Getting Those Gigs







Time for your music dreams to come true – playing live onstage to masses of screaming fans…or at least a room full of people listening in to your creations. Though the ultimate goal is a good-paying gig, an artist or band just starting out may have to take on some freebies. Consider them as experience. Use this list as a start on how to get gigs, a checklist of the basics, and an idea starter.

The Prep:

*Talent – know your style, be solid in your performance abilities before you take on too big a gig
*All band mates know their responsibilities
*Calendar – create your timeline
*Internet - online presence, class ads, forums, press, make friends with other bands
*Networking – go to shows of other bands and meet them, create critical allies, rub elbows
*Press kit – with contact info, web address
*Demo tape/CD with your 3 best songs
*Rehearsed extensively
*Decent equipment – with backups and spares
*Reliable transportation for band and ALL equipment
*Funds – who handles your band finances, food, gas, places to stay
*Booking agency or manager to get bookings – when affordable and research thoroughly
*Sound Technician
*Playlist – well shaped, great flow, more than enough for the time allowed, minimal pause between songs

The Places:

*Fundraisers, charities, benefits
*Festivals, fairs, city free concert venues, trade shows
*Music competitions, songwriting contests
*Battle of the bands
*Clubs, bars, pubs – karaoke, open mic night
*Weddings, special occasions, private functions, parties
*Country clubs, cruise ships
*Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, bookstores
*Schools, churches, colleges
*House concert
*Jam sessions
*Online video
*Gig trading with other bands of similar style – one band opens the show, the other closes

Getting the Gig:

*Attitude should be “how we can help each other”
*Understand what is expected of you – don’t assume anything, including food and drinks
*Make sure the venue has a good rep for being fair
*Be ready if you need to do a live audition during a club’s less busy hours.
*Venue specifications, space, sound
*Keep your word, build respect, do what you say you will do
*Get it in writing, contract

You know it’s up to you to promote your gig, right?

The Promotion:

*Word of mouth with enthusiasm!
*Flyers, posters – get permission as needed (e.g. parking lots)
*Street teams, fan clubs
*Internet marketing – Artistopia events, email, ezines, newsletters, class ads, Blogs, concert calendars, mailing list (online/offline)
*Call ALL your friends, family, co-workers, school mates
*Press releases to any media available
*Newspaper, radio, local gig guides
*Bulletin boards, music stores, record shops
*Go where your particular style of fan would hang out or work – do your market research
*Swap promo with local stores, restaurants, come up with some cool idea

The number of heads through the door is the most important factor for a re-booking

At Work:

*A gig is a job – so the same rules apply: be on time, don’t take too many set breaks, be prepared to do your best and be professional at all times. The reputation you create will proceed you.
*Sound check, balance, volume levels
*Make sure the audience knows the name of your band
*A good catchy opening line
*Be adaptive to your environment – have a sense of humor
*A musician under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a recipe for disaster
*Merchandise for sale – CDs, t-shirts, stickers…door prizes
*Have someone take good photos (video) for adding to your photo albums later – and schmooze with your fans! Get fan names to add to the photo narrative online.
*Collect emails, hand out biz cards, promote the next upcoming gig, get references
*Something will probably go wrong, think through typical disasters and try to be prepared
*Have a great time because you are doing what you love to do!

The Follow-up:

*Let everyone know you had a great time and appreciate that they came to see you and thank the venue operators and staff
*If you have a band following you, be polite and move your equipment as quickly as possible
*Have your pre-appointed money collector do their job
*Drop the rock star attitude – don’t get a big head
*Respect the people around you and don’ burn any bridges
*Learn from every experience
*Add any upcoming gig or follow-up press release to your Artistopia profile. Show the world what you are about!






Deb's Top 5 Songs Of The Day:



Bread, The Guitar Man
Journey, Open Arms
Nine Inch Nails, Closer
Three Doors Down, Love Me When I'm Gone
Rod Stewart, Every Picture Tells A Story



Local Artist Of The Day:


A Saturday Night Drive By