As a new artist or a fan of music, you may be curious on how a band ends up on stage. Today you will find out. Booking a “gig” or a show can come about in many ways, but it always starts with communication.
Talk the Talk:
If you’re a new artist, it’s important for you to be vocal about it. Connect with your fans, other local acts/bands, venues and promoters. NOTE: a venue is where a band performs and a promoter is someone that pays the acts to fill the venue. The idea is to network and put together a show with other locals and/or get various promoters attention to get booked for a show.
If you can’t get a promoter to notice you, don’t get discouraged; get proactive! Network with four or five other local bands and book a venue yourself. Check the dates, make sure everyone’s on board and agrees to the terms and pricing, and call up local venues to book the show.
*If you book you’re own show, make sure to ask the following questions:
- Do they have insurance?
- Do they have stage/sound system with a sound guy/security?
- Is the venue all ages?
- Is there a bar for the older crowd?
- How do we handle payment?
- Can we charge a cover?
- Does the house take profit from the door or merch?
Agree To What’s Fair:
There’s a rule in life called the 2 out of 3 rule. To accept a project or gig, it has to include at least two of the following: Good People, Good Money or Good Show. If you get paid a lot of money to play a horrible show for a horrible promotional company, you’re better off walking away unless you REALLY need the money. If you’re cousin wants you to play a random event for free at their high school for their 8 member debate team, while it’s good people; it’s probably a good idea to pass. Always consider the benefits of doing the show. Whether it’s money or a good opportunity for networking; always weigh the pros and cons. Don’t be afraid to ask for more money! The worst answer you are going to get is “no”.
Time To Get To Work:
Now that you’ve either been booked for a gig or booked the show on your own, what’s next? Promotion, promotion, promotion! Nothing is harder and more frustrating than playing a show for no one. Promotion, while it seems strenuous, we are fortunate enough to live in an age where it’s much easier than it was 10 years ago. Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, text message, are some ways to start the promotional campaign. Don’t overlook the importance of face to face contact such as passing out flyers at the local mall or other shows. Invite you’re grandma, grandpa, aunts and uncles; literally anyone you can think of! The idea is to fill a room. The more people in the room, the better it looks for you. Not to mention, it greatly increases the chances of being booked again. This is the part where you always want to stop and consider one crucial thought, “what would get you to go to someone’s show?” if you answered “a text message of a good friend” then do it, if you said “it would have to be an epic party” then turn the invite into a “party invite”! Creativity always wins, and the moment you give up on creativity is the moment you give up on trying to succeed! Promoting is something you have to develop a knack for. Be patient, as you will get better the more you try. Remember, the more you draw to a show, the more you’ll get show offers for bigger and better shows.
Practice Makes Perfect:
Practice, practice, practice every thing! Don’t just practice the songs, but the walk on and walk off of stage, who’s handling what, what will be said, talked about on stage, and what to do if a string, amp, or cymbal breaks. Be prepared to be social, you want all your invitees to have a great time and enjoy every aspect of the performance. Keep in mind; they PAID to see you perform. You want to be prepared for the worst but expect the best!
Now Walk The Walk:
So you did it, you got you’re big show! Make sure everyone is dressed accordingly. Although this seems tacky and unimportant, you never want someone wearing a tank top while the other is wearing a 3-piece suite. At least have some coordination within the band. Again, people are paying to see you. Don’t make them regret spending money! Always keep the audience in mind! The final and most important thing; Have FUN!!!!! There are probably a lot of people wishing for the opportunities that you have, so enjoy and make the most of it.
