… and we don’t mean asking for tips!
If you’re an independent musician, you’ve probably played a show where the only payment was “exposure.” And while exposure can be valuable, it doesn’t pay the bills. But what if I told you that you could get paid—real money—even for gigs that don’t come with a paycheck?
The secret? BMI Live.
1. Get Paid for Performing Your Own Songs—Even When the Venue Doesn’t Pay You
Every time you play one of your original songs in a public venue, you’re technically earning performance royalties—even if the gig itself is unpaid. Organizations like BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) track live performances and pay songwriters for their work.
That’s right—BMI will literally send you money just for playing your own songs.
How to Start Earning Royalties for Your Gigs:
- Sign up with BMI as a songwriter (it’s free!).
- Register your original songs in the BMI system.
- Submit your setlists through BMI Live—this tells BMI where and when you performed your songs.
- Get paid! BMI collects licensing fees from venues and distributes them to artists like you.
Even a casual open mic at a coffee shop can put royalties in your pocket. The more you perform your originals, the more you earn. Over time, these royalties add up significantly, especially if you’re gigging often.
And it’s not just BMI—other performing rights organizations like ASCAP and SESAC have similar programs. But BMI’s free registration and easy setlist submission make it a no-brainer for independent artists.
Other Ways to Monetize Every Gig
2. Sell Your Merch (Even If You Don’t Have a Merch Table)
Merch is one of the easiest ways to make money at a gig. If the venue allows it, set up a merch table with CDs, vinyl, shirts, stickers, or anything your audience might want. But even if there’s no official space, get creative:
- Wear your merch onstage so people ask about it.
- Mention it from the mic (“If you like the music, I’ve got some T-shirts over here!”).
- Have a QR code on your phone or guitar case that links to your online store.
People love supporting artists they connect with—make it easy for them!
3. Collect Emails (Your Future Money Maker)
Building an email list is like putting money in the bank. Every gig is a chance to connect with new fans who might buy tickets, stream your music, or back your next project.
- Pass around a clipboard or iPad for sign-ups.
- Offer a free song download in exchange for an email.
- Use a QR code to direct people to a sign-up page.
The more engaged fans you have on your list, the more you can monetize future shows, merch drops, and releases.
4. Promote Streaming & Digital Sales
If you’re playing for free, turn that audience into digital revenue:
- Mention your Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp pages.
- Have a QR code that links directly to your music.
- Tell a story about a song before you play it to encourage people to stream it later.
Every stream counts toward royalties, and fans are more likely to listen if they connect with the music live.
5. Build Relationships for Higher-Paying Gigs
Playing a gig for free can still be an investment if it leads to better opportunities. Use the time to:
- Network with other artists, venue owners, and event organizers.
- Ask for introductions to booking agents or festival coordinators.
- Capture high-quality video or photos to promote yourself for paid gigs.
A well-played free gig can lead to paid private events, festivals, or residencies down the line.
6. Play Cover Songs Strategically
If you mix covers into your set, choose songs registered with BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC—because venues are legally required to pay PROs for live performances of these songs. This means artists (including you, if your songs are registered!) are earning royalties whenever they’re performed.
7. Use Gigs to Fund Other Music Income Streams
A gig—even an unpaid one—can serve as a launchpad for other income sources:
- Promote your Patreon or crowdfunding campaigns.
- Tease upcoming paid shows.
- Offer private lessons or workshops.
Every gig is an opportunity to convert fans into long-term supporters who will invest in your music career.
Final Thoughts
Most musicians don’t realize how much money they’re leaving on the table by not registering their songs and submitting their setlists to BMI. Even if you’re playing for free, BMI royalties ensure you’re still getting compensated.
So next time you step on stage—even at an unpaid gig—make sure you’re getting paid for every original song you perform. Because your music is valuable, and you deserve to earn from it.
Want more music business tips? Follow The Song Spot for more insights on making your music career profitable!