Live Bands and Gigs

Approach Town Fairs, County Festivals, or City Free Concert Venues. Another way to get exposure is to gig for a large audience at a Local Fair or Festival.�� Most of these gigs you would play for free to get exposure, but some do pay once you get a following.� Do some research on the internet etc, to see what local agencies take care of bookings for your festival or fair.� Again, give out your local band business cards at the show.� This is good promotion in case someone may want to book your indie music act in the future.

Booking Agents – Most Booking Agents take a percentage of the money that you get for a gig, but they can be a valuable resource for getting some better paying gigs.� Do alot of research and be sure they are reputable.�� Search your local yellow pages.� A lot of booking agents only take well known acts, so shop around and see if they will deal with you.� Stop by in person and take your Demo and Press Kit.� Check out the Better Business Bureau and make sure they are reputable.

Sound Technician – As your indie rock band becomes more established, you may need the services of a sound guy for your gigs.� Many venues have their own PA system and will charge you for the services of the sound guy.� Find this out ahead of time.� If the venue does not have a PA system, you will have to bring one, and some one will have to run it.� Just be aware that running sound can be expensive.� Most sound technicians charge a good bit to bring the equipment and run sound.� A good sound guy can mean the difference between a good and bad gig.� So make sure your sound guys sets up the way that your band wants to sound.

Source: MediaWebSource.com

Approach Town Fairs, County Festivals, or City Free Concert Venues. Another way to get exposure is to gig for a large audience at a Local Fair or Festival.�� Most of these gigs you would play for free to get exposure, but some do pay once you get a following.� Do some research on the internet etc, to see what local agencies take care of bookings for your festival or fair.� Again, give out your local band business cards at the show.� This is good promotion in case someone may want to book your indie music act in the future.

Booking Agents – Most Booking Agents take a percentage of the money that you get for a gig, but they can be a valuable resource for getting some better paying gigs.� Do alot of research and be sure they are reputable.�� Search your local yellow pages.� A lot of booking agents only take well known acts, so shop around and see if they will deal with you.� Stop by in person and take your Demo and Press Kit.� Check out the Better Business Bureau and make sure they are reputable.

Sound Technician – As your indie rock band becomes more established, you may need the services of a sound guy for your gigs.� Many venues have their own PA system and will charge you for the services of the sound guy.� Find this out ahead of time.� If the venue does not have a PA system, you will have to bring one, and some one will have to run it.� Just be aware that running sound can be expensive.� Most sound technicians charge a good bit to bring the equipment and run sound.� A good sound guy can mean the difference between a good and bad gig.� So make sure your sound guys sets up the way that your band wants to sound.

Source: MediaWebSource.com

How To Get Band Gigs and shows for your local band?� Well, its not easy to get out of the starting gate and get a gig or show, but with a little hard work your garage band, local band, live music, or indie music act can get booked.� When your rock band has a set together, quality song material, and are playing well it is now time to take the next step and book gigs for your band.� Check out our tips on Getting Gigs for your band below as well as our three part article if you click this link.� Get the band out of the garage and in to a gig.

How to Get Band Gigs and Shows

Press Kit – The first thing your indie act or garage band should do is get that band press kit together.� This press package or media kit will have everything you’ll need to get started.� Visit our Press Kit Page for tips on getting the package together.� Once you have your kit, you’ll have a vehicle to start promoting your indie act.

Demo CD/Tape – For most gigs, A club owner or party planner will want to hear what he might book.� So record your indie music acts Demo CD or Tape.� You may want to buy or rent a portable home recording studio at your local music store. Make sure your songwriting is of professional quality.� Songwriting may take time with many rewrites at times.��� That should give you sufficient quality for most local venues.� Once your act is more established, you may want to get into a local reputable recording studio.� Many professional indie bands use a computer program called Pro Tools or Cubase for recording.� While this is an expensive venture, it may be just as cost effective to learn, than booking studio time.

Source:� MediaWebSource.com

How To Get Band Gigs and shows for your local band?� Well, its not easy to get out of the starting gate and get a gig or show, but with a little hard work your garage band, local band, live music, or indie music act can get booked.� When your rock band has a set together, quality song material, and are playing well it is now time to take the next step and book gigs for your band.� Check out our tips on Getting Gigs for your band below as well as our three part article if you click this link.� Get the band out of the garage and in to a gig.

