August 23, 2008 by Scot.

Tips on getting gigs

Many of you currently perform or wish to. Here are some nice guidelines for booking yourself or your band.
We have several avenues for first contact at an establishment that offers live music. Whether you wish to perform at a coffee house, bar/club or country club, these premises apply:  

- Phone contact      

1- Use to get initial info            

a. What type and when do they have live music            

b. Who is the contact            

c. How do they prefer to be contacted        

2- Email             

 a. You may try this first when available             

b. This is better to send links to your website for sound bytes/pics               

c. It also allows you to choose your words more carefully            

 3- In person              

 a. Often the most effective              

 b. Puts a human face in front of the booker/manager/owner              

c. Shows you are willing, where most are not, to make the extra effort             

d. Buy a drink &/or dinner, depending on the establishment, then ask for the rep.

Have a demo handy, but not visible

In all cases, you may need to do an ‘audition’ night. This is common with original venues. Don’t expect pay. Honestly, in original situations, you will rarely be paid. Have product to sell and make new fans. In cover situations(and original often), they may want a CD demo of a few tunes, if email link to your site was not preferred. Make your demo short. No booker wants to listen to a 20 minute demo. It should be about 8 – 12 minutes max. Include 4-5 tunes that offer a nice range of your material or material you cover. If covers, they should be snippets of the tunes you include, no more than 2 minutes each. If original, full tunes are fine, but only include 3, unless you submit a full CD or Ep. In those cases, you may wish to draw their attention to the best 2-3 tracks.

Once you book the gig, get the word out. Let friends and family know. Start a mailing list with emails and spread the good word. Places certainly appreciate a nice crowd. Good luck and stay patient and persistent.

-Scot-8-23-08

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