Hiring Process
Travel
How do I get my visa?
We take care of your visa, that is not a problem. Normally we send you all the appropriate documents, you apply at the local embassy and you get your visa within 4 or 5 working days. We pay for your Visa.
How do I pay for my excess luggages?
For your excess luggage, you will be allowed to check-in two bags free of charge (maximum of 23kg/50lb PER bag).
- Since you are also allowed 25 kg of excess luggage on behalf of el-live Productions, you must pay the excess luggage fee first at the airport and will be reimbursed at a later time when you present us with a receipt. Anything above what's covered by the airline and el-live Productions will be at your own expense.
Is it possible to book my plane ticket so that I fly out of Seattle, Washington?
Of course, but please note that we pay for return flight tickets to and from the same city i.e. if we fly you out of Seattle, we will fly you back to Seattle.
What city or cites will I be performing in? Also, what hotels will I be performing in?
We work in the Grand Hyatt, Shangri-La, Sheraton and Hilton among others. Right now we are in the Grand Hyatt Singapore, Grand Hyatt Taipei and the Sheraton HCMC to name a few. Google these hotels, they are all 5 star properties and they're the best in the world.
On the web site it was mentioned that you could spend 4 months in one city then go to another city for the next 4 months. How does this work?
Well we just did it 2 days ago. Two bands finished on Saturday, got on the plane on Sunday and performed Monday in a new country, smooth as silk.
Is there any chance I would be able to fly home for Christmas, or are we performing straight through?
There is no chance that you will be able to fly home for the Holidays. We work through the holiday season.
Salary & Taxes
Do you offer direct deposit?
We are trying to get the direct deposit thing happening but because of money laundering laws, it has been difficult to set up, so 95% of the time you get paid in cash.
Money transfer
How do I send money home?
There are banks and Western Union outlets where you can go to transfer money internationally. In some cases, there is actually a bank INSIDE of the hotel where you are playing & staying, so it's very convenient. You do need your bank's information handy (account #, bank address, bank routing #, bank swift code etc.) in order to make the transfer, so I suggest you obtain this info before you leave.
Health insurance
The Gig
Food & Lodging
The Gig
Expenses
Mail
Phone
Transportation
Other questions
How many days will I have to adjust to the time and rehearse with the band before I start performing?
It's almost instantaneous. Usually you will arrive only one or two days before the gig starts, so it is crucial for you to be 100% ready to go upon arrival at the gig.
Will I be permitted to promote my own music at any time? In other words, if someone inquires about my career at the club, can I give them a card with my website on it? Also, if I bring a stack of CDs would I be permitted to a) sell them or b) give them away as a means of increasing my fan base not only for my own sake, but also for the club's?
No. It is absolutely forbidden to promote individual music or sell CDs on the road. The only business cards to be handed out are designated el-live business cards, which will be provided upon request.
I would like to consider doing some studio work while I'm in the city. It's what I do for a living and it would be great to keep my studio chops up while I'm abroad. If I booked a commercial it might also help to draw people in to the club. Have you had other vocalists do the same in the past?
It is forbidden to do so because you are in the country under contract with the hotel and they have paid for all the expenses for your work visa/permit. It is in the contract with the hotel that no members are allowed to perform outside of the hotel. In addition, there are many tax complications. In general, it is not a good idea to do work other than what you are hired for, which is performing at the designated hotels. The gig is quite demanding physically and mentally, you will be happy to take that one day off per week.
Also, I would like to consider performing on my day off with my guitar at a local cafe or something small and intimate as an offset to the club. How do you feel about that and are there any restrictions about performing outside the club?
Again, it is not allowed to do so because you are in the country under contract with the hotel, they have paid for all the expenses for your work visa/permit. It is in the contract with the hotel that no members are allowed to perform outside of the hotel. Also, there are many tax complications. In general, it is not a good idea to do work other than what you are hired for, which is performing at the designated hotels. The gig is quite demanding physically and mentally, you will be happy to take that one day off per week.
I am a practicing Buddhist. From what I read there is a general tolerance for all religions in Asia, which is great...but, I just wanted to make sure as I'm considering bringing my Butsudan...
There is absolutely no problem with that. Freedom of religion is not an issue in any of the countries we are involved in.
My friends and family have expressed a concern for my security while gigging abroad. I assured them that you would make sure that I was in a safe environment, but they asked that I inquire, nonetheless. What is the security like at the hotel? Is it generally safe to live and work in Asia at this time?
In general, Asian cities are by far safer than any North American or European cities. We live in the most prestigious hotels in the world and the security is impeccable. You cannot even take the elevator without a room key. However, as you would in any town in any part of the world, always be cautious and don't put yourself in harm's way.
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