Phil Carillo has spent 45 years gigging in Southern California on steel pan and vocals — and he's the rare working musician who figured out the business and won't apologize for it. We get into why he charges $3,500 for a two-hour wedding, how he runs a band nobody burns out of, the time he got banned from the Orange County Fair for making too many people dance, his surprisingly balanced take on AI, and the "Free Expression Sessions" that taught him quality is the enemy of a finished idea.
If you've ever wondered what your time is actually worth on a gig, this one's for you. In this episode: - Why "no playing equals no eating" — and how to price like it - Running a band: pay for everything, but never be late once - Banned from the OC Fair for making too many people dance - A 45-year veteran's honest take on AI in music - "Quality is your enemy": creating without fear
Guest: Phil Carrillo — Steel Parade steelparade.com
TikTok @philj.carillo
00:00 Meet Phil: 45 years gigging, steel pan & Long Beach roots
09:21 $3,500 a gig & the worth of your time
14:47 "What is this burnout?" + how he runs a band
21:36 Banned from the Orange County Fair
27:25 Phil on AI & the future of live music
33:01 Free Expression Sessions: "Quality is your enemy"
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