Booking is hard!

[Benjamin Strange]

I'm trying to book shows to support my new acoustic album, and I can't even seem to get my foot in the door around New Orleans. I've contacted every venue that would book my kind of music (dark, dissonant acoustic stuff), and I can't seem to get anything going. I don't get it - I could probably get a decent draw, require almost nothing in regards to PA support, and am very professional when I inquire about gigs. Yet most places aren't returning phone calls or emails, and the ones that do have requirements that I can't fulfill presently (like putting together a show with other bands, financial requirements, etc.).

Even though I play quite a bit around town, I don't have much of a name established for my own stuff. I can understand some hesitation from club owners, but I'm not even asking for headlining shows at this point - just some opening slots. This is hard! It seems that if it's not funk, blues, jazz, or some other New Orleans staple, it doesn't get booked. I don't really have much of a network of other bands to play shows with, since I'm playing most every night and can't go see any bands play. What a pickle.

So, what am I missing? How does one go about breaking into the scene?

Also, are there any NOLA based bands here on TB that need an opening act for shows? I got to play to pay my rent, yo.

[JHL]

I would say that if they aren't responding to emails; call them
If they aren't returning calls; visit them

Also, don't limit yourself to contacting places that YOU think will dig your music... contact every place you can think of, and try to come up with reasons why they should want you and your music at their establishment.

Finally and most important of all: never give up! Just because a place turned you down the first time doesn't mean they will turn you down forever. The best bookers I know just don't know what no means

[Benjamin Strange]

Man... I think that's all I have to do to get a gig is to complain on TB about not getting gigs. I just got a call to play a gig in Baton Rouge this Thursday. Sweet!

[heroincredible]

Congrats dude! Knock em dead.

I second visiting the venues if they aren't returning calls.

[Taylor Livingston]

This is something I'd like to know about too, because one day in the (possibly distant) future, I'd like to start playing live, and I too am making weirdo non-funky music. I'm also not too hooked into the local scene here, because I have so little interest in any local music.

I had a friend who had some of his experimental classical stuff played by a string ensemble over at the Big Top. Those guys seem pretty open to any kind of act, but it may not be a happenin' enough joint for you, I don't know. It's kind of small and sometimes the turnout is sparse (unless it's a ska show or something similar with a built-in audience). If you get any farther with this, let me know. Maybe we could play on the same bill sometime.

[Matt Till]

You pretty much called it, you kind of have to appeal to the local scene. New Orleans is (well, at least it's stereotyped as such) a party town. Your music you want to play is more for the dark/brooding art kids. You'd be big around here, where on the other hand, if I were to start a funk band around here, I wouldn't be able to get my foot in the door.

The best thing I can recommend is search Myspace for local bands with similar tastes, or at least open minds, and ask to open for them. Or move to an area with more depressed people who love acousticy sad times.

Glad to hear you got a gig though, good luck.