Freebies and the Unsung Heroes: When “Thanks” Doesn’t Pay the Bills

Freebies and the Unsung Heroes: When “Thanks” Doesn’t Pay the Bills

Ah, the life of a musician or recording engineer – it’s glamorous, isn’t it? Flashing lights, screaming fans, and… endless requests for free background tracks? Wait, what?

If you’re a musician or a recording engineer, chances are you’ve heard it all too often: “Hey, could you whip up a quick track for me?” or “I need some music for my new YouTube channel. Can you help?” But the kicker? More often than not, all you get in return is a quick “thanks” (if you’re lucky) and a pat on the back.

Now, don’t get me wrong. “Thank you” is a beautiful phrase that warms the heart and soul – but unfortunately, it doesn’t warm the pockets or pay the bills.

Let’s take a moment to compare with other professionals.

Imagine strolling up to a doctor at a social gathering and saying, “Hey, I’ve had this cough for a while. Can you just quickly check it out?” Or cornering an architect at a birthday party with blueprints in hand, hoping for a free consultation. Would they be met with the same expectations of ‘gratis’ expertise?

Let’s be honest, it does happen. Many professionals, regardless of their field, get bombarded with pro-bono requests from friends, family, and the occasional audacious acquaintance. But there’s a peculiar sting that musicians and recording engineers feel, given the perception that their craft is “easy” or “just a hobby.”

But who’s really to blame here?

1. The Perpetrator (a.k.a. The “Friend”)

Let’s face it, most of us are guilty of wanting something for nothing. In a world of instant gratification and streaming services, the value we place on individual expertise can sometimes wane. To the untrained eye (or ear), creating a background track might seem as simple as pushing a few buttons. But as any seasoned musician or engineer knows, it’s hours of work, years of training, and a bottomless well of patience.

2. The Enabler (a.k.a. The “Professional”)

Sometimes, professionals are their own worst enemies. By occasionally offering freebies to win favor or out of sheer kindness, they unwittingly set a precedent. The occasional free consultation or quick background track can quickly snowball into a mountain of expectations.

So, what’s the solution?

For starters, recognizing and respecting the craft is essential. Whether it’s music, medicine, or masonry, every profession requires expertise that deserves acknowledgment. And for professionals, it’s essential to establish boundaries. It’s okay to say no, or to kindly point out that expertise has a price. After all, you wouldn’t just grab a candy bar from a store and walk out with a mere “thank you”, would you?

In the end, let’s remember the timeless wisdom: If you’re good at something, never do it for free. So, to all our unsung heroes, keep strumming, keep mixing, and most importantly, keep valuing your worth!