Most musicians have to find alternative sources of revenue, as they build their career. Here are a few examples of what other musicians do to supplement their income:

If you are an Equity member, you can do walk on parts in TV shows, or even speaking parts, which pay more.

Film and TV extras get paid for standing around a lot.

Bar work is always popular as you can leave quickly.

Many musicians earn money working part time in music related shops – record stores or musical instrument shops – this can be a good way of cutting the cost of acquiring necessary items e.g. records for dj’s because you often get staff discounts.  It can also be a great way of meeting people who could help you find other work in a related field.

Good live engineers who are the ‘in house engineer’ for the venue can expect to get £50-60 per night. If you work for just one band on the night (you would typically work with the same band because you know their sound) you can expect to receive £25-40. You should also get pd’s (per diems) if you are working away from your hometown to cover food and expenses.

Work in the studio at a low level is not well paid (if at all) – tape ops will often just get experience and their expenses.

Backline technician for band – commonly known as a roadie (roadcrew) – these people make sure all the bands gear works on the night and is set up correctly on stage, guitars tuned etc – £30-150 per day dependent upon experience, responsibility, type of band worked for (level of success), how much the band can afford.

Transport / Driving for bands - £50-100 per day (must be able to drive and hire vans).

Walk on parts at identity parades can be quite lucrative - contact your nearest police station.

Experiments - some musicians forsake their potential future health to take part in medical ‘research’. It pays very well and enables them to buy the latest equipment. Can present a potential risk to long term health however.

Postal delivery … if you can get out of bed in the morning, you have the rest of the day free to write tunes.

Some musicians resort to criminal activity - avoid this at all costs.