Check it out! I'm maybe gonna be a Roadie!

[Headphones Dude]

As some of you may know, I got a job being a bouncer for this african resteraunt in Pioneer square(we're right next to the Catwalk, can't miss it). They have this african music band that shows up there every saturday to play for a few hours, and then they pack their shit and leave. But one of the guys in the band asked me when I complained about my job search "Hey, you wanna go to the east coast with me?" (in a thick african accent), and I asked "What do you mean? On tour??", and he said "Exactly! I'll need someone like you to help set up equipment....", and I literally jumped up and said "Hell yeah!"...

But, I've never really done this sort of work before. Just wanted to know if anybody out there has. I mean, how hard can it be? Plug in some amps, set up a drum kit, set up some lights, blah blah blah blah, then just chill while the band plays, then unpack the gear, load into the van, and go to the next city...I've never been to the east coast before, so that would be pretty cool, but I don't think there'd be any chance for me to check out east coast parties or anything like that. I'm sure it could get boring and repetitive, and living in a van with other band members might get old after awhile. But it sounds like alot of fun too.....

What do you guys think? Sound like the perfect summer job or should I decline?

[ILikeSugar]

Hell fucking yeah!!! I definitely think you should accept! It sounds like a hella cool opportunity to travel to the east coast and set up for the band.

It sounds like a perfect summer job. I'm from the east coast, so I'm experiencing hella envy right now. :D

I think you should go for it and enjoy yourself. :D

julissa

[Gunesh]

If you enjoy hard work, I would do it. Its not easy, but would be really rewarding. Musicians tend to be anal about how they like their rig set up, so if you can deal with that, I would go for it!

I don't know if you'll have to set up mikes or anything like that, but learn how to wrap your cords neatly! Helps in the long run.

peace,

jahrü

[Godlike]

i suppose now would be a good time to ask HD if he would like his records back.

[Headphones Dude]

Well Godlike, I would, but I owe hella to my landlord at the moment, and I feel really bad for asking to borrow that money from you. Because I have no clue when I can get it back to you. If you want to sell em' off, I'd let you....A deal was a deal....

[AlexNUMB]

Aaron--

I've been doing this shit on a weekend by weekend basis. it's fun, but kinda sucks sometimes...

check out: http://www.roadie.net

--Alex

[Popeye]

i had a friend who did it for country bands.

it isn't so bad, can be fun... but the draw back is not really having a home for a long time. you start missing being in one place.

[Godlike]

dude.. don't worry about it..

you still live at the same place? i'll swing by at some point with them

[cristina]

That is what I do for a living... it stops being glamorous very soon.... Make sure they give you a per-diem (daily cash pocket for food etc.) if they don't provide catering, and pay for your accomodation, also it is customary to sign a contract before you live town.... a know quite a few newbies that got screwed over. Email me if you need more info, take care, Cristina

[Headphones Dude]

Yes I do godlike, and I am sooo sorry I never told you this sooner.

The band that I'm going to be helping is mainly just going to be playing african music. So far, their setup just consists of 2 guitarists, 1 basist, 1 drummer, and 2 singers. We're not exactly talking a big budget band, but I guess the dude who wants my help just basicly wants to get booked all along the east coast and sell his cd. Doesn't sound to bad. But, and a big but, I have no idea who the heck is sponsoring this trip. The band right now, barely breaks even playing where I bounce at.

This is because of a few reasons. The location is sorta out of the way from where all the pioneer square action is at. People ask me all the time where the other clubs are. Since they spin no house/techno music, alot of the party crowd seems to thumb their noses at this place. But all the same, the main clientel (everybody from africa who comes to get down to the band and dj) don't want to listen to house music! So that's kinda one teeny tiny problem.

The 2nd, is their damn guest list. Everybody in the band invites their gf's and friends to get in free. But then they always complain they never make money. Gee, you think this may have something to do with it?

Third, is the business itself. It's a resteraunt, and it has a rep for being open until 4am. Basicly, about the only place to go to get grub that late. But, if a customer just wants to eat, or get take out, I have to let them in free of charge. The resteraunt makes money, the band and dj don't. The band doesn't think this is fair, and has started to get mad at the owner, but I look it from their point too. If they don't make money, I don't make money. Oh, and did I mention this is the only job I have that puts food on my tabel and gives me pocket money? (I'm that bad off, these guys are either going to make or break me)

Oh yeah, almost forgot. The owner doesn't advertise. I think that's a big mistake, because all he'd have to do is advertise in the stranger, and then lots of different people would maybe show up. The band spends about $140 in advertising, but the owner doesn't spend a cent. Funny business practice huh?

Uh anyway, where I was going with this, is I'm hoping the singer isn't pulling my leg if he's really going to whisk me away from seattle for awhile, but then I end up more broke than when I left, due to some fucked up circumstances. What are you guys suggesting I do before I leave? Get some contracts stating how much I want to make, or just cross my fingers and hope for the best? I don't know a whole lot about african music, but I'm hoping there's more of a demand for it there than here, or I'll have Stupid tattooed on my forehead the day I return to the rave scene........

[ 05-07-2001: Message edited by: Headphones Dude ]

[Effendi]

Dude, I ran set-up for a couple of Rock Bands in the Late eighties and early ninties. It was fun but alot of work. I remember tearing down, (It's quicker than setting up, but still takes hours) being tired as fuck and then heading out to the next city to set-up.
Maybe it wouldn't be so Bad with a smaller band, but I was working for a couple of Massive tours, and even though it was "Glamourous" saying you worked for so and so, what I really remember is all the hard ass work. Even though the money was "Good" it takes alot to live on the road and saving it just didn't seem to exist in my world.
But you should do it, because it is fun and you get to go to all the different big cities. Especially being young, Jump on it!!!
Peace Out!!! Scott!!! :cool:

[Godlike]

contracts is where it's at.


what day would be good to swing by?

[Headphones Dude]

I'm free tonight, and probably tommorrow night as well. I'll be very pleased to see you and have a bazillion appologies when you do.....

Good news though. Got a job finally. When I catch up on rent, you just may get your reward down the road(May take you out for a night on my treat or somethin). I like to keep my promises, and even though I screwed up this time, I won't let you down....

[Headphones Dude]

Oh yeah, just an update for the folks....I just got a job today(FINALLY after looking for almost 2 months!), so I'm not sure if I'll be getting into the roadie biz. Sure it sounded like fun, but I don't know if I was really going to do it or not. Besides, the band never called me yet.....I have to work mornings and weekends, so I may have to give up my bouncing job anyhoo......

[Headphones Dude]

Ummm Godlike, how does tommorrow night sound? I got to be up early for my new job. Better not make it tonight....

[Headphones Dude]

Ummm Godlike, how does tommorrow night sound? I got to be up early for my new job. Better not make it tonight....