Faqs
What is CountN, anyway?
The easiest way to describe what we do is we’re a non-exclusive booking agency that operates through an app. Our goal is to help artists get gigs and to help venues find great talent.
How does that work?
Venues and artists both sign up for the app. When you sign up as an artist, you’ll input your schedule, which days you’d like to be booked, your price per hour and how far you’re willing to travel (and if you have an increase in rate for travel). You’ll also input your primary and secondary genres, your repertoire, a bio (add any accolades like significant artists you’ve shared a stage with, places you’ve played, etc.), band type, instrumentation, and stage photos.
You’ll have YouTube videos embedded directly in your profile so venues can see you can deliver in a live setting. On our app, you can either upload individually by copy and pasting the URL, or you can connect your YouTube account and your playlist will automatically update with new videos. Basically, you’ll input lots of information: everything a venue might want to know about you!
Then, a venue looking to book talent will enter the day of the gig, genre, and budget. CountN’s algorithm will then show them artists that fit those parameters. If it’s a match, the venue will send you a gig request and the rest is history!
Do I reach out to venues or do they contact me?
Venues will reach out to you with gig requests. When a venue reaches out, you’ll be able to see the details of the gig and what the venue is offering to pay. Then, you can either accept or decline. You’re never under obligation to accept a gig you don’t want to play.
What venues are you currently working with?
We currently have 30 venues signed up with CountN. Our service continues to grow by the day and we expect this number will continue to rise! We work with a wide variety of venues, but lots of breweries, bars, restaurants, and smaller clubs.
Are shows ticketed or based on a guarantee?
Our shows are solely based on guarantees and there is no expectation to sell tickets for an event.
How many artists are currently on the app?
CountN currently has over 600 artists signed up on the app from a variety of regions across the US.
What’s in it for CountN? What fees do you charge?
There’s no subscription or sign-up fee to use CountN: it’s totally free to sign up. The way we make our money is through commission: we take 15% on gigs booked through our app. We don’t get paid until you do!
How do I get paid for the gigs I book with CountN?
You’ll get paid through the app. When you sign up for CountN, we’ll ask you to also sign up for Stripe, a payment processing software. When you book a gig, you’ll receive a deal memo that outlines what the venue is offering you, what our cut would be, and what you can expect to get paid. Then, after you finish playing the gig, the payment will be automatically deposited into your bank account. It should hit your account in 1-3 business days, similar to a check deposit. We set it up this way to ensure artists get paid the correct amount and get paid on time.
Why do I have to input my debit card/bank account information when I sign up?
We run all payments directly through Stripe, a payment processing software. In order to receive gig requests and get paid for gigs, it is important that your information is properly inputted into Stripe during the sign-up process.
CountN takes financial privacy very seriously and our staff never handles your card or bank information directly. If you have questions about how Stripe works, check out their website, take a look at their security page, or reach out to us.
Where can I find information about your privacy policy?
Right here!
How do taxes work?
Taxes are handled by the artist. We recommend that artists communicate any necessary tax documentation with the venue.
I have many different configurations of the band that I am in / I am in multiple bands / I am in a band but also am working on a solo project. Can I create multiple accounts?
Yes, since the app is free to use you are welcome to have as many profiles as you would like. Some people choose to umbrella their bands under one account while others make multiple for branding purposes. Whatever you’d like to do!
We play in multiple cities/areas. Can we set up multiple locations?
Yes, you’ll have the ability to select two home locations as well as input specific locations on your availabilities, for example, if you’re going on tour.
What do I have to sign? Is this an exclusive thing?
Not at all! We’re a non-exclusive service, so you’re totally free to book your own gigs as well.
I have representation — I’m signed/have an agent/etc. Is that okay?
As long as you’re not involved in an exclusive booking contract, that’s fine! If you’re not sure, check in with your representation and give us a shout — we’re happy to help you figure it out.
I’ve tried other online booking services/gig websites before and it hasn’t gone super well. What makes you different?
Great question! For one, we don’t charge a fee or subscription; we make our money through commission, which means we don’t get paid until you actually get a gig with us.
Additionally, we use an algorithm to suggest artists to venues. When a venue is looking to book a gig, they’ll input the date, price range, and genre they’re looking for. Then, we’ll show them only bands that fit those criteria. So you’re never competing against every single artist we work with for a gig — it’s only folks who are also in that price range, genre, location, and are available at that time. That means you have a way better chance of being seen and getting booked and the venues actually get the music they want!
What precautions are being taken with respect to COVID?
These are very challenging times — we understand each artist and venue has their own level of comfort with live performances right now. We encourage folks to act responsibly and in accordance with local guidelines.
When you receive a gig request, there is never any obligation to take a gig if it makes you feel uncomfortable, COVID-related or otherwise.