I'm moving to Phoenix in June/July as some may know. I have read (and searched, Tim
) a few similar topics.
I'm going over some things in preparation for the move, and would like to get an idea on what I can/should be making. Currently I do mostly rock bar/club gigs, up to 250 people. 2 18" subs, 2 15" mains, 4 monitors, 2 monitor mixes. What are bands makin in the Phoenix area? What should I expect to make. I dont want to be the highest price, but I dont want to be the lowest either, as this is my sole income and want to stay competitive and not cut myself short. However losing business and/or not making enough money for bills isnt what I want either.
Eventually I will get around to upgrading to two more subs, two dual 15" mains, and a total of 4 mixes. Maybe a small light rig to simply light things up (12 pars).
I'm going to start promoting my business to get a bug in bands ears, and hope to work consistently with a few bands and venues. Right now I can be up and running within an hour, and about 45min to strike. Most shows I normally do are 4hrs of band time (9-1 or 10-2). I've got several years in turning knobs, but have been in "business" for almost 2 years. Again, this is my sole income. Moving up from bars/clubs is something I'm not opposed to once feasable. I always have happy bands and venues, and I am very easy to work with, along with being good at communicating. I am a one person operation. I also play break music if desired. I dont currently rent, and I mix everything myself. I have about $9k invested in equipment, and $2k in my trailer.
As for pricing a gig, should I give them breakdowns (hourly, transportation, etc), should I give them options concerning what equipment I bring and what they pay for?
So I guess what I am getting at is the desire for a MINIMUM price, and going up when necessary. Having a price for the gear "rental" and my time mixing and setting up would be nice, in (rare) cases I just walk in and mix. Hopefully I have provided you with enough of the right information to help me out.