The Gig Is Up – Get Those Gigs

It’s time for your musical dreams to come true: performing live on stage in front of masses of screaming fans … or at least in a room full of people listening to your creations. Although the end goal is a high-paying job, an artist or band just starting out may have to grab some gifts. Consider them an experience. Use this list as a starter on how to get gigs, a checklist of the basics, and an idea to get started.

The preparation:

• Talent – Know your style, be solid on your performance skills before taking on too big a job
• All bandmates know their responsibilities
• Calendar: create your timeline
• Internet: online presence, class announcements, forums, press, make friends with other bands
• Networking: attend shows of other bands and get to know them, create critical allies, elbow
• Press dossier: with contact information, web address
• Demo tape / CD with your top 3 songs
• Extensively tested
• Decent equipment, with backups and spare parts
• Reliable transportation for the belt and ALL equipment
• Funds: who handles your gang’s finances, food, gas, places to stay
• Booking agency or administrator to obtain bookings, when affordable and to investigate thoroughly
• Sound technician
• Playlist: well-formed, great flow, more than enough for the time allowed, minimal pause between songs

The places:

• Fundraising, charities, benefits
• Festivals, fairs, free concert halls in town, trade shows
• Music contests, composition contests
• Battle of the Bands
• Clubs, bars, pubs: karaoke, open mic night
• Weddings, special occasions, private functions, parties.
• Country clubs, cruises
• Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, bookstores
• Schools, churches, universities
• House concert
• Improvisation sessions
• Online video
• Concert exchange with other bands of similar style: one band opens the show, the other closes

Get the gig:

• The attitude should be “how can we help each other”
• Understand what is expected of you – assume nothing, including food and drink
• Make sure the place has a good reputation for being fair.
• Be prepared if you need to audition live during the less busy hours of a club.
• Venue, space, sound specifications
• Keep your word, generate respect, do what you say you will do
• Get it in writing, contract
• You know it’s up to you to promote your concert, right?

The promotion:

• Word of mouth with enthusiasm!
• Brochures, posters – get the necessary permit (e.g. parking lots)
• Street teams, fan clubs
• Internet Marketing: Artistopia events, email, ezines, newsletters, class announcements, blogs, concert calendars, mailing lists (online / offline)
• Call ALL your friends, family, co-workers, schoolmates
• Press releases to any available medium
• Newspaper, radio, local concert guides
• Bulletin boards, music stores, record stores
• Go where your particular style of fan would hang out or work – do your market research
• Exchange the promotion with local shops, restaurants, think of a great idea
• The number of heads through the door is the most important factor for a new reservation.

At work:

• A gig is a job, so the same rules apply: be on time, don’t take too many breaks, be prepared to do your best, and be professional at all times. The reputation you create will follow.
• Sound test, balance, volume levels.
• Make sure the audience knows the name of your band.
• A good catchy opening line
• Be adaptable 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 … prizes at the door
• Ask someone to take good photos (video) to add to your photo albums later, and chat with your fans! Get fan names to add to your online photo narrative.
• Collect emails, hand out business cards, promote the next concert, get referrals
• Something is likely to go wrong, think about typical disasters and try to be prepared
• Have fun because you are doing what you love to do!

Monitoring:

• Let everyone know that you had a great time and appreciate that they came to see it and thank the operators and staff there.
• If you have a band following you, be courteous and move your gear as quickly as possible
• Have Your Pre-Designated Money Raiser Do Their Work
• Drop the rock star attitude, don’t put on a big head
• Respect the people around you and don’t burn any bridges.
• Learn from every experience
• Add any upcoming follow-up gigs or press releases to your Artistopia profile. Show the world what you are!