... festival and large venue rates are another issue. I have learned that I should never offer low rates to them, hoping to get the gig. It will NOT be worth it. It is probably human nature, but most of the time people will put you at the level you place yourself. A quick story to show you what I mean.

When I first started playing at big festivals as a headliner, one time I made a low offer to a festival that I really wanted to play (because it fit well with a tour I was planning). I made an offer that might be in range of a local band - thinking that a low price might get me the deal. It did - and I wound up playing in corner of the tent behind the lunch tables next to the beer booth, with a loud rock band blasting away 100 yards from me. I would have done better to stand on the corner at the bus station and busk.

I have learned that it is up to me to find out what the rates are for each of the venues I am seeking work from - and for the various levels of artists they are booking. Then I figure out where I want to be rated within that hierarchy and ask for that rate. It prices me out of some events, but that's better then playing a bad gig. It also gives me a good starting point if the venue really wants me and wishes to negoitate.