Small Venues are Responsible for Customers, Not Local Musicians

Running a small bar, café, or restaurant is no easy task. Every day, you’re balancing food costs, payroll, inventory, and the challenge of standing out in a competitive market. Many venues turn to live music as a way to create energy and attract people, and rightly so. Live music has always been a powerful tool to make customers feel welcome, linger longer, and come back again.

But here’s where the problem often starts: too many small venues expect the musicians themselves to be the main draw. Instead of investing in music as part of their atmosphere and customer experience, they put the responsibility on local, often unknown artists to fill the room. At the same time, many of these venues offer little or no pay for the performance.

This thinking misses the point. Musicians are not your advertising department. They are not responsible for creating your customer base from scratch. As a business, it’s your job to bring customers through the door. Once they’re there, live music becomes the spark that makes them stay for an extra drink, order dessert, or come back the following week.

By investing in musicians fairly, you’re not just “paying for entertainment” — you’re investing in customer retention, sales growth, and the cultural life of your community.

Customers Are Your Responsibility

If you own a venue, it’s important to recognize that your business model should already include drawing customers in it. Your food, drinks, atmosphere, and reputation are what bring people through the door. Musicians and bands, especially those who are local or relatively unknown, cannot be expected to serve as your full-time marketing team...

The role of a venue is to:

• Attract customers through consistent marketing, reputation, and quality service.
• Budget for marketing and promotions so people know about your venue, your specials, and your live events.
• Invest in staff, food, and drinks that keep people coming back regardless of who’s playing.
• Budget for entertainment as part of your overall customer experience strategy.
• Support local culture by treating live music as a valued part of your community, not just an afterthought.
• Provide a welcoming space where people feel comfortable and want to return.

When these responsibilities are met, live music becomes the bonus spark that elevates the atmosphere and enhances sales — not the sole reason customers show up in the first place.

The True Role of Live Music

Musicians and bands are not expected to carry the weight of your marketing strategy. Their role is different, but equally important.

The role of the musician is to:

• Create an atmosphere that keeps people engaged and entertained.
• Add cultural value by bringing originality, artistry, and a sense of community to your space.
• Complement your business, not replace your responsibility to draw in customers.
• Encourage customers to stay longer, which increases bar and food sales.
• Enhance your brand and vibe, giving your venue a unique edge over competitors.

When musicians are free to focus on their art, instead of worrying about filling every seat, they deliver stronger performances that benefit both the audience and the venue.

Why Fair Pay Matters

When musicians are only paid “exposure” or a minimal fee, the message is clear: their work isn’t valued. This leads to burned-out artists and a weaker local music scene overall. On the other hand, venues that budget fairly for performers:

• Attract better performances, which means happier customers.
• Build stronger relationships with artists.
• Contribute to a sustainable music ecosystem that benefits everyone - venues, audiences, and musicians alike.

Working Together for Success

Think of it this way: the venue brings the customers, the artist keeps them spending. It’s a partnership, not a one-way street. By investing in local musicians and bands fairly, you’re not just “paying for entertainment”, you’re investing in customer retention, sales growth, and the cultural life of your community!

✦ Rocky Mountain Music Society advocates for fair treatment of musicians and stronger local music economies. Learn more about how we support artists and venues at www.RockyMountainMusic.org.