for the musicians: how do you deal with....

[fasstrack]

.

Hustling and hustlers? It's part of the game. I like getting out there, it beats the hell out of staying home, right? And little by little, I guess by attrition things are starting to happen. But it wears on my nerves. Tonight I took the first Monday night off from 'hanging' w/the axe and sitting in, etc.

Not many of you are NYers, so I'll tell you one thing: this is a hustler's town. Too many pigs feeding at too small a trough. People I haven't met walking up to me w/their CD---like I'm working and stuff.

For me I'm learning that patience and treating people well and fairly goes a long way.

What are you guys/gals experiences in your respective towns/scenes?

Edited May 2, 2006 by fasstrack

[Joe G]

I leave all that to GregN.

[Chuck Nessa]

I leave all that to GregN.

[fasstrack]

I leave all that to GregN.

Gimme his #, MF

[Soul Stream]

What do you mean exactly by hutslers and hustling? Are you talking about other musicians hustling for gigs? If so, that's just part of the landscape. The best way to deal with it is to....

1. be a very good musician

2. be easy to work with

3. don't dump out on a gig on a leader, the the week of a gig, for better gig.

4. don't bitch about money

5. don't talk shit about other musicians

Of course, you can skip all these if you're the best in town. You'll get hired anyway.

[fasstrack]

What do you mean exactly by hutslers and hustling? Are you talking about other musicians hustling for gigs? If so, that's just part of the landscape. The best way to deal with it is to....

1. be a very good musician

2. be easy to work with

3. don't dump out on a gig on a leader, the the week of a gig, for better gig.

4. don't bitch about money

5. don't talk shit about other musicians

Of course, you can skip all these if you're the best in town. You'll get hired anyway.

Funny. But you really shouldn't skip 'em. especially the being nice part. That'll last longer than we or our music will.

Shit talking will never die, sad-to-say. Too many jealous unemployed morons for that to happen. A no brainer to survive longer than the Norwegian rat.....

Edited May 2, 2006 by fasstrack

[fasstrack]

What do you mean exactly by hutslers and hustling? Are you talking about other musicians hustling for gigs?

All of it. The grind of hunting down gigs, people in your face when you're trying to get something your own self. The gig-stealers, the undersellers, etc. I mean I try to get out there as much as possible and it's not hard for me to put out a good vibe because I believe in it and am naturally upbeat. But, Jesus does this shit wear on my nerves after a while. The machinations undergone for a little $50 gig, etc. The people giving you cards and CDs unasked. It's embarrassing and depressing sometimes.

The upside is when you find something your self-esteem rightfully rises geometrically, especially if you try to be a class act and live by the golden rule or at least one of its cousins. Plus, I'd rather be in NY than anywhere on earth and be accepted on the scene here. I'm actually having the time of my life playing right now. But the hustling part.......You got the next chorus:

Edited May 2, 2006 by fasstrack

[GregN]

I leave all that to GregN.

I only provide hookers these days.

[Jim Alfredson]

I leave all that to GregN.

I only provide hookers these days.

Only ugly ones, too.

[fasstrack]

I leave all that to GregN.

I only provide hookers these days.

Only ugly ones, too.

You must be really, really popular then.

Among guys that can't get any, no matter what they try.

And lepers.

Edited May 2, 2006 by fasstrack

[GregN]

I leave all that to GregN.

I only provide hookers these days.

Only ugly ones, too.

If you were doing Hip Hop the story would be different. I could even get pizza!!