Get gigs

herpes · #1 05-24-2006, 07:49 AM

hey guys!

how do you best get gigs? do you write an email or do you go to the location ect? do you give some sound excamples?

how do you get most money? (i mean, do you get more money if you are arrogant?)

IanStephenson · #2 05-24-2006, 10:12 AM

Phone first, tell them you're sending a press pack, then phone again once they've got the pack. Keep calling (within reason).

Pack has general info, booking details, pictures and a CD.

Polite and proffesional gets gigs. Arrogant goes in the no thanks pile. If you're a punk band, and can fill a place by swearing and spitting at the audience thats fine, but treat the owner like that and your out! Save the theatrics for the punters.

First gig is cheaper (not free!) so they can try us out. Once we've made some money FOR THEM, we charge more.

Ian

clockworkwar · #3 05-24-2006, 10:21 AM

Great advice, it might also be good to ask them to come to a practice if you havent recorded a CD atm.

Hope you get a good one!

scourge · #4 05-27-2006, 01:19 PM

Get to know people. Especially other, gigging bands

herpes · #5 05-30-2006, 03:57 AM

thank you guys!

it is because i send emails to sooo much locations and most of the time i don't even get replies... that sucks...

i'll try it your way

thanks, phil

Jeb · #6 06-04-2006, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scourge

Get to know people. Especially other, gigging bands

True.

Also, you might want to deliver the promo-pack in person, face to face. Hand the CD over directly to the appropriate person. Follow up with phone calls if you have to.

A good CD (and first impression from the initial visit) works.

Really.

ebladeboi123 · #7 06-04-2006, 08:40 PM

If you do meet the person... face to face. Make sure you make eye contact and shake their hand. I know thats really basic, but don't get all nervous and what not... they want to hire you for being a "rock star" (hypothetically) so act professional, and try to seem like you know what you're doing, but don't be arrogant (there's a line, if you have any common sense you know where it is).

My band usually goes to the venue, and hands them a press kit. We'll call and they'll schedule, or they'll decline. Declining happens, don't take it personally. Especially at the bigger venues, or at the "metal" clubs when your a classic rock band... Oh yeah- if its a jazz club, and you play Metalcore... don't bother, use your head

Sorry if that sounded harsh
Dan

lonegroover · #8 01-09-2007, 02:27 AM

try info on www.gig-getter.co.uk.

worked for us anyhow

chakah · #9 01-10-2007, 10:13 AM

Ask everyone you know if they need a band for a function. I've gotten at least 5 gigs by being a member of a local running club. Right now we're playing the Houston Marathon post-race party for a good friend of mine.

It I find it's better to talk to bartenders, waiteresses at bars/clubs to gauge interest in bands. Right now we're trying to get into bars, icehouses where they may not have bands. And from other people in bands - try to talk to the bar owner in person. That makes a huge difference as opposed to an email.

Just ask around, maybe play a place for tips once. But I do like the idea of the mailing list. I think I'll try that at this gig on Sunday.

brianrost · #10 01-10-2007, 11:13 AM

In the USA email is the most useless way to try and get gigs.

For local venues face to face with the booker is best, phone calls second best.

Roger Pounders · #11 01-11-2007, 02:03 PM

If you really want gigs, get hooked up with an Event booking agent. Thats what we did, I turn down more gigs than I accept

teb335 · #12 01-23-2007, 03:55 AM

my band stuggled for some time and came close to break up due to lack of gigs, got a copy of gig-getter between us. Very
useful info about finding venues, best time to call
them and most important for us - exactly what to say
on the phone to them. we've been able to book our band
out loads of times without even meeting the people
concerned or even supplying demos