Exposure: Subjective Equity (Part 2)
- Tanya is asked to perform at a local bar in East Nashville. She’s told by her friend, “There’s no money, but it’s great exposure.” If Tanya knows this place usually has 10 people watching the show, she knows this is not exposure. This is a free show. Huge difference. No exposure.
- Jamie is asked to perform at the same local bar in East Nashville. This night is A&R talent review for 5 large record labels. Jamie is an aspiring artist looking for a record deal. Jamie has been unable to connect with any of these labels prior and decide this is a great opportunity. Exposure.
- Kurt is asked to perform at the same local bar in East Nashville. This night is A&R talent review for 5 large record labels. Kurt is an independent artist that believes large studios are a thing of the past. He sees no value in performing this show. This is the wrong kind of exposure.
- Jessica is asked to perform at the same local bar in East Nashville. She is told “There’s no money because we are a charity, but it’s great exposure.” Jessica believes in the charity and decides to perform at the show. 30 people show up and raise $500. All the benefits go to the charity. No exposure.
My point in illustrating this last example is to show you a time when there is no “exposure”, but the artist still chooses to take the gig. This is important. Not everyone is motivated by money and opportunity. Additionally, one person’s belief that an opportunity holds value does not necessarily translate equally to other people.