How to Get Band Gigs and Shows

Press Kit – The first thing your indie act or garage band should do is get that band press kit together.� This press package or media kit will have everything you’ll need to get started.� Visit our Press Kit Page for tips on getting the package together.� Once you have your kit, you’ll have a vehicle to start promoting your indie act.

Demo CD/Tape – For most gigs, A club owner or party planner will want to hear what he might book.� So record your indie music acts Demo CD or Tape.� You may want to buy or rent a portable home recording studio at your local music store. Make sure your songwriting is of professional quality.� Songwriting may take time with many rewrites at times.��� That should give you sufficient quality for most local venues.� Once your act is more established, you may want to get into a local reputable recording studio.� Many professional indie bands use a computer program called Pro Tools or Cubase for recording.� While this is an expensive venture, it may be just as cost effective to learn, than booking studio time.

Source:� MediaWebSource.com

WebMediaSource.com

Without a doubt, the most frequently asked question to the A&R community is�how can I get noticed by the people making the decisions?

I believe your efforts start on a local level with knowing the correct protocol and tactics for maximizing your profile. The age old saying of “Build It And They Will Come” is really the best motto to live by when you are trying to get noticed.

Following are some very helpful hints and suggestions that should be implemented in your plan of attack for building a following and getting noticed.

#1. The Golden Rule: Never ever send your package to a label that doesn’t accept unsolicited material. This applies mostly to major labels and managers.

#2. Your Press Pack: This is your connection to the music community which will be buying your independent piece of product, booking your band, writing or reviewing your material or perhaps just forwarding it to a friend. It should include the following: Your product (CD, cassette, video), properly labeled with all the necessary information�band name, song titles, contact person (crucial). And make it legible.

#3. Your Photo: This is a big one. Make sure you have an up to date picture of you or your band (the spandex and chains from 1986 won’t do any good in today’s market place). The community wants to know what you look like now! This is show biz and image is everything. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, just current. This quite possibly may end up in a local trade paper or magazine or it may be used to promote your image at a local club or on the internet. So please make sure you present yourself in the best light.

#4. Live Shows: Make sure your live show is intact. If you’re not ready to perform live, DON’T!. The millions of people who haven’t seen you yet won’t mind waiting just a little longer for you to get it together. In many cases you only get one shot with people so make it count.

#5. Fanbase: Growing your fan base and keeping them informed of your developments is paramount. This is sometimes the most prominent element that labels and managers look for. How many people are you drawing to your shows? How many people are on your mailing list? How many units have you sold independently? How many T-shirts have you sold? Make sure at every show you have a place where new fans can sign up for your mailing list.

#6. Local Press: Include the local press in your plans. Find out who writes tape, CD and gig reviews and send them your stuff. Invite them to a show and get them excited. They can become great allies for publicity and hype.

#7. Local Resources: Exploit all your local resources , like music stores, high schools, colleges, festivals, holiday events. Build locally, first.

#8. Network!: Seek out those people in your neighborhood who are connected, or who know someone�possibly an attorney, manager, or even your local record store. You’d be surprised just how close you are to a direct contact in the industry.

If you are an artist seeking to grow and spread your music, these suggestions can help you. A career-minded artist never rests on his laurels and must keep reinventing himself. It’s a much better bet to start out small and grow step by step. Your foundation is the key, not the amount of your first advance.

So, to repeat what I said earlier�BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME!

Jamie Talbot is an artist manager and independent A&R consultant. He was formerly a manager at SDM and Big F.D. Entertainment where he worked with such acts as Guns N’ Roses, Goldfinger, Danzig, The Gap Band, The young Dubliners and X. He was also an A&R scout for Roadrunner Records. In addition to being on the TAXI A&R staff he currently writes the “In The Know” column for the A&R Registry.

WebMediaSource.com

Without a doubt, the most frequently asked question to the A&R community is�how can I get noticed by the people making the decisions?

I believe your efforts start on a local level with knowing the correct protocol and tactics for maximizing your profile. The age old saying of “Build It And They Will Come” is really the best motto to live by when you are trying to get noticed.

