JA INTERVIEWS

Interviewer: Employees are generally anyone working with one employer on a long term basis, while an independent contractor is anyone working with a variety of employers on a shorter term basis. Do you prefer working in one situation over the other and why?

KD: They each have their place. I find the band situation a little restricting schedule wise, but it has strong points such as beneficial rehearsals exposure and more steady money.

Interviewer: The business and legal distinction between employees and independent contractors is important when dealing with taxes, workers' compensation insurance, and state unemployment benefits. If you had the choice between being treated as employee or independent contractor, which would you choose and why?

KD: Notably I really enjoyed the business situation with The Manhattan Transfer I was an employee for three years. Very steady. Even when we weren't on the road we got paid.

Interviewer: According to state laws, employers are responsible for providing their employees with workers' compensation insurance for injuries that might occur on the road, while independent contractors are responsible for providing their own disability insurance. Have you had any "close calls"?

KD: No. Most of my jobs have been independent contractor gigs. The "employee" oriented situations were less hassle cause tax was take out each week along with unemployment social security etc.
But the real bonanza in terms of health insurance is being an employee at Berklee College of Music.
I have also been employed as an adjunct professor (part time at NYU and Parsons School of Design Manhattan School of Music Queens College. These were also much appreciated modes of employment at the time.
The full insurance provisions never kicked in until the full time position at Berklee. It took going through many many years of playing and teaching experience to qualify for the full time position.

Interviewer: In your musical career where having insurance was a blessing?

KD: Well insurance is often overlooked in most playing situations except when there is big money involved.

Interviewer: How about equipment insurance; as an employee you're generally covered by your employer's policy, but as an independent contractor you're responsible for buying your own equipment insurance - are you covered?

K.D.: Ha ha well I have been covered on my own. But it didn't seem to be a top priority. The musicians union tried to make instrument insurance affordable and still is trying to improve the compensation of the freelance musician. :-) Congratulations to local 802.

Interviewer: Are you a member of The American Federation of Musicians,

K.D.: No longer. I'm a non-member in good standing.

Interviewer: The American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, or (if you play an instrument and sing), both organizations? Please explain.

K.D.: When I was doing a lot of sessions in NYC, I benefited financially from being in the Musicians Union.

Interviewer: Solo artists and band members may benefit from percentages of publishing royalties, record royalties, and merchandising monies, while an employee or independent contractor usually works for a straight wage. What criteria do you use for establishing your employment agreement with an employer. For instance, how do you determine your wage?

K.D.: I negotiate. First I find out what the employer has in mind then as long as it's not below my minimum I take it. :-)

Interviewer: Employees or independent contractors may find work as session players, live performers, musical instructors, copyists, arrangers, song writers, engineers, and producers. What are some of the other ways that you've kept busy throughout your career?

K.D.: All of the above plus co-producing with Delmar Brown, and producing my solo album, and another project or two. Production was nice because I received a lump sum then paid the others . If I saved time and money a was able to pocket more.

Interviewer: Do you have any advice about getting your name out in the music community and keeping it out there?

K.D.: Getting it out there: associate often with established bands and musicians then try to parlay the exposure into your own "niche" and continue to play with established musicians. Older musicians sometimes benefit from associating with current fresh up and coming musicians. People skills are very important for keeping the name out there. Punctuality and professionalism and appearance are also very important.

Interviewer: What are some of the methods or personal attributes that have helped you stay busy over the years as an employee or independent contractor?

K.D.: Returning phone calls on a timely basis helpful for independent contractor work. Having a service such as Radio Registry has helped.
Versatility has been useful. Reading and stylistic versatility helps so that if one kind of gig dries up, the other can kick in. As an employee, punctuality and supportive attitude are important. Also spending social time with the band members is important for morale.

Interviewer: Please discuss your philosophies about working with other people,

K.D.: In terms of working with other people, I try to get to know them and develop a genuine caring. People want to play with people who they want to be around.

Interviewer: staying motivated,

K.D.: For motivation I try to keep my own individual way of doing things. I try to keep future goals in mind. Having a personal theme is valuable. Something worth playing for in this world.
and maintaining a good work ethic.

Interviewer: Work ethic?

K.D.: Well parental guidance and religious practice have been useful in this area. :)

Interviewer: Have you relied on other business professionals throughout your career such as an accountant,

K.D.: Accountant is necessary... of course.
Business manager, yes from time to time personal manager yes from time to time, or attorney of course. attorneys have offered valuable advice.
Especially in and negotiating contracts.
Sometimes lawyers find contracts for artists.
I have tried to rely on other drummers, but rarely found gigs that way...However, notably Dennis Chambers recommended me for the recording with Chick Corea and Niacin on Stretch Records. :-)

Interviewer: Employees and independent contractors don't benefit as "normal" corporate folk in that they don't have saving plans, vacation plans, or (in some cases) any plans at all. What types of business techniques, investment tips, or general advice have you adopted over the years in order to advance your career and future?

K.D.: Failing to plan is like planning to fail.
Don't be afraid to think big . Courage is needed. If I hadn't pushed and blown my own horn, I never would have worked with Miles, Wayne, and others.

Interviewer: Is there any other advice about employees or independent contractors that you think is important for our readers to know?

K.D.: I think especially in terms of independent contractor work, paperwork is more important than anyone ever told me in the beginning.
Also self responsibility and staying on top of business is important. Being aware of budget and frugality etc. and sound business practice are important as well.
Employee status is more stable, but independent contractor work offers more freedom and self determination (but more self responsibility).
I hope the readers can do it for the fun of it.
If every single gig is not fun, at least I hope each gig helps lead to fun and fulfillment. I feel that's up to each individual.

Peace! :-)