From a Pond to a Lake
Ghost of Brian Craig on the icy roads
A lot of musicians like me spend the winter months writing up new songs and working on securing shows in the spring and summer. Observing things from last year to this year - I think it’s a bit more competitive to land a show today versus last year.
A lot of musicians and bands weren’t booking because there were still concerns of COVID in the early months of 22’ which blocked a lot of band practice and booking pursuits. Solo players like me had an easier time landing a show and calendar dates were wide open for a lot of venues.
It has been tougher in 23’ for me to get a show in the calendar and with that I’ve expanded my radius to help widen the music show possibilities. This has helped reduce the stress of not having a show on the books and the self-doubt associated with that. I’ve performed in Portland and on the southern coastline of Oregon to begin learning the most optimal, and economical way to perform a few hundred miles away from home.
It’s been interesting to learn the different music cultures of Oregon during this process. Bend, Redmond and Sisters are very supportive of their local musicians and function as an incubator of sorts for the local talent. I think they also regard live music as a service to help with the venue’s goals of filling tables.
Up north in Portland - I’m sure there are incubator venues there but it seems that the musicians they book are supported by their own fan followings - with venues providing the stage and sound but the band / artist charging at the door. Southern Oregon and around Eugene seems to be a mix of the two - music as a paid service & ticketed shows.
My challenge this year of expanding the radius for Ghost of Brian Craig has been very beneficial. I’ve made journey both north and south and documented my raw expenses. After charting what I’m calling the baseline of expenses I’m able to make a formal business plan and budget to perform around Oregon with a better chance at making a nice profit.
What to do when I’m successful at pulling a profit from being an Oregon Troubadour? Expand to new states or bring on a band? Improve gear and business capital? I’m not sure but the goal is to do it for as long as I possibly can and enjoy the adventures and freedom of playing music on the No Limits Stage.
Here are a couple songs I recorded from my last show at Oxenfre Public House in Brookings, Oregon.