Your Friends Will Pay
Sadly, this is not some sort of sinister comic-book style supervillain threat… it’s just the truth. When you’re in a developing band, and you’re trying to get people out to shows, or trying to sell the first few shirts/download cards/CDs/what-have-you, you’ll most likely start by telling your close friends. When you do, please keep something in mind… your friends will all ask you to get in to the show for free, to be on the guestlist, to have a free copy of the record, free shirt, etc. But the truth of the matter is, if your friends are supportive of you and your efforts, they should be the first ones willing to reach into their pockets to pay your asking price. They, of all people, should know how much hard work you’ve put into your music, and everything that goes along with it, because they’ve most likely been with you through it all. So there really shouldn’t be an issue for them to pay a few dollars to support you. Let your friends know that you need to keep the limited number of free spots/discs/etc. open so you can use them on potential business partners who you might be interested in working with instead. They’ll understand.
Of course, it should be mentioned that you shouldn’t be milking your friends either… they shouldn’t be expected to show up for every single gig, or buy every single new merch-item you release, but if and when they want something, or want to come out to support, don’t be guilted into letting them have it for free, simply because they’re your friend.
Just make sure they know how very much their support means to you.