Following are some very helpful hints and suggestions that should be implemented in your plan of attack for building a following and getting noticed.

#1. The Golden Rule: Never ever send your package to a label that doesn’t accept unsolicited material. This applies mostly to major labels and managers.

#2. Your Press Pack: This is your connection to the music community which will be buying your independent piece of product, booking your band, writing or reviewing your material or perhaps just forwarding it to a friend. It should include the following: Your product (CD, cassette, video), properly labeled with all the necessary information�band name, song titles, contact person (crucial). And make it legible.

#3. Your Photo: This is a big one. Make sure you have an up to date picture of you or your band (the spandex and chains from 1986 won’t do any good in today’s market place). The community wants to know what you look like now! This is show biz and image is everything. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, just current. This quite possibly may end up in a local trade paper or magazine or it may be used to promote your image at a local club or on the internet. So please make sure you present yourself in the best light.

#4. Live Shows: Make sure your live show is intact. If you’re not ready to perform live, DON’T!. The millions of people who haven’t seen you yet won’t mind waiting just a little longer for you to get it together. In many cases you only get one shot with people so make it count.

#5. Fanbase: Growing your fan base and keeping them informed of your developments is paramount. This is sometimes the most prominent element that labels and managers look for. How many people are you drawing to your shows? How many people are on your mailing list? How many units have you sold independently? How many T-shirts have you sold? Make sure at every show you have a place where new fans can sign up for your mailing list.

#6. Local Press: Include the local press in your plans. Find out who writes tape, CD and gig reviews and send them your stuff. Invite them to a show and get them excited. They can become great allies for publicity and hype.

#7. Local Resources: Exploit all your local resources , like music stores, high schools, colleges, festivals, holiday events. Build locally, first.

#8. Network!: Seek out those people in your neighborhood who are connected, or who know someone�possibly an attorney, manager, or even your local record store. You’d be surprised just how close you are to a direct contact in the industry.

If you are an artist seeking to grow and spread your music, these suggestions can help you. A career-minded artist never rests on his laurels and must keep reinventing himself. It’s a much better bet to start out small and grow step by step. Your foundation is the key, not the amount of your first advance.

So, to repeat what I said earlier�BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME!

Jamie Talbot is an artist manager and independent A&R consultant. He was formerly a manager at SDM and Big F.D. Entertainment where he worked with such acts as Guns N’ Roses, Goldfinger, Danzig, The Gap Band, The young Dubliners and X. He was also an A&R scout for Roadrunner Records. In addition to being on the TAXI A&R staff he currently writes the “In The Know” column for the A&R Registry.

Website Promotion – Promote your local band over the internet. If you don’t have a website for your local band or garage band, Get One. They are a valuable tool for indie promotion in today’s internet world. Click Band Website Design to see our band website packages. Once you have your web address, start submitting your website URL to local band listing websites. Do a search on your city and see what sites list local bands and show dates. For Example, try searching: (Band Listings Pittsburgh, or Concert Calendar New York). Email the site and ask to have your web link added. Also, e-mail any concert calendars and have your band gigs and shows listed. You would be surprised how many you’ll find in your area. Also email your local clubs with your website and see if they would like a press kit.

If you already have a website designed for your band and need Affordable Server Space to host your bands website just click the IPowerWeb link just below. We use their service for all our sites and have been completely satisfied with their service. I think you’ll find there prices to be some of the best around, especially for the band on a budget.

E-mail your local Newspapers - Have your show dates added to local newspaper concert listings. Most papers will list your gigs for free. Contact any free papers that list band show dates. Also, See if they will do an article on your garage band or review one of your gigs or your CD.

Band Manager – Look into having a band manager who will help out with promotion an help book you indie act. Has someone that you have known has taken an interest in your garage band or career? See if they would help book your indie band for free or a fee designated by you. Watch out for people that get to meddlesome in your band and try to control your band goals. Negotiate for fees charged for such services.

Battle of the Bands – Send your demo and press kit to any local battle of the band competitions. Most competitions locate up and coming talent in the area for their Battle of the Bands. The great thing about these competitions is that you can network with the promoters, other bands involved, and get exposure. Many of the competitions or gigs are promoted on the radio and through other means. The winner usually gets a decent prize like studio time or free promotion,. Have your business cards ready at every portion of the competition.

