The True Financial Life of a Side Musician 

Doctor: You have 3 months left to live Musician: (sobbing )But how am I going to pay my bills for 3 more months?

In 1992 I was 25 years old and after several years playing clubs (since I was 15), I went on the road professionally in a band. Our food budget was $15/week each. We played 240 shows that year. I made about $10,000. Our rider specified that the promoter had to provide food at the gig. 80% of the time it was a Dominos pepperoni pizza. So much, in fact, that we changed the rider to say "anything but Dominos pepperoni pizza". Our bus had no heat and no water. We'd take sink baths at Hardee's. It was absolutely the best year of my life and it helped to define me as a person.

Don't play music to make money, make money to play music - forgot who said this but I got it from Adam neely xd

I don't make any money, I just play drums just for fun and I'm very successful. Successful at having fun!

Best endscreen i've heard

Be honest, Harry, all that money saved on food and living expenses went straight to the cowbell fund, didn’t it?

I'm an audio engineer....I always felt bad for your side of the glass. When freelancing stopped supporting me, I literally just applied for a job at a studio and got it, the same way you'd go to work in any other field. I truly wish that was how it worked for musicians

Bless you, sir. This is raw beauty. Thank you for sharing your insight on the topic & for keeping strong! Awesome to see you live your dream in the face of consumerism ✊

Hey, it's another Nashville guy. Amazing content man.

You are such an underrated youtuber

"... but the worst rip off in the entire transaction is that I bought into other people's idea that having this material crap is going to help me live the life I want to live, and that my dudes is the cost that keeps on costing me." Amen... my dude.

I get paid in that feeling when you're grooving and you look at your bass and guitar player and they're rocking out. There's no other feeling like it. That's why I still play drums after 30+ years.

I once did a drumming gig that ended up being 8 hours. Got paid $12. This did not cover the $20 parking, gas, or the banana and water that I took along. A homeless guy who had followed us to the parking lot saw this and said, _"Shit man, you got screwed. I made $300 today and didn't do shit."_ But I have taken the advice offered to me by my guitar mentor, the great Zoot Horn Rollo, for finding maximum success in the music business. _"Marry well."_ Indeed, trying to under-bid Josh Freese only leads to more $12 gigs.

I love you so much. And you keep making me love you more!!!!

That might be the most honest assessment of the finances of a professional musician than I have ever seen before. Kudos to you for having the stones to put that out there, and I hope your luck holds!

You've condensed a lot of information into a short monologue. You touch on one of the oldest dichotomies in the world that of Art vs Business and which path should one choose. You talk with a complex rhythm which tells me you've got music in your blood. The trick with any profession is to keep track of the strain it puts on you financially, physically, mentally etc. versus what you get out of it spiritually, emotionally, psychologically which it sounds like you are discussing here . The world is full of bitter artists and athletes who pine over how close they were to being contenders but something got in the way. There are those who chose the safer career paths, who can roll out of bed and make 100k before they get to breakfast who pine over not following their passions and giving to the world the beauty that is in their soul in the form of music or Art. When your young it's harder to see yourself objectively and in comparison to others and HOW others see you. Money is in some ways, one objective message you get from the world to extent what you are worth doing what you do, admission to school programs, gigs record deals, all messages ( and why should you compare yourself to anyone else monetarily and why should you care what the world needs vs what your heart tells you to do as long as what your doing gives you what you want) Then there is the whole discussion of what kind of music you play and to whom. Your struggle with money and music is universal and thank you for opening a dialogue.

Your transparency is extremely refreshing for someone like me who aspires to be half as good as you are some day. Keep it up Harry!

You might not see this comment, but holy shit, I just wanted to say thank you for the honest and generous way you offer insight into so many aspects of your life. Please keep the ball rolling here on RU-vid, if only for the fact that you help a great many people here find their way through the day. Cheers!

I appreciate your honesty. I have been a player since 1970 - I was 12 and got my first party gig and made (I'll never forget it) $25 - what blew my mind was getting paid for doing something I loved... I Played in a lot of bands and even got to hear my music on the radio. But you really hit the target when you said your lifestyle is the payoff. I did many side gigs as a photographer, designer and graphics guy. But mostly due to my musicianship I was privileged to work with some really talented people,... I won't bore you with the names, but trust me you have heard of them! Keep living your life on your terms... Peace and happiness!

Too any young drummers, or hell any person reading this, always go with your gut feeling. If your parents/significant other and friends are saying one thing and you strongly feel another, ...Do me a favor and just go for it. I know it's really hard because you secretly care what everybody thinks, And your going AGAINST everyone's advice. Go with your first gut feeling, it's usually the one that, works out in the long run. I can't tell you how many times, I made that mistake being younger.

