Start a local gigging band for bars, events and weddings

Bars, restaurants, breweries, wedding couples, event planners, corporate organizers, and local festivals or fairs.

A flat fee per show, a share of the door or tips at some venues, and extra from private events, which often pay more. Income is split between members after costs like gear, travel and promotion.

• Playing or singing at a solid live standard
• Reliable teamwork and showing up on time
• Basic self-promotion and booking
• Handling money and splitting pay fairly

• Agree a written band agreement on pay splits, who owns the name and what happens if someone leaves
• Venues usually pay for public performance music licenses (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC), but check who is responsible for it at each gig
• General liability insurance may be requested by venues and event organizers, so check the cost
• Check whether you need a local business license, and whether the band should be a partnership or LLC, and how to report income to the IRS
• Gigs can be inconsistent and late-night, and gear and travel costs can eat into pay

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on the gear you already own and what you still need to buy. Check whether venues or organizers ask for general liability insurance, and look at what that would cost.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on how many gigs you book and how pay is split between members. Gigs can be inconsistent and late-night, and gear and travel costs can eat into pay.

Check who is responsible for public performance licenses (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) at each gig, and whether venues want general liability insurance. Also check if you need a local business license, whether to form a partnership or LLC, and how to report income to the IRS.