Today we’d like to introduce you to Raul Ochoa.
Hi Raul, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I moved to Austin in the summer of 2011 with the dream of doing Austin theatre and continuing a journey to eventually lead me to film. I got a day job in a restaurant up the road from my apartment and started an open mic for fun because open mics were great for community in college. Then the restaurant suddenly closed and I needed work and a friend recommended me to his booking agent. I played 1 show as a trial through TMMP (Tammy Miranda Music Productions), and now it’s 15 years later and I’ve released 6 albums, have hosted and started a handful of open mics, travelled parts of the world, and met the most incredible artists and people all while somehow playing music for a living.
Some days I still think “I was supposed to go find a new job…I’ll get on that eventually.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No one’s road is smooth. Mine is filled with as much heartbreak and loss as anyone else’s road. Finances will always be a struggle doing something unconventional until you figure out how to live within your means.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As of right now I am a full time performer, a full time booking agent for the largest regional booking agency in Texas, and a part time photography specializing in music promotion.
As a performer I play solo or with my band Skye & the Echoes, a 3 piece power pop ensemble. My music consists of what I have dubbed Urban Folk. The band is girl pop. We play all over Texas.
As a booking agency I general manage a company that’s been around 20 years serving 50+ venues and working with 200+ musicians providing live music 7 days a week in Austin and San Antonio.
As a photographer I help awkward musicians look cool.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
My entire career is a risk. There are no conventional hours. Locations vary. A gig is a gig is a gig is a gig. I’ve played children’s birthday parties, weddings, strip clubs, house showings, funerals, proposals, break ups.
Doing music as a career is a risk because there is no singular path. There is really no guideline on how to do it successfully and you have to figure it out.
Pricing:
- Weddings – $1000+
- Bar gigs – $100-150 an hour
- Private events – $800 (will vary)
- Corporate events – $800-2000
- Photography – free-$100 for musicians
Contact Info:
- Website: https://moderndaymidas.bandzoogle.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymidas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymidas
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/moderndaymidas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/moderndaymidas
- Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/moderndaymidas
- Other: https://www.behance.net/goldtouchphotos