So glad you‘re back, dude.

This gives me a lot of hope. I wish people are more transparent about this. My current year looks like your first year but it leaves me hopeful that its only up from here. Also its reassuring to see that after you getting fired from so many gigs you keep going and always find new work. When I lost my first gig it left me devistated emotionally but this give me the hope to get up and keep going.

Dude, I Appreciate your Candid Honesty. Many musicians think that you can make tons of money and still live the charmed life doing the politician thing. In reality, unless you've hit the big time, chances are you'll be grinding away as much as the nonpro. I had a choice at one point and chose the regular route, working a day job and playing when possible, no touring. As a result, I've seen my pro buddies and former bandages go on to tour, the us, some Europe, and bounce back and forth moving coast to coast, playing huge festivals, but having no real assets. Instead they have amazing experiences that i will never know. But I have a paid off house, 3 cars 2 kids and a pretty modest yearly income. I do have a steady gig that pays virtually peanuts, but allows me to get my inspiration out. All and all, its nice to see the other side of the coin. Thanks again. Your vids are awesome. Tell it like it is and I hope you hit the MegaMillion jackpot of musicians and land a legendary gig some day.

Dude that was priceless! That was the best 12 minutes I spent today...Thanks! You're a great drummer!

That beard is nothing short of incredible.

Bluntly poetic as always. Love it! A toast to your continued success. Thanks for making videos!

This is way better than television. Funny, informative, human, entertaining, inspiring and well worth sharing.

This was really well thought out, structured/shot and absolutely hilarious you're awesome : )

I've been a fan for a long time, Harry. Really enjoyed getting the insight to your life. That kind of honesty is hard to find. Keep doing your thing, stay true to yourself - that's a gift in it of itself.

Man I have missed your videos. and then you drop a bomb vid on us. Consider me a lifer my dude. I will forever dig your videos and more importantly your heart.

Are you Krist Novoselic's son?

Damn Harry...let me just say this: I found you on the Internet about a year ago, started watching your videos I have to say you’ve totally help me with my drumming abilities. Because of you I completely changed my set up and I have to admit it totally helped me even further! The more I watch your videos and the more I practice on the new set up I have to admit I’ve gotten better, however, I have to say, that your realism, honesty, and straightforwardness has probably been the greatest help of all! Thanks Dude! I truly mean that, thank you!! 💙

This man has described my ideal life Carrots and crushed red pepper on a mattress on the floor with six other guys- Making music the whole time

Nice to see you in resurrected form, Harry. You've been away way too long. And thank you for the honest info too. I'd also be interested to know the larger picture. After how many total years of drawing an income from drumming, to include the time before your relo to Nashville, are you making what you're making now? It may be helpful for newbies to know that as well. Thanks again, and more cowbell please. ^_^

I am watching this again with my ad blocker disabled. THANK YOU!

Man this was really well made. Awesome personality and made me day. Keep up the good work man

First vid he's uploaded since I started watching, can't wait to see more!

Finally another video! I think I have rewatched all his other vids like 10 times:)

This is the most philosophical rant I have ever heard, and it applies not just to being a drummer it applies to anyone who has chased a dream. It's nice to see not all human spirits is completely crushed by the man. Rock on DUDE.

Wow, this is so deep in way more than just drumming. This is a philosophy for life. Thank you so much for sharing real numbers. It really makes it feel more real, I hope you don't eventually regret it because I honestly appreciate it. I don't normally comment here but I had to let you know that what you've done here is impressive.

There’s a very interesting article online somewhere by Fish, who used to be the singer for Marillion who had hits in the 80s. He breaks down in detail his touring income and expenses and it’s a real eye opener (though it’s a few years old now and in UK money). Especially if you put yourself in the position of a sideman to an artist like that, rather than the artist himself. Basically, the only musicians making real money are people you’ve heard of, there are no rich anonymous session players. Not any more.

This was deep on so many levels. You've got a new subscriber.

Yes I'm 52 and it's still on my bucket list to tour with a band. I play with an Elvis/Tom Jones tribute band The Kings of Vegas. I finally can I get the opportunity to tour a little bit. Playing theatre's, in Penn, Florida, Georgia, so far Scheduled. Day jobs have paid my bills all these years. But took jobs i didnt like and lived frugally in hopes of landing a band that desires to hit the road and have no regrets leaving a good job. Music has been in my heart and what im the best at. Your videos are spot on and funny!! I wish i was 25 again . Peace

Love these, man. Keep ‘me coming.

You're hilarious Harry. Keep on rocking dude.

If I could go back in time knowing how unfulfilled and depressed I would be now, and just keep drumming instead.

More power to you man, you are a true inspiration to all those looking to chase their dreams. Don’t give up. Follow your heart.

