Band Promo ideas?

[FreshTrooperXBL]

My band has had many band meetings lately and the topic of promoting the band keeps popping up. The short story is that we need to promote ourselves for future events. We are all early 20’s. Alternative / soft rock (think Tegan & Sara cross Metric). Originals band, but some covers of the two said groups. Two lady front singers. Most are over 21. Los Angeles, CA is our location (but general help is best). We have connections with other larger bands who have invited us to open for them, but far ahead in the future (months possibly until many of them comeback around for tours in our area). One singer works at a studio / can get recording time if we need it. We have an expert photographer friend at hand as well.

We have various ideas for ways to promote but one we all have some faith in is to pass out cards, cd’s (with a random song or a few songs on them), fliers, or random posters at random places. I like the idea of putting business cards at clubs, bars, venues, or Guitar Center’s (and similar). 2nd favorite idea is fliers that are double-sided, glossy and about 7” by 3”. Yet another idea is to put up Youtube videos. Still yet another idea (least favorable and probably least efficient is to pass out cd’s with a few of our songs and a message like “like us on Facebook”). Everyone in the band has contributed a great idea. Our drummer’s girlfriend even volunteered her salon services in case we want to go wacky with the hair for something.

I think business cards that look glossy or in general look quite “hipster” with artsy ideas would catch attention and direct it towards the band in the right way. They are cheap and slip in the wallet easily. Fliers do this too, but they would be much more expensive. Are business cards the way to go?