You wouldn’t invite someone over for dinner and ask them to bring the cutlery, cook their own food, and leave before dessert. Yet somehow, that’s still how too many venues treat live musicians in Cape Town.
According to a 2022 study on revenue streams for music creators in South Africa by Music in Africa, live performance makes up 36% of total monthly income for South African music creators — over R42 million per month — yet artists earn just R11 076/month from gigs on average. That’s modest pay for what’s essentially a full-time job — and it makes the basics all the more important.
This is the baseline: if you want to host live music, here are 10 things you must provide. Not “nice-to-haves.” Not “when we can afford it.” Non-negotiables. If your setup can’t manage these basics, it’s better — for you, the artist, and the audience — to stick to background playlists and DJ nights until you can.
And don’t worry — in our next piece we’re flipping the script with: “What Every Venue Should Expect From a Musician.” But first, let’s get our own house in order.
1. Decent sound and a polite, competent sound engineer
A quality sound system isn’t optional — it’s the show. Your PA should match your space, your monitors should let artists hear themselves clearly, and someone who knows what they’re doing needs to be operating the desk. That person doesn’t need to crack jokes or smile through soundcheck — some of the best engineers in Cape Town are famously grumpy-looking but deeply kind. What matters is that they’re respectful, communicative, and focused on making the gig sound good. Musicians don’t forget the venues where the engineer sneered, rolled eyes, or ghosted the stage mid-set.
2. A dedicated stage area and safe setup
A performer should be seen and heard, not dodging chairs between tables. You don’t need a pro rig — just a cornered-off, assigned (preferably raised) area, and a safe layout with no trip hazards. If you’re squeezing five people into a corner next to the fridge, you’re not set up for live music.
3. Clear, written agreements — signed by both sides
Every venue should use a one-pager agreement. Nothing complicated: just the deal, clearly stated — payment terms, bar tabs (yes, if they’re coming out of ticket sales, say so), set times, responsibilities, what gear is provided. It protects everyone and sets the tone for a professional night.
4. Pay the act — fairly and on time
Exposure doesn’t pay rent. Even a modest fee is better than nothing. Stick to the agreed amount, and pay on the night or when promised. Cape Town’s scene is small — musicians talk. Be the venue they recommend, not the one they warn others about.
5. Hospitality: water, meals, and a place to breathe
Musicians sweat, talk, and sing for 45 minutes. They need water on stage, a basic meal per band member, and a safe space to put their gear and prep. Even a roped-off table at the back counts. No one wants to change strings next to the toilets.
6. Backline support (where possible)
Especially for multi-act nights, offer a basic backline — drum kit, bass amp, even a spare DI box or mic stand. It makes changeovers faster and shows you’ve thought about the artist’s experience, not just the door count.
7. Load-in info, parking, and lineup times—in advance
Send details the week of the show: parking options, load-in access, set times. Don’t leave artists guessing. It’s not just courteous — it’s how you stay on schedule and avoid chaos at doors.
8. A visible, well-lit merch table
Merch sales help artists survive. Make space for a clear, visible merch area, and don’t charge a cut unless it’s clearly stated in the agreement. Better yet, announce it from stage. The more they sell, the more likely they’ll want to play your venue again.
9. Clean, functional bathrooms (for everyone)
It sounds obvious — until you’ve tried to share one broken loo with 150 people. Clean, accessible bathrooms are basic dignity. Artists use them. Fans use them. Don’t treat hygiene like an afterthought.
10. Good volume, smartly distributed sound
Loud isn’t the goal — clarity is. Use speakers that cover the whole room evenly. Avoid blaring one area and leaving the rest in a sonic dead zone. Safer for ears, better for vibes.
Bottom line: If you can’t meet these ten standards, don’t host live music yet. Build up to it. Respect artists by giving them a space that sounds good, feels safe, and treats them like professionals. The audience notices. The musicians talk. And your venue’s reputation lives or dies on the way you treat the people on stage.
And don’t worry — artists have responsibilities too. We’ll see you next week with what musicians owe you in return. For now: do your part. Set the stage.
