How to Get Band Gigs For your Band, Local Band or Garage Band? (Part 2)
Posted in Tips by: Bong
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