Unit 1 preview · 8 lessons

The Business of the Gig

Eight nights, months and seasons you play as your own act. Here is how every lesson opens, and the first real call you make. Pick any one lesson and play the whole thing free, no card.

Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4 Unit 5

Lesson 1.1 · about 20 minutes

Why Are You Here?

What the bar is really paying you for.

The question that changed how I play every gig. A free 20-minute game for solo acts and bandleaders.

Skill: Know Who Pays

Lesson 1.1 Why Are You Here?: the first call in the game, played on a phone or laptop — The first call, as you see it in the game. Your act's name goes where it says Your Act.

Your first call

Rick, the manager, wants Your Act for Friday. $250, 8 to 11. Then: "Last question. Can you bring a crowd?"

A"I've got a following. I'll hit my socials hard."
B"No. I keep the people already here."
C"I'll promote it. I just can't promise numbers."

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 1.1 free Get Unit 1 · $29

Lesson 1.2 · about 20 minutes

Know Your Number

Stop competing with the $100 Guy. Quote your number and hold it.

My first gig paid $5. Here's how to make sure yours never does.

Skill: Hold Your Number

Lesson 1.2 Know Your Number: the first call in the game, played on a phone or laptop — The first call, as you see it in the game. Your act's name goes where it says Your Act.

Your first call

A 3-hour backyard party for her mom's 70th, Saturday the 5th. She found you through your videos and messaged you first. Then: "Another musician quoted $150. Can you do that?"

A"My rate for a 3-hour party is $400. Here's what that includes."
B"For $150 I can do one hour during dinner. Your call."
C"I can do $275 for the three hours. December Saturdays go fast."

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 1.2 free Get Unit 1 · $29

Lesson 1.3 · about 20 minutes

Read the Room Before It Changes

Rain, snow, a new manager: protect the calendar you can't control.

Rain. Snow. A new manager. The gig you counted on, gone. Here's how to see it coming.

Skill: Read the Weather

Lesson 1.3 Read the Room Before It Changes: the first call in the game, played on a phone or laptop — The first call, as you see it in the game. Your act's name goes where it says Your Act.

Your first call

Thursday's Harbor House patio gig ($200) has rain in the forecast all night. Tess, the manager: "Patio's a wash Thursday. When it rains, the bar room inside gets maybe six people. Want to bump you?"

A"I'll play the bar room. Rainy nights are when people want music."
B"Let's move it. How's Thursday the 29th?"
C"Forecasts change. Let's decide Thursday at noon."

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 1.3 free Get Unit 1 · $29

Lesson 1.4 · about 20 minutes

Sell What They're Already Asking For

Find the gigs people already want and package them.

Stop pitching rooms that never asked. Find the demand that's already there, get past the gatekeeper, and book it.

Skill: Spot the Gap

Lesson 1.4 Sell What They're Already Asking For: the first call in the game, played on a phone or laptop — The first call, as you see it in the game. Your act's name goes where it says Your Act.

Your first call

Six open dates next month. Your Act is good, and you know it. What you don't know: which rooms in town actually pay acts like yours.

APost "Now booking fall and winter!" with your best video, so venues can come to you.
BPull up the 20 best-reviewed bars in town. Busy rooms can afford music.
CLook up five local acts like yours. Check their website calendars and list every room they play.

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 1.4 free Get Unit 1 · $29

Lesson 1.5 · about 20 minutes

Your Brand Promise

One line that books the gigs you want and turns down the rest.

Skill: Keep Your Promise

The first call, as you see it in the game. Your act's name goes where it says Your Act.

Your first call

A brewery with a big patio: every other Friday, May through August, 8 PM to midnight, $300 a night. Families early. A younger crowd after 10.

ACounter: one Friday a month, 7 to 10, family hours only.
BPass. Keep your summer Fridays open for other work.
CTake the whole summer: eight Fridays, $2,400.

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 1.5 free Get Unit 1 · $29

Lesson 1.6 · about 20 minutes

Reputation Is Your Rate

The gray areas that quietly raise or wreck your price.

Skill: Clean Rep

Lesson 1.6 Reputation Is Your Rate: the first call in the game, played on a phone or laptop — The first call, as you see it in the game. Your act's name goes where it says Your Act.

Your first call

The owner pays Your Act $250 cash in an envelope: "Cash means no paperwork, right? I'm not putting you on my books." You plan to spend it on gas and strings this week.

AAsk for a check next time, so there's a paper trail.
BTake it. It's envelope money; you'll sort it out at tax time.
CTake it, and log it in your phone before you leave the lot.

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 1.6 free Get Unit 1 · $29

Lesson 1.7 · about 20 minutes

Paying Your Players

Hire them, pay them, keep the gig yours.

Hire them, pay them, keep the gig yours. The money is in your hand at 11:40 PM. Know whose it is before you get there.

Skill: Pay Your Players

Lesson 1.7 Paying Your Players: the first call in the game, played on a phone or laptop — The first call, as you see it in the game. Your act's name goes where it says Your Act.

Your first call

A wedding books Your Act for June: $1,200, paid at the end of the night. You'll rent a better PA for it: $150. It's your first gig with a hired player: Levi. Levi texts: "What's the deal on this one?"

A"Even cut. Whatever the gig pays, we split it down the middle."
B"Don't worry, I'll take care of you. Depends how the night goes."
C"$250 flat, cash, paid that night. Date, dress and set list coming."

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 1.7 free Get Unit 1 · $29

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

Lesson 1.8 Never Cancel a Gig: the first call in the game, played on a phone or laptop — 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

Unit 1 · The Business of the Gig

All 8 lessons, each one ending with your own checklist. One time, no subscription. 30-day refund, no questions.

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