A tale of 2 free gigs.

Here's my experience with a free gig, I took online and a contrast to another one I won't be taking.

The first is "Twitter Symphony" organized by Composer Chip Michael. This gig was a huge musical challenge. It involved re-learning skills I've not used in some time, upgrading my studio setup and countless hours of practice. In the time working with Chip, he's promoted my music right along with his own. He has also worked tirelessly to find us means of monetary compensation. All that work is ongoing. This is a true joint venture, even though my role is subordinate to Chip's direction of the ensemble.

The next is Amanda Palmer's effort to get free musicians to back her on her current tour. Well you get a T-shirt, a hug, and smoke blown up your ass. The key difference here is AFP has already FOUND the money. She just doesn't see any need to share it. Amanda has one of the most followed accounts on Twitter. Do you think she'll take the minimal effort it would take to post a soundcloud link of her all-volunteer string quartet? Not likely. Plus she can easily afford minimum scale for each city on this tour. If the Musicians' Union is worth a damn (debatable in another post) they should shut these shows down.

Ms. Palmer "doesn't see the problem" with her actions. The problem is she knows perfectly well her fame and goodwill in the indie community can save her $500 per production in costs. That is exploitation pure and simple. It is wrong, and for someone who got a million upfront from her fans really ought to get in touch with the reality of the situation. Upfront fee or not, these aren't free performances she is giving.

I'm hoping some of the exploited musicians blog about their experiences. But I'm pretty sure playing with AFP a couple tunes is going to do as much for your "exposure" as waving in the background behind a news camera.