Everybody knows the rent in New York City is too damn high, but this doesn’t just apply to living space, gentrification, or restaurateurs being priced out of the neighborhoods their establishments helped reinvigorate.
This also applies to some of the scrappiest scalawags we know – NYC musicians.
While many types of artists require a studio for their creative output, the argument can be made that it is most necessary for musicians.
Suppose you’re a drummer. You probably don’t have room in your apartment for your kit, nor can you really practice without pissing off everybody around you. And then there are police coming around, nasty looks at the mailbox, burning dog sh*t at your door; it’s all around bad.
In a real estate landscape perilously close to, “You know what? Screw off, dawg.” there have to be some tricks to making your band’s rehearsal space affordable, right? Well here they are:
1. Be realistic about what you need vs. what you want
nylivearts Laurie Anderson and Eyvind Kang's rehearsal setup. Don't miss their performance today at 6pm! #liveideas15
Perhaps the most important thing is not getting wrapped up in superfluous details.
Never say to yourself, “This space is good, but you know what? There’s not enough street art outside for our Instagram, so we’ll pass.”
Amenities are nice, but not crucial.
Don’t be swayed by that grimy couch they call a “lounge area.” You really don’t want to know what goes on there. Creative types can be prone to making bad decisions on a whim; ask your rational friends for help if you need it. (If you’re reading this, you probably do…)
2. Ask around
You know who knows about rehearsal space? Musicians!
Get the inside scoop from anyone you can. Even if you think their band sucks and their advice is garbage, keep in mind that if they’re worth asking, they’re worth listening to.
3. Hourly rooms = ugh
musicgarage Eden is relaxing up at the front desk. Double tap real fast to put him to work. #musicgarage #hourlyrooms #workinghard #hardlyworking
Know that you’re probably not getting a deal if you’re renting an hourly room. Landlords know they won’t be able to fill that space 24 hours a day, so hourly rates are often higher than leasing a space.
However, those hourly rooms can come in very, very handy. Sometimes they come with amps, mics, PA system, drum kit, etc. These are all things you may not own or want to lug around, and the higher cost may be worth the convenience.
4. Signing a lease = even more ugh
dustinbarrow My #musicspace for the foreseeable future. Hoping to share some tones/tunes soon. #geartalk #gearwire #gearnerds #cleantone #mojotones #vsco
Musicians are not well known for their high credit ratings, so this may be a little tough.
But if you get over that hurdle, your monthly rent split between the band members should be decently affordable if you follow tips #1 and #2.
,5. Get roommates
musicgarage Some of you may already know we now have a new hourly room! Room 210 is our latest addition to the hourly suites and offers number of features geared towards musicians specializing in the loud and aggressive. Grab some ear plugs. You're gonna need em 😎. #musicgarage
Your band is probably not going to rehearse every day.
If you’re cool with other bands in the area who can be trusted to pay up and not trash the studio, by all means, split the week up and cut your rent by half, or even two thirds.
Equipment may pile up, but chances are you’ll get to use some gear that’s better than your own. Don’t break it.
6. Sharing is caring
Even with two or three bands sharing a space there will inevitably be days where nobody is in there. Each hour the “roommates” aren’t rehearsing (…or huffing nitrous, fighting, or crashing on the floor) can be monetized.
Put the word out in your scene and rent that free time to anyone who can be trusted alone in the space. If you rent it, they will come! But remember: as soon as you key people into your studio, they should be able to pay you. Don’t be afraid to collect.
7. Get a job, hippie
If you don’t have income, you can’t afford anything. Most bands in their infancy “pay for the privilege” to play gigs, so don’t rely on that revenue stream. Chances are it won’t cover gas, and probably (definitely) won’t cover drinks.
Creative individuals especially require structure in their lives. Without it, there is no productivity time, no down time, no rehearsal time. It’s all just wasted time.
It’s a drag not to be able to jam until 5 a.m. whenever you want, but the consistency of scheduling rehearsal time around your work will actually make you a more efficient unit in rehearsal.
Your creative juices will build up during your work hours, and you may be amazed what comes out when you plug in. IMPORTANT: This also demystifies when people are in the studio, and facilitates tip #6.
8. Don’t be an ass
zacklutes Mad decent block party - things getting crazy! @monroe_loveher #madecentblockparty #jauz #moshpit #icantstop #rave #liveturnupstylll
If you rent it, this is your space. Be free in it. But remember that you don’t exist in a vacuum.
If you’re too much of an animal, you’ll probably not be allowed back to rent hourly, or you won’t be able to retrieve your security deposit if you lease.
Furthermore, incessant craziness may drive away potential roommates or sublet possibilities. It is always in your best fiscal interest not to be an ass.
Ideally, every artist would be able to afford a beautiful space to let his or her creativity soar nude amongst the gods, but this is planet Earth. This is NYC. It’s far from a perfect world, but if you keep your head on straight, or rather, straight enough, you’ll have the funds to really fly.
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[Feature Image Courtesy of SonicScoop]