Source: MediaWebSource.com

Website Promotion – Promote your local band over the internet. If you don’t have a website for your local band or garage band, Get One. They are a valuable tool for indie promotion in today’s internet world. Click Band Website Design to see our band website packages. Once you have your web address, start submitting your website URL to local band listing websites. Do a search on your city and see what sites list local bands and show dates. For Example, try searching: (Band Listings Pittsburgh, or Concert Calendar New York). Email the site and ask to have your web link added. Also, e-mail any concert calendars and have your band gigs and shows listed. You would be surprised how many you’ll find in your area. Also email your local clubs with your website and see if they would like a press kit.

If you already have a website designed for your band and need Affordable Server Space to host your bands website just click the IPowerWeb link just below. We use their service for all our sites and have been completely satisfied with their service. I think you’ll find there prices to be some of the best around, especially for the band on a budget.

E-mail your local Newspapers - Have your show dates added to local newspaper concert listings. Most papers will list your gigs for free. Contact any free papers that list band show dates. Also, See if they will do an article on your garage band or review one of your gigs or your CD.

Band Manager – Look into having a band manager who will help out with promotion an help book you indie act. Has someone that you have known has taken an interest in your garage band or career? See if they would help book your indie band for free or a fee designated by you. Watch out for people that get to meddlesome in your band and try to control your band goals. Negotiate for fees charged for such services.

Battle of the Bands – Send your demo and press kit to any local battle of the band competitions. Most competitions locate up and coming talent in the area for their Battle of the Bands. The great thing about these competitions is that you can network with the promoters, other bands involved, and get exposure. Many of the competitions or gigs are promoted on the radio and through other means. The winner usually gets a decent prize like studio time or free promotion,. Have your business cards ready at every portion of the competition.

Source: MediaWebSource.com

5. Invite Press
Having a local journalist do a story on your performance can be a great way off gaining exposure, as well as add to your portfolio. If you live in a small town or suburban area with a decent art & entertainment scene, some journalists go out to random venues just to post pictures or write short clips. Either way, you should always be on top of your game and meet these people. If you are doing a major benefit, you may be able to get local news coverage.

6. Tip Your Waitresses And Bartenders
I do not care what your policies are on tipping people when in the general public, but you should ALWAYS tip when you are a guest performer in their establishment. Tipped employees remember those who do not tip and will hold it against you. Do not forget that they are working just as hard for you. I always tip 15% – 20% of my tab, but you can also consider giving your servers a flat fee for the entire band. Even if your entire tab is comped or you are just drinking water, you should leave a tip. This will establish good relations with your co-workers for the night (and future gigs) as well as keep things professional.
Read the rest of this entry »

5. Invite Press
Having a local journalist do a story on your performance can be a great way off gaining exposure, as well as add to your portfolio. If you live in a small town or suburban area with a decent art & entertainment scene, some journalists go out to random venues just to post pictures or write short clips. Either way, you should always be on top of your game and meet these people. If you are doing a major benefit, you may be able to get local news coverage.

6. Tip Your Waitresses And Bartenders
I do not care what your policies are on tipping people when in the general public, but you should ALWAYS tip when you are a guest performer in their establishment. Tipped employees remember those who do not tip and will hold it against you. Do not forget that they are working just as hard for you. I always tip 15% – 20% of my tab, but you can also consider giving your servers a flat fee for the entire band. Even if your entire tab is comped or you are just drinking water, you should leave a tip. This will establish good relations with your co-workers for the night (and future gigs) as well as keep things professional.
(more…)

Why should one gig equal one gig when it can equal five? Here are some quick tips to make the most out of your gigs:

1. Get A Banner
Having a banner is an often overlooked, yet effective way to get your band name out there. You will be surprised at how many people will hear and see your band but have no idea who you are. You can have a banner made by visiting your nearest office supply store or going old skool and painting over an old beer banner. Be sure to include a link to your website at the bottom. Banners will usually range between $20-$150 depending on the graphics, size, and material. Be sure that it is big enough to be clearly scene by audience members, yet portable. Keep your atmospheres in mind also. How often do you play in a dark club or daytime outside?

