minstrel: Re: SCA to professional

[Lisa and Ken Theriot]

Corwyn wrote:

[ I guess that would depend on how you define "gone pro". I have been
"pro" as defined by "being paid for performing" for over a decade now, I
have I albumn, "Down from the Highlands" out and another in the works. I
have run the gamut from concerts to pubs to ren faires.]

Same here.


[As far as whether the SCA nurtures pros, I'd say "yes and no". It does,
in the fact that it is a perfect place to try out new material and hone
technique, and a wonderful place to get feedback. I'd say no because a lot
of SCAdians have a blase attitude towards performers, and "why would they
go pay to hear someone when they'll be at the next event/post-revel?"]


On the other hand, you sell a lot more CDs at a performance than at any 
other time.  I wouldn't expect to be paid to play at an SCA event, but 
easily 75% of our music sales are to SCA folk, or people who found us 
through SCA folk, i.e., co-workers of people who play our music at work. 
 If people enjoy hearing you on the weekends, they are quite likely to want 
to hear you on the drive to work.


I don't know that people "outgrow" the SCA, as Vivien said, so much as they 
are necessarily removed from it.  I think it depends on your performance 
schedule.  If you do the occasional coffee house gig and Scottish fair, you 
can remain active in the SCA, but any musician will tell you that prime 
performance times are Friday and Saturday nights, so if you are touring 
heavily, you will probably be performing when you would otherwise be going 
to events.  I don't think any musician who has "quit their day job" could 
stay very active in any weekend-intensive hobby because that becomes work 
time.  Plus, you have to travel a lot, because just as a prophet is never 
appreciated in his own country, even folk venues tend to look down on 
"local acts".  Sadly, it's easier to get a booking in the next state than 
it is in the venue nearest your home.


I do know musicians who started out in the SCA and went on to bigger and 
better things, musically speaking, but I don't anticipate emulating them. 
 I know the low commercial viability of the music I play, and I like living 
in a nice house too much!


Adelaide
www.ravenboymusic.com