How to get a gig

First things first

Draw an area on a map to work out how far you want to travel and then contact all the venues in that area. Don’t be insistent, just try and get a name and address to send your demo to. A relevant name will get your demo to the right person. Give you name and band name and try to leave the promoter with a positive impression of you (all promoters want bands to be trustworthy and responsive)

Your demo CD

This does not need to be as polished as a launch EP (its main function is to show the promoter what you sound like and how suitable your band is to the venue). Don't send in a CD full of just one style if your live set is completely different.

Do include full contact information and a useful biography. Don't be afraid of self-promotion, but try to keep things short and informative. 3 Songs are ideal, a nicely presented package with a printed cover and a well written biog makes the promoter pay more attention.

Following up

Promoters receive lots of demos, so be patient. Chase up the venue, but refrain from pestering them (a week after sending your CD is normal). Be assertive but be prepared to wait.

Make it easy to find your details. Make friends on Facebook, follow with twitter and become active in the area. Provide media for the promoter to use – prepared photos, logos and artwork makes life easier when promoting a new act.

During the gig

Check equipment specs thoroughly with the venue. Find out what they have and haven't got and get in early for the soundcheck. Be nice to all the technicians, should you get on the wrong side of them, they have the ability to make you sound terrible

Also, keep your ego in check - it's your first gig, don't make it your last. Do ask for payment though, even if it's only to cover your petrol. Be reasonable and you'll get some money. You should always be nice to promoters and venue staff. "If you don't treat the promoter with respect you can kiss any other future gigs goodbye and you will have lost a potential venue

If you bring a crowd make sure they are respect the event and act in an appropriate manor. Its easy to end up messing around and joking with your friends rather than playing an awesome set.

Finally, remember to have fun! Once you're first couple of gigs are out of the way you can build contacts with venues and promoters. You'll increase your exposure and play more regularly, and they will come to you rather than the other way round


Added by Tom WelshGigs, 2 yearss ago

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