Some peeps from my forum have asked me some advice on how to go about getting a gig. Here is some info below. If anyone wants to add anything to this, then give me a shout!

How to get a gig!

So you feel you are ready to move on with your band, and are ready to gig? Well, good for you! You may want to take notice of some of my information, below:

Get a pair of compasses and draw a circle on a map to work out how far a field you can travel on any given day or night, then contact all the venues in that area.

Google is your friend. So are local newspapers and forums.

A demo is the most important thing in getting your first gig. It doesn’t need to be as perfect as if you were sending it to a potential label – its main function is to show the promoter what you sound like and how suitable your band is to the venue. Sometimes thrash metal doesn’t tend to go down well in wine bars. Sometimes.

Along with the demo, you should include your contact information and a biography. Don’t be afraid of self promotion, but try to keep things short and informative. Keep it sweet, and don’t get heavy. I once met a band that outlined their extreme political beliefs in their bio.
They didn’t get many gigs.

Promoters will want a demo CD. Three songs are perfect for this, with tracks that are representative of your sound. Don’t send in a CD of your rockier moments and then choose to play jazz on the night. Oh, and don’t send MP3’s in e-mails, unless asked to. I know that this is a pet peev of a lot of promoters…

Sometimes it’s easiest to just get in touch with a local promoter with a phone call or email. With demos it’s nice to see an effort being made: a nicely presented package with a printed cover and nicely done biog makes the promoter pay more attention.

When chasing a venue, don’t worry about ensuring a sold out gig. Sure, promoters will be more receptive if you can guarantee a good crowd, but you should worry more about sounding good and less about pleasing the promoter.

If it’s your first gig, be patient. Promoters receive lots of demos, so be prepared to wait a while. Do chase up the venue, but refrain from bombarding them with reminders, be assertive but be prepared to wait. A small nudge a few days after should do the trick.

But what to do when you’ve successfully secured your first gig? What should you do when you’re in the venue? Every band has a different approach to their sound, but there are some basic pointers that should make life a little easier…

Check equipment specs thoroughly within the venue. Find out what they have and haven’t got and get in early for the soundcheck, and be nice to all the technicians. Should you get the wrong side of them, they have the ability to make you sound terrible. Or steal your girlfriend when you’re onstage. I’ve seen it happen.

Also, keep your ego in check – it’s your first gig, don’t make it your last. Do ask for payment though, even if it’s only to cover your petrol. Be reasonable and you’ll get some money – you’re doing this for fun, but collecting scraps will help pay for new kit or gigs in the future.

Take note:

An attitude and swagger may be good for the cameras, but you should ALWAYS be nice to promoters and venue staff. If you don’t treat the promoter with respect you can kiss any other future gigs goodbye and you will have lost a potential venue. Separate your onstage persona from your professional self.

Finally, remember to have fun! Once you’re first couple of gigs are out of the way you can build contacts with venues and promoters. You’ll increase your exposure and play more regularly, and they will come to you rather than the other way round.

Good luck guys, and I hope this helped!

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