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Pat,

I wish you luck with your music business. You are in an area with a lot of possible venues, so you should do well.

Having said that, I must disagree with this statement: "The gear required to be a band, solo act, DJ, karaoke act is 90% the same."

A single act can usually get away with a very small PA, maybe even a single powered speaker and a small mixer, a mic and a stand, or one of the Bose systems. A DJ, on the other hand, is going to need a lot more thump, which would include two larger mains and a pair of subs, and the amps to drive them. Powered speakers or power amps? Bi-amped? Going to need a Driverack? Rack for rackmount gear? Big difference in cost and size. Another consideration is the venues you expect to play. Small, large, indoors or outdoors? These each have their own challenges audio-wise. A system that is adequate in a restaurant may be totally worthless on an outdoor stage.


This is good advice... part of the reason I want to spread out is because I have so much gear that it exceeds what I would need for any one type of venue. I bought my PA from a DJ who was moving. It has thump if I need it.

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If you plan to cover so many bases (single, DJ, Karaoke) you are probably going to need two systems - one small and one killer thumper. You aren't going to carry a pair of subs in your car along with mains, amp rack, guitars, etc.. Now you're into a trailer, and all the associated costs that go with it.


I have a truck with an enclosed/lockable bed for hauling gear. The people I am hooked up with for providing a full band do have a trailer with everything imaginable in it. If there was ever an outdoor gig, it would most likely be with the whole band.

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I'm not trying to throw cold water on your plans. Just saying that you might want to start small and go from there. You might find that you can get all the restaurant work you can handle as a single, and drive to gigs in your car.

I agree completely!. One thing at a time, see how it goes. If I can keep it simple and make some money, that would definitely be the way to go. But if I find myself losing out to DJs, I am not above fighting fire with fire. Gotta adapt!

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You say that you want to do this as a business - then you might want to keep detailed records of your expenditures: equipment, gas, vehicle maintenance, etc. so you can figure out your ROI. It also helps to keep a "book" containing every contact you make, manager's name and number, every gig you play, and to keep track of future bookings.

I know that advice is cheap, and I don't want to meddle, but having done this for a long time, there are mistakes I've made that I would hope you could avoid.


excellent words of wisdom! Thanks!

Regarding ROI... most of the investment has already been made. What remains to be seen is the return part.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0