This has become a big problem in the area lately. Lot of venues and bar gigs are becoming “pay to play” shows lately and it’s pretty sickening. It’s even more sickening that bands would actually go for these “pay to play” scams. Sure, I understand that in order to get gigs, they would do anything it takes just to get your foot  in the door at a venue, bar or a club but “pay to play” is the last thing a band wants to do.

You don’t want to pay to play music at all when you’re the one that should be getting paid, ya know?

How to watch out for “pay to play” schemes? It’s the kind of things where venues give you a bunch of tickets to sell before the show and then you have to give the venue the money you made out of those tickets. They’ll give you a little bit and then they’ll keep their share. That’s pay to play.

Other ways to watch out for “pay to play” is when venues force you to rent the place just to play… that’s “pay to play”.

More info on “pay to play” in these links:

Should You Pay To Play? Here Are The Worst To Best Club Deals In The World

http://neverpaytoplay.com/TIPS/&FAQ.htm

I’m also calling the Capital Region’s, “Move Music Festival” a scam and “pay to play” as well. That festival gets promoted every year and it’s a big time scam that too many bands have falling for. Getting forced to buy these silly wrist bands before the shows is pretty silly. I don’t agree with that festival, I think it’s pretty shady and it needs to go.

Kev