There used to be a cafe gig almost every weekend. Now? The gig-info WhatsApp groups are quieter, and your calendar has more empty dates. If you're a musician in Jakarta feeling this, you're not the only one.
In this article, we'll look at why cafe gigs have dropped off, then 5 side jobs that still use your musical skills instead of leaving them behind.
Why are cafe gigs drying up?
One big reason is the music royalty controversy. Since 2025, a number of cafes and restaurants in Jakarta have switched their music off out of concern over royalty bills.
Royalty rules for restaurants and cafes are charged per seat per year, totalling Rp120,000 per seat per year for songwriter and related rights. Many small cafe owners found the rules unclear and played it safe by cutting back on music, including live music.
Some musicians have tried to help. GIGI bassist Thomas Ramdhan, for example, made his songs free to use for cafe singers and bands paid under Rp5 million per show. But the effect on the number of gigs is still being felt.
While you wait for stages to get busy again, here are ways to keep your musical skills earning.
5 side jobs for musicians
1. Teach private music lessons
Lots of parents are looking for guitar, piano or drum teachers for their kids, and many young workers want to learn an instrument at the weekend. You can teach at students' homes, at yours, or online. Start with people you know, then ask your first students to recommend you.
2. Become a session or recording musician
Recording studios, solo singers and content creators often need guitar, bass, keyboard or drum players for recordings. Put together a short demo of your playing and share it with studios and producers near you.
3. Make cover or tutorial content
Cover videos, chord tutorials and "how to play this song" content are always in demand on TikTok and YouTube. Content can serve as a portfolio to land gigs, and as it grows, it can lead to deals with instrument brands. Watch copyright rules when using other people's songs.
4. Offer instrument setup and repair
Restringing, adjusting a guitar's action, or setting up sound for small events are skills many people need but few have. Lots of beginners will pay to have their instrument play better.
5. Record yourself playing and get paid by the hour with Frogku
You may not have heard of this one. Robotics companies need videos of human hand movements to train AI robots, and finger movements when playing an instrument are among the most precise there are.
With Frogku, you record using a head camera with both hands visible, for example while playing guitar or keys, mixing on a DJ controller, or changing strings. What's needed is the video of your hand movements, not the song or the audio. Pay is Rp0–100,000 per hour of recording that passes review, depending on video quality and task type. Check which task categories are open in the app.
How to start:
- Sign up for free and create an account in the Frogku app.
- Record a 5–15 second test video on your phone.
- Pass the review and a head camera is lent to you for free and delivered.
- Record, upload and get paid. No daily video target.
The bonus for musicians: you can record during your regular practice. Time you'd spend practising anyway can earn you money at the same time.
Frogku is currently open to people aged 18+ with an Indonesian ID card (KTP) in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi.
Combine them, don't pick just one
A musician's income is most stable with more than one source. For example: 2 private students a week, gigs when they come up, and Frogku recordings during practice. When one source goes quiet, the others keep going.
FAQ
How much do cafe musicians earn in Jakarta?
It varies a lot, depending on the cafe, the size of the band and how often you play. Since cafe gigs dropped after the royalty controversy, many musicians now rely on more than one income source.
Does Frogku record my songs or my sound?
What's needed is video of your hand movements while playing or maintaining your instrument. If you're unsure about a song, practise technique like scales or chords instead.
Do I need a special instrument?
No. Use the instrument you usually play. Make sure the lighting is bright and both hands are clearly visible to the camera.
Your practice can pay. Download Frogku, record a test video, and start getting paid for your music skills.
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