Thank you so much for continually seeking to live your best life. I just stumbled upon you in the recommended video sidepanel dingy and I'm grateful as heck for the serendipity.

Beard of truth on the RU-vids... Thanks my dude 👍

College guitarist here- I live about 3 hours from Nashville and I had the sick idea of "what if I just spend the summer playing music at Nashyville instead of washing dishes back home?" and I think this gave me the answer I was looking for- I've never been worried about money because I don't buy anything but everyone and their mother plays guitar at Nashville, so I'd have to be a man among boys if I wanted to make it big. But that's the thing, I don't aspire to be big. I don't care to make serious scratch playing music. In fact, I regularly refuse pay anyways- so maybe this Nashville busk-fest would be a terrific experience after all; If only I stay motivated to pursue it. Thanks, friend

This was an awesome watch. Thank you, Harry!

I have a sneaking suspicion you're one of the best, most humble and genuine people to ever walk the face of the earth, Harry. Thank you for that, and keep doing what you're doing (or do something completely different if you feel like it, you know what I mean)

You talk like Ryan Reynolds. You're like the drumming Ryan Reynolds.

This proves what I felt 20 years ago: I need to make music, but I don’t have what it takes to be a pro. IOW, I need a steady income (eg faux security) for my sanity. And I’m not brave like you. But all in all it sounds like it’s working for you, and I’m grateful cuz I really like your vids and hearing about your adventures. Rock on, Harry, and thanks for your honesty, dude.

Wow, this is insane. You worked your ass off and are a working a musician and made more than minimum wage only one year after going full time. Thanks for this video, I’ve been thinking about a full time musician as a career and this really puts the financial part of it into perspective, and i think I’m gonna try to do it. Thank you❤️

I love this - one of the best videos I've seen in a while!

RU-vid had been recommending this video to me for a while. Glad I finally clicked. Fucking Brilliant Mate! 🤘

Hey Bro. Im a Drummer also for over 50 years. Your AWESOME and love your personality. Keep up the good work!!!

This video was both insightful and insanely entertaining. Props dude.

Not even a musician but man i love when I stubble upon people who are actually honest. Really hard to find that these days with the amount of people trying to look their best on social media. I wish you nothing but the best!

Really fun video. Thanks for sharing your story and creativity.

This is amazing

Thank you Harry. For those of us whom aren't quite as bold or as brave as you seem to be, you give us hope. Life truly is what you make and perceive it to be, and you just did a great job of reminding us of that. Thank you.

Ur quickly becoming one of my fave drumming youtubers... great stuff mate

I’ve been a professional guitarist since 2001. It’s awesome to know that other people get it. It’s such a blessing being free

Harry one of the best video of the week. It reminds me of something Morgan Freeman once said when asked "if you didn't become an famous actor what would have been the alternative?" Reply "an Actor" this is what I do regardless of success or money. I would have done local theater, commercials etc.

Great content. Very genuine and funny. Keep doing what you love Dude brother!

Hey dude! Great video! 👍I love the fact you actually talked about money and made the video a whole lot of fun to watch on top of that. I saw your backbeat fill video on drumeo by chance... nice drumming. Keep it up, funny videos and all!

Damn, dude. Ya know, the first time I saw you was your first appearance on drumeo with Jared, and I thought "this guy is very strange". Not to take a knock at your skills as a drummer, but you didn't seem as knowledgable as the absolute legends (Benny Greb, Larnell Lewis) that I had just come from watching. I had a weird feeling towards you and the way you expressed your interest in the drums. This video has completely changed my perception of you. Your passion for the art shines true to the enthusiasm you were throwing out on that drumeo video I mentioned. I know I''m leaving this long after you had posted this video, but I hope you're well, and I hope you're benefiting as much from quarantine as much as any musician can! Much love

Dude! I don’t even play out, let alone try to make money with music. And yet, you STILL inspire me. Deeply. I’ve chased dollars before for too many years, and it just made me feel like I was prostituting my life. You’re particularly right about those “Allen Wrench Effects”-or what the pros call Opportunity Costs. If my life is free of the cruft of stuff, especially the time-suck of keeping and maintaining stuff, then I am free (let me repeat that, “I AM FREE”) to pursue that happiness I was promised as a birthright. Thanks for the reminder, Harry.

omg man. this was equally real and inspiring. as a group of full-time workers trying to push this project and make it a full-time thing it's really nice to come across videos like this. Really appreciate you doing this. Heard you mention Boston as well. We're from Providence, RI!!! #subbed

Dude, THANK YOU for sharing this and being cool enough to just put it all out there. I'm also an independent recording artist (melodic death metal, so my potential fan base is way smaller than mainstream stuff). But I'll never stop doing what I do!

