New Band - First Gigs

[Gearhead17]

I am the bass player for the cover band 'Stache! and we are currently trying to find gigs in the the Chicago land area; suburbs and in the city. We are a five piece band, we have a small PA and great gear to survive without a house PA system (small places). We mainly play 90's rock with several songs from the 70's to present. We have not played a gig yet...

I have noticed that decent venues (good pay, full PA system, nice building) all require bands to "bring their following of fans on audition night". Venues seem to have a audition night on a weekday evening. Between the 5 of us, we can easily get 50 people to show up ONE night, but we can't guarantee that all of those people are going to show up when we perform. So it's like - here's a bunch of people who like our band (friends, family) - we nail the audition and are assigned a date to perform - oh crap, not everyone can come out to see us that day - don't we look dumb with nobody here. That's what I am afraid of.

My next thought is to start looking at places that need the business. As in - we play, boost sales for one night, make friends/fans and hopefully people spread the word about our band. Maybe even get called back to the small bar/restaurant and have a weekly gig over there.

Where are the best places to start playing for a band just starting out? Where should I look? I have been focusing on bars mainly. How can you build a following if most places want you to "bring your following"? Help me out.

www.myspace.com/stacherockschicago

[troy2003]

Play anywhere you can,even if it's for free.I am a big fan of networking with other bands.Some view it as comptetition,maybe it is-but it helps you out.Work together,if they get a gig,they try to talk you in the door too,and vice versa..Lots of times we played at festivals(Christian) and almost always they would ask if we knew any other bands that wanted to play.Get to know other band members.Sometimes they might have a gig and hafta bail for some reason at the last minute and and they will call you to cover for them. Another thought--ask to play during an "off" night-like Monday or Tuesday night,the bar owner gets to know you,you get experience,which can lead to future gigs.

[Jeb]

I don't have a good answer for you, but I wouldn't play for free. You just have to keep at it. The more experience you have being turned down, the better you'll get at it. Really. Venue owners care about their business, not you. You care about your band and if you say you care as much about the venue owners you're soliciting, I wouldn't believe you.

If you love what you do to the point of working for it like anything else that is important, you'll find a way. Eventually. It takes time and there are TONS of obstacles. Good luck.

[chaosMK]

For the places that have "audition nights", I wouldnt worry about it. Impress them with what you can do. If your friends have a great time, I'm sure they will show up another time or tell more people about it.

Every place I've ever played wants us to bring our following, or at least do our best to promote the show and make people aware that it's even going on.

These slightly more prestigious shows/venues will boost your reputation more (especially with other good venues) than playing hole in the wall places.

But with that said... cut your teeth however you can for the first 10 or so shows.

[Gearhead17]

Thanks for the advice everyone - I think my band is just going for whatever we can get - we will try the prestigous places too. But I think playing a few lousy venues can help us out at the moment. At least we can get some practice performing!

[Baird6869]

Keep in mind that if you get on stage alone and play spoons for the entire night BUT bring 50 people that are having drinks, you will be rebooked. If you are in an amazing band that has no friends, you likely won't be rebooked.

Sad, but 100% true. A bar owner is paying your band $400 or whatever to sell booze, not because the owner likes the music.