Simply put, very often the factor in landing great-paying (or rewarding) gigs, and advancing your career is your professionalism. The music business is that, a business, like any other. Musicians are often disdained for having a less-than-stellar business philosophy (or none at all), and often rightly so. If you want to be a successful musician, which usually means making enough money to support yourself, or at the very least, earn supplemental income on a regular basis, then these tips will help.

TIP 1. USE YOUR CLOCK

If you think the metronome or drummer is the most important timekeeper in music, it’s not. Want to ensure your career takes off and stays on track? Show up 30 minutes before everyone else to the gig. Never, under any circumstances be late. This may seem simplistic or obvious, but among musicians, it is the exception, not the rule. Showing up consistently on time tells bandleaders and venue managers alike that you respect their efforts and are there to give your best. I can attest from personal experience that I have won gigs simply because I showed up on time, while the other guy showed up late, drunk, or not at all. Time is money.

TIP 2. PRACTICE AT HOME/RESPECT THE CREW

You can always tell amateurs on a gig when there is 3 minutes of noodley riffs between songs. Another common affliction is the beginning of every tune being a two minute loop of the opening riff, followed by the rest of the band sort-of playing along until it gets rolling.

This goes for the soundcheck as well. No one cares if you can blast out 32nd note 8-finger arpeggios, or play Geddy Lee’s hardest bass riffs. Especially not the sound crew or bar staff who are setting up for the evening. And absolutely, under no circumstances will you do any of that while setting up in front of a venue’s dinner crowd, unless the soundman tells you it’s time to do so. That is the number one quickest way to never get invited back. The same applies to drummers – tune your drums before the gig. Leave only the most critical tuning adjustments for soundcheck, and do it quickly. 5 minutes for tuning, tops. Play only when you are asked to check your rig and vocal mic. Respect the soundman and stage crew. They’ve dealt with every kind of ego. Imagine how they will feel about you if you show them respect and appreciation for what they do.

TIP 3: CARRY AN EXTRA CABLE

This is really a general recommendation to keep you gear in working order at all times. Make sure that you have an extra of everything you need to make music. Play enough, and things will break at the gig. When it does, the professionals are the ones with a backup of everything. Spare strings; a spare amp (especially if you play a tube amp); a spare mic; spare batteries; wrenches and screwdrivers; reeds – everything essential to make sure there is no reason you can’t execute the services for which you are being paid as a professional.

TIP 4: ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

There’s nothing worse than a whiny or argumentative musician, especially when they are within earshot of the venue staff, or worse, customers. We’ve all had crappy gigs – do this long enough and you’ll have your share. If you must whine or argue, do it in private, and think about what you’re about to say – words can’t be taken back once they’re spoken. This is a tough one too, because as musicians, we are usually passionate about our art. Remember though, a gig, regardless of the atmosphere, is business first and art second, at least for the professional. Leave the discussions and discipline for the next band meeting, and a time when everyone is sober. Which leads to…

TIP 5: BEWARE THE CHEMICAL ELEMENT

This is the big one, and I saved it for last. Because if you only take one thing from this article, this is it: Getting “trashed” (a heavily altered state of mind and body, regardless of choice of chemical) at your gigs will derail your career and/or reputation faster than anything else. Misspoken words cannot be taken back, but drunken actions are worth 1000 misspoken words, or worse.

I won’t pretend to be a saint. I’ve played my fair share of chemically-influenced gigs. More early than later in my career, but I know it had a detrimental and adverse affect. Whether it was the way I performed, or the way I handled myself or my actions during/after the gig, it almost never had a positive effect on my career. You could say I learned the hard way.

Is it okay to indulge during a gig? I’ll just put it this way: Know your limit, truthfully, and stop well in advance of reaching it. If you feel the need to drink more than one beer a set, or go onstage so stoned you don’t remember all the lyrics or breaks in all your songs, then you’re probably not being honest with yourself about your limits. As for the crowds who insist on partying with you, buying you shots, and getting you as drunk as they are? Just Google some tips for dealing with that. It is not okay. If the other musicians in your band don’t partake, respect them enough to refrain, lest you become “that guy.” Party after the gig (and the load out)!

I can say, without a doubt, that nearly every band I’ve performed with sadly had at least one alcoholic, or “gigging alcoholic” in it’s ranks. None of these bands made it past the “play in the bars and try to get to the next level” stage. Most ended in anger and bitterness. They almost always do. When you’re young and inexperienced, the last thing you want while trying to grow your career is that monkey on your back. Believe me, he’s a very heavy load. Just say “No.” Disassociate yourself from it. If you’re in it now, start devising an exit strategy, either for yourself, or the offending party. Even if you manage to get along with the other person(s), you’ll most likely become guilty by association. In other words, your career will suffer because of their actions. The real pros will respect you as well, and that’s what you want, right? You don’t go to any other paying job to get trashed. Why should your gigs be any different?

Tags: alcohol, artist, attitude, band, career, development, drinking, gigs, live, music, music biz, music business, musician, professional, show, soundman, tips