As a local band we have always kept our rates very low as a way of supporting venues.
If they have a good night we get paid more
We do it fun and payment is a bonus to the joy of gigging.
If we ventured further afield we would have to double our rates to cover fuel etc etc so we try to stay local and limit to one or two gigs per month.
Biggest problem is jam nights, open mic nights and duo acts!!
Venues are struggling for sure but some don’t do much to encourage people to attend and wonder why they had a quiet night !