The Role and Compensation of Background Singers: A Comprehensive Guide
Background singers, often known as background vocalists, backing singers, or backing vocalists (BVs) or BGVs, are instrumental in enhancing the overall quality of music by providing harmonies and support to the lead vocalist. They play a crucial role in a wide range of musical genres, from pop and rock to RB and country. Whether performing live, in a studio, or on television, background singers contribute to the rich texture and depth of musical compositions.
The Role of a Background Singer
Background singers perform unison parts and harmony parts, which can either reinforce the melody or add layers of complexity. This role involves not just singing, but also understanding the dynamics of the song and blending seamlessly with the lead vocalist. They can work in a group or alongside the lead artist, providing support that amplifies the overall sound and texture of the music.
The Variety of Genres
Background singers have the versatility to work in diverse genres. They can contribute to pop, rock, RB, and country music. Their presence in live performances, studio recordings, and television shows adds depth to the musical experience, making their roles invaluable in the music industry.
Compensation and Factors Influencing Earnings
The compensation for background singers varies widely, influenced by several factors including experience, location, the scale of the project, and their employment status (freelance or part of a band).
Freelance Background Singers
For live performances, freelance background singers may earn between $100 to $500 per gig.
Studio work typically pays around $200 to $1,000 per session.
Full-Time Background Singers
Those working as a fixed group or under steady contracts can earn an annual salary ranging from $30,000 to $60,000.
Experienced background singers who work with high-profile artists may earn significantly more.
It is important to note that the income from background singing can be quite variable, and many singers supplement their income with other gigs or side jobs.
Compensation for Fixed Lineups
Vocalists who are part of a fixed lineup (a permanent group) may earn a block amount for a tour. In ‘democratic’ bands, each member typically receives a percentage of the band’s net income from performances, agreed upon beforehand.
Negotiable Rates
The key feature that makes the compensation for background singers complex is the negotiability of rates. Background singers in union settings are often paid by the performance at or above union scale per hour, but this can be adjusted based on demand and the revenue of the event. For recording, an agreed amount per 3-hour session is standard.
International Variations
Compensation can vary significantly from country to country. Factors such as experience, the profile of the leading artist, the conditions of the job, and the number of hours involved all play a role in determining the final amount.
Conclusion
Background singers play a vital role in the music industry, enhancing the quality of performances and contributing to the overall texture of music. Their earnings can vary widely based on several factors, with freelance singers earning up to $1,000 per session, and full-time singers earning $30,000 to $60,000 annually. Understanding the role, compensation, and factors that influence earnings is crucial for those considering a career as a background singer.