The reasons aren't always as obvious as you'd think.

For me, the playing income is now secondary to the contacts for my day business...communications projects/management (packaging, films, brochures, displays, research, etc.) 1/2 my playing work is for existing clients (corporate parties, receptions, etc.). The other half is "fishing". I play upscale restaurants where I meet corporate, university and government officials, as well as business owners and others, who are possible future clients. Clients seem to be impressed by live performance more than visiting a studio or watching a demo reel. A big chunk of my on-going day business was secured from a performance connection.

I don't enjoy OMB work as much as group work, but the OMB stuff produces work for my company. In a perfect world, for fun and profit, I'd play 5 nights a week with my jazz trio, but, sadly, that's not gonna happen.

Years ago, my motivation was to get drunk and laid. Too old (and maybe smart) for that now (sigh).


What about you?


Russ (former out of control musician-now, middle class American) Lay

[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 05-12-2010).]