Session work is a service job with an artist’s name on it. Show up early, tuned up, with your gear working and your parts learned if charts were sent. The fastest way to never get called back is to burn the first hour troubleshooting your rig while the clock runs. Professionals arrive ready — that’s the whole difference between a hired gun and a headache.
In the room, play for the song, not for yourself. The artist and producer have a vision; your job is to serve it, not audition your chops. Offer one tasteful take, one bolder take, then ask what they want. Don’t noodle between takes, don’t argue about the arrangement, and never touch the engineer’s board. Silence between takes is a session musician’s best friend.
Keep your business clean while you’re there. Don’t pitch your own music to the artist mid-session, don’t take photos for social media without asking, and treat everything you hear as confidential until it’s released. Studios run on trust — engineers and artists talk, and your reputation in this town is built in rooms like this one. One leak can end your session career.
Know your rate before you walk in and get payment terms in writing — half up front for longer bookings is standard. Bring an invoice, keep records, and follow up politely if payment runs late. Be the player who sounds great, stays easy, and handles business like a grown professional. Leave the room better than you found it. Coil your cables, thank the engineer by name, and send a quick text the next day saying you enjoyed the session. Small courtesies compound — the players who get called back are the ones people actually like having around for twelve hours.
About the Author – Ruben Burgos: Ruben Burgos brings over 25 years of music expertise and more than 15 years of model guidance to the table. He is the indie major pinnacle to retaining credits for musicians and helping them navigate this wicked industry without the fuckery.