These days making it into the music industry is difficult enough. Then even if you make it - how long will it last?. One such band was the Hazies. In 1996 they signed a $500,000 deal with the president of EMI North America, which obviously doesn't exist anymore. They toured the world, many times over doing festivals and opening for other artists. They never made it to appear on VH-1's "Where are they now." Their hit was "Skin and Bones" which brought the lead singer Ken Logan some good publishing cash to live on for a while. Like many other artists he soon realized that he couldn't rely solely on the cash from his publishing.

Most bands that get any notoriety at all think that they are on easy street for good, but what they forget is the average life-span of a band these days is quite short. Many artists jump into the music business at a young age and bypass any type of education. They then spend the rest of their days playing in a small club and working in a convenience store thinking that their second break is coming any day now. So the Hazies did something smart; they joined the IATSE stagehand union. They discovered the union from a fan who showed up to their local gigs in their club days. At every gig they would see this fella coiling Ken's Mic cable on the front of the stage. As they got to know him they realized that this was a great way to earn some extra cash and still remain in the industry. Their home was Clearwater, Florida, which is right next door to Tampa and a couple of hours away from Orlando. As you may know Orlando is the capital for corporate gigs and conventions.

So what has the union done for the Hazies? It has showed them that being musicians and stagehands at the same time is beneficial. They see that both fields are a lot closer than one would think. Both are trying to achieve one goal, and that is to satisfy the punters. They know the value of a good crew, paying them their worth and that not all Roadogz want to be stars on a stage. The fact is that Ken has no problem lifting or pushing cases. He's often asking the touring crew how the gear works.

The Hazies were able to realize what a good crew can do for a band. Ken describes the excitement he gets in learning a new aspect of the Roadogz scene every time he works a call. Working the technical side gives the Hazies a way to communicate with their crew a lot better when they perform. They now understand the terminology and technology that is available today. Working at a coffee house for minimum wage or make union rate with a minimum 4 hour call, they made the choice.

The Hazies history started in 1991, they got their deal in 1996. They had a local Florida manager get them a showcasing gig at CBGB's in New York. That night Frank Aversa the Producer with the Spin Doctor's saw the potential of the Hazies. Alec Jon Such ( Bon Jovi's former bass player ) helped produce the demos. They sold over 50,000 cds before EMI closed down. They went on the road with a FOH engineer/Road manager, Stage manager/ Tech, and a Swag man, and travelled in an RV staying in Hotels.

Ken's suggestions to making it: Get a record company that stands behind you. D.I.Y. is always the best way, you work harder and it's less money to make the album, but the payoff is often better. Build a fan base and treat the crew with respect, they can make or break you. Play as many gigs as possible.

Add Your thoughts on the Message Board.