2. Avoid The �Band Table Of Doom�
Your girlfriend will be there for you after the gig, audience members may not be! I am surprised at the number of bands that I see get off stage, go directly to their band table (which is sometimes BEHIND the stage) and not talk to anyone. I once saw a guy go off stage, immediately had his girlfriend wrap her arms around him, and did not move until it was time to go back on stage. That was very unwelcoming and I felt like I would be intruding if I tried to network.

Read the rest of this entry »

Why should one gig equal one gig when it can equal five? Here are some quick tips to make the most out of your gigs:

1. Get A Banner
Having a banner is an often overlooked, yet effective way to get your band name out there. You will be surprised at how many people will hear and see your band but have no idea who you are. You can have a banner made by visiting your nearest office supply store or going old skool and painting over an old beer banner. Be sure to include a link to your website at the bottom. Banners will usually range between $20-$150 depending on the graphics, size, and material. Be sure that it is big enough to be clearly scene by audience members, yet portable. Keep your atmospheres in mind also. How often do you play in a dark club or daytime outside?

2. Avoid The �Band Table Of Doom�
Your girlfriend will be there for you after the gig, audience members may not be! I am surprised at the number of bands that I see get off stage, go directly to their band table (which is sometimes BEHIND the stage) and not talk to anyone. I once saw a guy go off stage, immediately had his girlfriend wrap her arms around him, and did not move until it was time to go back on stage. That was very unwelcoming and I felt like I would be intruding if I tried to network.

(more…)

Image source: www.tonyunorthodox.com
Trance music transpire in the early 90’s and became typical during the turn of the millenium. Basically, it is a fusion of electronic dance and techno music characterized by repetitive rhythms and melodies with shifting sounds. Musicians generally make the repeating melodies more interesting by altering the filter cuffs on the synthesizers, changing the sound from dull to piercing and bright.

Trance music is one of the most fashionable forms of music that is truly electronic; it relies heavily on synthesizers, sequencers, and electronic effects to produce different sounds. The Roland TR 808, TR 909, and TB 303 are typically used in trance. Although these models are around 20 years old, newer drum machines and bass synths mimic their sounds. Other synthesizers are also combined to add variety and spice to the mix. Orchestral arrangements and computer treatments are also added to trance music to make the melodies more complex.

Image source: www.tonyunorthodox.com
Trance music transpire in the early 90’s and became typical during the turn of the millenium. Basically, it is a fusion of electronic dance and techno music characterized by repetitive rhythms and melodies with shifting sounds. Musicians generally make the repeating melodies more interesting by altering the filter cuffs on the synthesizers, changing the sound from dull to piercing and bright.

Trance music is one of the most fashionable forms of music that is truly electronic; it relies heavily on synthesizers, sequencers, and electronic effects to produce different sounds. The Roland TR 808, TR 909, and TB 303 are typically used in trance. Although these models are around 20 years old, newer drum machines and bass synths mimic their sounds. Other synthesizers are also combined to add variety and spice to the mix. Orchestral arrangements and computer treatments are also added to trance music to make the melodies more complex.

In the 1970s, there is this rock band that rocked the World. Styx is an American rock band originally formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1961 known as “The Tradewinds” and later on change to Styx when the band signed up with Wooden Nickel Records, a recording company based in the Chicago area. Who can ever forget those multi-platinum album like “The Grand Illusion(1977), Pieces of Eight(1978), Cornerstone(1979), Paradise Theatre(1981) and had a total of eight Billboard Top Ten Hit Singles, not to mention the Top 40 single and Top 100 singles of the Billboard. Some of there unforgettable song are “Lady” from the album Styx II, “Babe” from the album Cornerstone which became number 1 in the U.S., “Mr. Roboto” from the album Kilroy was here. Truly Styx is a rock icon on the music industry. You can catch the stick in Jones Beach Theatre at Wantagh New York on August 12, Consol Energy Park at Washington on August 22 7:30 Pm, Davis Festival Park at Rockford Illinois on August 28 6:00 Pm and Neal S Blaisdell Concert Hall at Honolulu Hawaii on October 9 7:30 pm.

