Fair Play for Festivals - it's OK to ask for fair pay
Blog by Musicians' Union under Live, Music Training & Careers
A couple of months ago we wrote about getting on a festival bill. Now that your applications are on their way, it's time to think of the next step - fair terms.
That's where our brand new Fair Play for Festivals agreement with the Association of Independent Festivals comes in. It’s a code of conduct that covers remuneration, logistics, promotion and performance details.
Remuneration is just a fancy way of saying payment. You may be able to negotiate your fee, but festivals should never ask you to pay to play. All payment and ticketing deals should comply with the terms set out in our Fair Play Guide, the method of payment made clear, and festivals should tell you in writing what they need from you in order to pay you.
When it comes to merchandise, it's often reasonable for the festival to charge you commission because they pick up the costs of staffing and infrastructure to sell it. However, that only applies if you are getting a performance fee, and merchandise commission rates should always be agreed in advance.
The logistics part of Fair Play for Festivals looks at issues such as directions and site plans, parking, access and the backstage area. It also highlights the things you might be expected to provide - photography, biographies and tech information.
Setting out clearly what everyone's promotional obligations are is vital. You'll be expected to list the show on whichever social media and other platforms you use to connect with fans. But this should not be one-sided, and Fair Play for Festivals lists the other side's obligations to you as well.
Last but not least, performance details. There's a handy list of things you need to know in advance of your festival performance; arrival times, sound check information, performance times etc. It also covers what to do if the festival wants to record or broadcast your performance, health and safety tips and what should happen if the time of your performance has to change suddenly.
While the agreement only applies with AIF member festivals, you can also use it as a guide when booking slots at other festivals. It's a handy doc to have around, use it as a checklist of things to remember, and get in touch if you have any questions or other issues arise.
Read Fair Play for Festivals, share it and remember it is okay to ask for fair play.
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fair play for festivals, musicians union, unsigned emerging festival slots, play perform at music festival
