Saving tips for broke bands Part 1: Trail Of Dead, Sigh, Black Anvil

From the legend of the “starving artist” to Woody Guthrie illegally used trains to tour record labels, promoters and clubs that exploit bands. Artists have struggled to make ends meet since the dawn of… (commercial) art. And we haven’t even mentioned equipment theft, broken down delivery trucks and natural disasters (until we just did).

Resilient bands sometimes overcome such hurdles thanks to the generosity of their fans, if the musicians are smart and clever enough to build, grow and maintain their fan base. Other bands get (bigger) through contracts that affect their music, merchandise, touring and marketing. Still-busted bands, however, manage to succeed by keeping their costs low – or just getting lucky.

Due to inflation, corporations treating artists like slaves, streaming services and other new technologies, the cost of being a band is now higher than ever. Compounding the dilemma is the fact that ticket sales – even for club concerts – are skyrocketing, not only because bands need more money to stay out of the red, but also because small venues are struggling financially.

How long this particularly bad financial crisis will last is uncertain. But musicians have one invaluable talent: resourcefulness. No band has ever achieved lasting strength without the ability to adapt – especially on extremely short notice. From a guitarist restringing his guitar after a string breaks, to drummers playing with broken bones, to bands sharing equipment with other groups on the same tour, creative thinking goes a long way. The same goes for community, camaraderie, and… (in a joking tone) a can-do spirit!

A few years ago, New noise started asking musicians for tips on how to stay financially responsible on tour and in other ways. From innovative ideas to simple promotions to clever approaches to stunts that may be illegal, musicians told us countless ways bands cut corners and make every penny count in times of high inflation.

Here’s what they had to say:

Trail of the Dead Drummer and co-frontman Jason Reece

“The best way to deal with (financial stress) is to collaborate with other bands and share things like equipment and transportation. Sometimes that really helps (offset costs) when a band doesn’t have the money. And when you’re touring with a band, you have to be able to trust that they’re not going to kill you. So try to make the tour financially feasible for everyone. Trail of Dead did that a few times: we made new friends and made sure none of us went home broke. Don’t come home broke… like we did with the Coathangers and Alex Henry Foster.

“Share a drum kit or bass and guitar cabs (with the bands you’re touring with). Little things like that add up and help, you know? We’re always thinking about (those options) because sometimes (on Trail of Dead) budgets are a little tighter and sometimes (more doable). We toured the world once and only brought our guitar. I know that sounds crazy, but it was like improvising the whole time. Realize that you’re all working together for a common goal. That helps.

Sigh Frontman Mirai Kawashima

“(Japan imports) a lot of things, (but when) there is inflation in other countries, it inevitably hits us too. (As for cost-cutting), we usually play as a four-piece, even though we have five members. I used to only sing, but now I’m back to playing bass as well. It’s impossible for us to bring five or six members to the U.S. because airfares are almost double or triple what they were before COVID. It’s crazy. I’m sure all musicians are struggling with this.”

“(How to save money) depends on where you live. If you are in Europe or the US, it is much easier to organize tours. Japan is an isolated country. Wherever you go, you have to take a plane, which costs a lot.”

Black Anvil Lead singer and bassist Paul Delaney

“This is a personal thing, but I buy socks when I tour and wear them until they wear out. Because I could spend $25 (airline baggage fee) and take them on tour, but what’s the point? This is probably the uncoolest thing someone in a black metal band can say, but…

Team up with the guy at the printing shop to help you transport your merchandise. Friends and family will help. Or just don’t go on tour. Stay home and be miserable. This is actually really good advice (considering) that prices are still going up but the guarantees are the same every night. My other advice is don’t be miserable.”

(Want to share your own tips for saving money when you’re in a band? Contact us and maybe we’ll include your advice in a future installment of this series.)