This may become a regular post on here because I’m a musician and am around many any given week.  I call this “Things Musicians Say (and Don’t Do)” not to call out musicians, but to make them aware of certain behaviors they (and I included) say aloud but don’t actually mean or do.

“Let’s play a show together.”

One thing I notice myself and other musicians saying when you first meet after playing a show has to do with niceties.  You’ll have a short conversation where you eventually say (or they say), “hey let’s do a show together sometime.”  This is sort of like inviting yourself to play a gig.  Most musicians don’t care though, I have never been denied to my face.  Then you’ll exchange contact information and say, “I’ll be in touch soon.”

Only thing is, rarely do I hear back from people that want to play a show with me.  In the opposite situation (where I contact a fellow musician) I either never hear back or get a short response saying they’ll get back to me because they’re busy.

So why do we say this and not do it?  I think it just comes down to not wanting to put someone else down for one.  The other is you’ve already been judged.  If no one came and the other guy brought more people out, they may get the impression you don’t draw well or don’t promote.

If you really want to do a show, take a look at your calendars at the show instead of starting email and phone tag.