Time for your music dreams to come true playing live onstage to masses of screaming fansor 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 dont 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 clubs 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 its 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, dont 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, stickersdoor 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 dont 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!
Artistopia - The Ultimate Artist Development Resource www.artistopia.com is an artist development and community on the web providing indie and unsigned music artists, songwriters and bands all the tools needed for music business collaboration and networking.