or hotels and the season can
really make your cash register RING!