You Austin Tx guys are in a good spot!

[Madison]

My wife and son just got back and gave me a copy of the Austin Chronicle. Browsing through it showed an endless supply of great live music, lots of familiar names. I hope to be in the area permanently within the next 5 years, can't wait!

They did mention seeing Ian Maclagan and the Bump in a tiny club while there.

[rickc007]

Bingo !

You said it, I love this place

Just saw Eric Johnson do a Hendrix tribute at Antones last night

Saw Statesboro Revue the other night - GREAT BAND
You gotta look them up, see them live
http://www.myspace.com/thestatesbororevue

Got Storyville tickets in a couple weeks,
Arc Angels the week after

We're petitioning to get Lance Keltner to do a live set ...

Endless amount of Great Music and Talented musicians here

[Baminated]

Sposda be a great place to showcase originals and see great acts, but not to make a living playing locally from what I've heard from some of my Texan friends

[GarMan]

I love living here, been here awhile. I've considered it my second home, been coming here since I was a kid. Great city.

We just need to sweep away the hipster trash to another city...like College Station...

[huutevar]

Originally Posted by Baminated

Sposda be a great place to showcase originals and see great acts, but not to make a living playing locally from what I've heard from some of my Texan friends

One time I counted all the bands listed in the Chronicle on an average Tuesday night and there were about 75 bands playing that night. That much supply means low demand and not very much money going to the bands.

The other thing about Austin is that the musicians that move here tend to be guitar players and singer/songwriters, so most bass players and drummers go after whatever gig will pay the most on a certain night.

[GarMan]

Originally Posted by huutevar

The other thing about Austin is that the musicians that move here tend to be guitar players and singer/songwriters, so most bass players and drummers go after whatever gig will pay the most on a certain night.

Very true.

Yes. It is a tough competitive music field here in Austin.

[thewhit]

Is it tough to make a living playing in Austin still? When I was hanging out there through the 90's, involved in a different business, I remember even guys like Malford Milligan could barely keep a roof over their heads.

The second question is do club gigs pay decently.........or are there just too many bands?

[GtrWiz]

Yeah tough town to make a living in, didn't used to be... Fortunately there are enough surrounding areas that pay well. Also other cities seem to respect Austin bands/artists more than Austin itself does, so it all evens out.

[GarMan]

Originally Posted by thewhit

The second question is do club gigs pay decently.........or are there just too many bands?

There are a ton of bands here. On top of that, you have a lot of signed artists coming in like every day. There are only so many venues to play at.

There are a ton of Austin musicians that do well. The Scabs charge like $30 at Antones and sell out?

[just42dave]

sure are!!!!!!!!

[traviswalk]

As a former Austinite myself, it's hands down the best city in the world.

[telemike]

They don't call it the live music capitol of the world for nothing. In '04 to '08 I was traveling there 4 to 5 times a year for business. My favorite was the Heybale shows on Sunday nights at the Continental Club. I really miss going there.

[hywelg]

23rd you've got Matt Schofield. Go check him out, you won't regret it.

[GarMan]

Originally Posted by hywelg

23rd you've got Matt Schofield. Go check him out, you won't regret it.

Ahh yes! At the Saxon Pub. That place is really great and cozy.

[bigboy]

Originally Posted by thewhit

Is it tough to make a living playing in Austin still? When I was hanging out there through the 90's, involved in a different business, I remember even guys like Malford Milligan could barely keep a roof over their heads.

The second question is do club gigs pay decently.........or are there just too many bands?

IF you can get a guarantee, it will usually be in the $150 range. Depending on how many members your band has and tips, $50-75 per player per Fri/Sat show is pretty normal. Sun-Thur is less. Sometimes much less. Private gigs are whatever you can get someone to pay.

And yes, there are way too many bands. Very over saturated market. If you have a day gig that lets you play out on Fri/Sat, it's not too bad. Trying to survive off music in the clubs alone is, well... pathetic. Sigh...