The Beard of Truth. I like it. I really like your HONESTY at the end of the video around why you drum and how earning as little money as you did, turned into a super fulfilling LIFE worth living, because you got to do what you love, which is play music with your friends.

Great content! I spent 12 years as a gigging drummer and did quite a bit of work for Nashville folk so we probably have some mutual acquaintances. Your words are so true. If you get in that business to make money, you're not there for the music. Looking back on those years, my favorite part of it all was touring the country in a band with my friends, completely broke and living out of a van. I wouldn't trade that time for the riches of the world.

Thank you, man. Still giggin and livin 'the dream'. Keep grindin.

I’m so glad I watched this. Thank you for doing this.

The Jerk Store reference was enough to make me love this video.

7:45 Brother, I literally laughed out loud. As a working drummer (in a basement apartment) I can relate. In fact, my last gf made a HUGE issue of this very thing. So I bought a cheap bed frame...and lost the chick. Someone caring about what your mattress rests on more than your happiness is a good early indicator they aren’t the one for you. Cheers!

I really like your honesty and good hearted nature man, respect to you, Dude.

Easily my favorite RU-vid channel, keep it up dude!

Thank you for this honest video. Similarly to being a professional musician, as an Audio Engineer I understand that I will face a similar path in life. You're right though, the main focus is on the passion rather than the income. Control what you do everyday, rather than letting it control you.

You look a lot like Jim Carrey now with that beard

Hope you're doing well! I just had to come back to this, the most wholesome dude out there.

Genuinely brilliant stuff.

Damn. I guess I'm glad I failed at being a pro musician and switched to software dev. Oh I tried, and made a lot of the same sacrifices you've made, except that I smoked a lot of my money and practice time away. Doh! I also spent 5 years in university getting a degree in music. When I was finished I tried film composing. I encountered a lot of the same challenges, especially the ubiquitous "we can't pay you money (even though literally EVERYONE else involved with the project is getting paid) but it'll be great exposure!" At the peak of my composition 'career' I made $20 for a few minutes of music for a dance troupe, which took roughly 15 hours of work on my part. Now I have a wife, kid, mortgage, and a regular paycheque to help clothe and feed us all (just barely). I still love to bang the drums, and still play in a gigging band making enough to cover the gas to get there and the beer I drink while there. So I guess I'm winning...? Yadda yadda. Great video, dude, and your drumming is superb. Keep chipping away.

where are you dude? we all miss you

Lots of humor but more importantly total honesty blended with it. It is clear that music is a tough business to make a living but this video does make that point in a gentle fun loving way. I am reminded by another country music drummer, Mark Herndon of Alabama, who spent 28 years with the band and was on all their albums and videos as one of the four band members only to have it later revealed he was a paid sideman. Think of that Mark was there before Alabama became famous and worked as hard as the other 3 members but after decades never made it beyond being a salaried employee meaning he missed out on millions and millions and millions like the other 3 he worked with for decades read his book "Highroad" for details. Anyway, this video is wonderful and the humor is very funny. Thank you so much and keep up the good work!

Thanks for the video! Came to this video through RU-vid's autoplay. Most of the time since I was 20 I used having a thin matress on the floor, got myself a bed like proper adults have 5 years ago and now I think of ditching it. Actually going to try some drums - yesterday booked a lesson. No expectations.

Welp, I'm only about 2 minutes into this video, first I've ever seen from this guy before, I'm not a drummer and don't really need any of this info at all but dammit... i just subscribed. The jokes and witt in this guy's script is awesome lmao. He could talk about soggy kleenex for all I care about but I'd still listen, and most importantly, still enjoy!

Great vid. Great beard. Great talk. Great. Keep doing this.

Dude! I've got to say, there's a stroke of genius in you. Props. I missed my calling as a full-time drummer lol, but can live vicariously through you. You truly crack me up. God bless man.

Dude you are awesome, I really enjoyed this. Keep going bro.

"The True financial life of side musicians. (And drummers)" is hilarious.

the Dude would be proud of your Dudeness keep the good work......

Harry, one of the funniest, and most honest financial views of most musician (and drummer) dudes! Gotta do it for the love... thanks for the laughs! Side note... love your playing style and backbeat video!

As someone who’s a few years ahead of you in the music business (started my career playing with Ray Charles in 1979) but am at the starting line for RU-vid, I love what you’re doing!

My dream is to be a permanent adolescent with no responsibilities. Your priorities are straight.

You're one of the greatest dudes whoever duded, dude. Keeping being a dude.

So. Incredibly. Relatable. Never stop making these videos. So good!

Total honesty. Thanks. Helps like you wouldn't believe. No need to search any more. You've made it my man.........you've made it.