How effective have Press Kits been for getting gigs?

[zontar]

it's best to just drop off a cassette player with your cassette in it

Not 8 Track? Reel to Reel?
Cylinders?

 

[mpdd]

Not 8 Track? Reel to Reel?
Cylinders?

Player piano with the tunes

 

[zontar]

Player piano with the tunes

If that works--or even a music box...

 

[Nephilymbass]

I've been reading the excellent tips on creating a band press kit. TB has never failed to help.

I am interested about using them to get gigs at local clubs.

Has anyone had success dropping them off to a local bar and getting a response? If so, any idea what percent received a response?

People say press kits are important but today when you can send anyone a link to a video of a show and or a social media page with pictures and bios, IMO they have become obsolete. At one time we even got some folks to help us make a really proffessional one. But clubs typically don't care what you look like or even sound like unless your trying to get your death metal band booked a jazz or country venue. They want to see how many people will come to see you. Because most clubs are more concerned about selling drinks, most actually don't really care about the quality of the talent on stage. The majority of gigs at new venues my band has gotten have been off of show trading with bands and not dealing with the clubs or promoters at all. Then once you play and the club owners or manager see you if they liked you and you liked the venue just say "the club is great and we'd really like to come back and start playing on a regular basis"

As for press kits to send to record companies I seriously doubt anyone actually looks at them. most labels that would actually be beneficial to your band flat out refuse to except them. Most public libraries have a book in the music section which has addresses and websites for labels and most of them that anyone would be interested in flat out say they won't except them. So basically that leaves shady smaller labels looking at press packs like "these guys are clueless should be easy to take advantage of them"

 

[Session1969]

I've been reading the excellent tips on creating a band press kit. TB has never failed to help.

I am interested about using them to get gigs at local clubs.

Has anyone had success dropping them off to a local bar and getting a response? If so, any idea what percent received a response?

It's standard and had been for some time. As a far as percentages go, it varies but shouldn't be a determining factor because every professional band has one. Get one going, for sure.

 

[MrFred]

press kits worked for my band for bigger shows... didnt really matter for the local scene. definitely helped my band get opening slots for quite a few national/global touring acts tho.