of the agency; however, at the
end of the year musicians would
receive a Tax Form 1099 to file
as an “independent contractor.”
Entertainment outfits like Barry
Herman Orchestras for which
my early band worked are still
providing a diverse array of live
entertainment with price tags far
larger than that of independent
bands.
care of electronically/digitally
the seasoned players just show
up and do the gig!”
During the years that demand-
ed bands make the transition
from “old style pop music” to
the new…mainly rock, the older
bands survived by playing what
they always played and extend-
ing the life of the band by hiring
a young singer/guitarist who
Before Facebook and digital devices we couldn’t
efficiently communicate as a band as we do now.
April Kelly says that, “Before
Facebook and digital devices we
couldn’t efficiently communicate
as a band as we do now. We can
group chat and send messages
about songs, send chord charts
electronically, and even rehearse
via Skype -- where years ago, we
had to meet physically to discuss
the music, other details of the
gig, and to rehearse. For Band of
Gold…every detail can be taken
NJ STAGE - ISSUE 46
could perform “top 40” music.
(While still a kid, my son Steve
Conte would often be that top
40 guy. And, boy! Does he have
stories.)
In the pre-digi world, when we
had to learn new songs…we’d
have to buy a whole album for
one song or shop for sheet mu-
sic. A leader might buy the album
then make cassette tape copies
to mail to the musicians for study;
INDEX
NEXT ARTICLE
124