Never cancel a gig: build your sub list

Build the backup chain so nothing stops the show. Lesson 1.8, Never Cancel a Gig, is a game you play as your own act, for solo acts, duos and bandleaders.

Lesson 1.8 · about 20 minutes

Never Cancel a Gig

Build the backup chain so nothing stops the show.

The voice goes. The car dies. The speaker cuts out. The show still starts at 6.

Skill: Never Cancel

Backup plan game, Lesson 1.8 Never Cancel a Gig: the first call on a phone screen, your strings are two months old. Friday is the bar, 8 to 11. Saturday is the Hendersons'... — The first call, as you see it in the game. Your act's name goes where it says Your Act.

Your first call

Your strings are two months old. Friday is the bar, 8 to 11. Saturday is the Hendersons' 40th anniversary, the $900 one. You have exactly one fresh set in the bag.

ARestring tonight. Let the bar break them in, and grab two spare sets on the way.
BRestring Saturday morning so they sound as bright as possible for the party.
CLeave them on. They've been fine, and the fresh set stays in the bag as your spare.

Every option is something a working player really does. Which one would you pick? The game shows you what each one costs or earns.

▶ Play 1.8 free Get Unit 1 · $29

What you walk away with

The skill: Never Cancel.
Your after-lesson checklist: clear steps and "say it like this" scripts, with your act's name on it. Print it or save it as a PDF.
About 20 minutes, on your phone or laptop. Replay it until you hit the top rank.

Everything in the game is made up: the venues, the people, the money. General information, not financial, legal or tax advice.

Unit 1 · The Business of the Gig

Lesson 1.1 is free, plus one more lesson of your choice. Make this one your free pick, or get all of Unit 1.

▶ Play 1.8 free Get Unit 1 · $29 Everything + every tool · $179

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Free guides for this lesson

Part of Unit 1: The Business of the Gig in the Thriving Musicians course. Pick your free lesson.

◀ 1.7 Paying Your Players All of Unit 1 2.1 Who You're Really Selling To ▶