Image Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org

In the 1970s, there is this rock band that rocked the World. Styx is an American rock band originally formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1961 known as “The Tradewinds” and later on change to Styx when the band signed up with Wooden Nickel Records, a recording company based in the Chicago area. Who can ever forget those multi-platinum album like “The Grand Illusion(1977), Pieces of Eight(1978), Cornerstone(1979), Paradise Theatre(1981) and had a total of eight Billboard Top Ten Hit Singles, not to mention the Top 40 single and Top 100 singles of the Billboard. Some of there unforgettable song are “Lady” from the album Styx II, “Babe” from the album Cornerstone which became number 1 in the U.S., “Mr. Roboto” from the album Kilroy was here. Truly Styx is a rock icon on the music industry. You can catch the stick in Jones Beach Theatre at Wantagh New York on August 12, Consol Energy Park at Washington on August 22 7:30 Pm, Davis Festival Park at Rockford Illinois on August 28 6:00 Pm and Neal S Blaisdell Concert Hall at Honolulu Hawaii on October 9 7:30 pm.

Image Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org

Open Mic Night – To get some gigs, start off playing open mic nights at local clubs. Not only will this give you a little experience on stage, you’ll actually have an audience to play a gig or show for. Also, many open mic nights are hosted by more established local bands or indie acts. You could make valuable contacts for the future with the hosting bands and other local bands playing in the show. Check your local music newspapers or music websites to find this info. This is a great starting point to play gigs and shows in your area.

Offer to Open for Free - The reality is that your not going to get paid when you first start out. Your not in it for the money anyway right, your there for the music. Offer to be an opening band for free for a local band you know or maybe met at an open mic night. Maybe even e-mail a more established indie band in the area, and play an opening gig for them. Many indie bands love opening acts, because you don’t have to pay them much, and they don’t have to play as long of a show. This is the time to start promoting your garage band too. Hand out business cards and Press Kits to any clubs you play. Make sure to follow up with the venue with a call or e-mail to make sure they get back to you. Be persistent, because booking agents are always getting approached by prospective indie bands.

Solicit your Press Kit – Now that you’ve played gigs at your open mic nights, you want to start calling clubs and soliciting your Press Kit and Demo. Its a good idea to start going to clubs that play your style of music and talk with the booker for the club. Leave a Press Kit with your Demo CD and give him a day or two to listen to it. Now call back and get some feedback. Ask for the gig or show for your band. Again, Be persistent.

Listed above are some tips to get your bands some local gigs or shows in your area.�� With a little persistence and the right presentation your act will most likely have success in securing some meaningful gigs.� Songwriting for your indie music act is quite important so make sure your songs are of professional quality.� Good Luck, and Keep Networking.

Source: MediaWebSource.com

Open Mic Night – To get some gigs, start off playing open mic nights at local clubs. Not only will this give you a little experience on stage, you’ll actually have an audience to play a gig or show for. Also, many open mic nights are hosted by more established local bands or indie acts. You could make valuable contacts for the future with the hosting bands and other local bands playing in the show. Check your local music newspapers or music websites to find this info. This is a great starting point to play gigs and shows in your area.

Offer to Open for Free - The reality is that your not going to get paid when you first start out. Your not in it for the money anyway right, your there for the music. Offer to be an opening band for free for a local band you know or maybe met at an open mic night. Maybe even e-mail a more established indie band in the area, and play an opening gig for them. Many indie bands love opening acts, because you don’t have to pay them much, and they don’t have to play as long of a show. This is the time to start promoting your garage band too. Hand out business cards and Press Kits to any clubs you play. Make sure to follow up with the venue with a call or e-mail to make sure they get back to you. Be persistent, because booking agents are always getting approached by prospective indie bands.

Solicit your Press Kit – Now that you’ve played gigs at your open mic nights, you want to start calling clubs and soliciting your Press Kit and Demo. Its a good idea to start going to clubs that play your style of music and talk with the booker for the club. Leave a Press Kit with your Demo CD and give him a day or two to listen to it. Now call back and get some feedback. Ask for the gig or show for your band. Again, Be persistent.

Listed above are some tips to get your bands some local gigs or shows in your area.�� With a little persistence and the right presentation your act will most likely have success in securing some meaningful gigs.� Songwriting for your indie music act is quite important so make sure your songs are of professional quality.� Good Luck, and Keep Networking.

Source: MediaWebSource.com