Members Howie22 Posted September 13, 2011 Members Share Posted September 13, 2011 Just wanting to start a discussion here to see how everyone goes about contacting new venues and getting gigs. I think we all could probably learn a little from each other about the "business side" of performing, and it will hopefully be a good resource for new guys in the market. A few things to think about: -Where do you get leads on new places?-Call, Email, or In-person visit?-Hard Press kit and demo? what does it consist of?-Online Press kit? what does it consist of?-Agent? For me, I have a hard press kit which contains some basic info about the type of music I play, venues I have played, press, songlist, flyer, business card, and demo. I have a good friend who is a graphic designer, so I threw down some $$$ and had them design a logo, business cards, flyers, etc. I did get a good "friend" rate, but I think having professionally done promo materials is a worthwhile investment. The online version is a PDF file with the same info and songlist, with a link to my website for the demo. No flyer or business card. Though I've done quite a bit of it, I've not had a lot of success with the whole cold calling in person thing. I have seen a few gigs pan out that way. Honestly, the majority of places I play have either come through a networking referral or through Craigslist. A lot of you may laugh at the CL thing, but in my area venues are frequently placing ads looking for talent. So, what are your tactics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members surfrockbmxer1 Posted September 13, 2011 Members Share Posted September 13, 2011 I book 90% of my shows by playing the venue first with my full band. Then i casually tell the owner i can also do acoustic shows during the week for a cheaper rate. Many of my other shows come from being out on the town and seeing an acoustic act on stage then i ask for a manager and tell them i have a similiar sound and set list to the act currently playing and a large following due to playing around town with my band. Then i slip them a business card and demo cd and the rest is history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Terry Allan Hall Posted September 18, 2011 Members Share Posted September 18, 2011 I find I do better to just call to make an appointment w/ the decision-maker at the venue, then take my acoustic guitar and play 'em a tune or two...whenever possible, I try to arrange it so that I can be heard simultaneously by whatever patrons are there at the time, as audience response can make a very positive impression. Carry promo kits with me, in my vehicle, but almost never use one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fingerpicker Posted September 19, 2011 Members Share Posted September 19, 2011 No promo kit for me. I play mostly local gigs and I stay pretty tight with the Food and beverage industry crowd. (Read friends) It's pretty easy to get gigs when you are already on a first name basis with most mgrs, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members w,wert Posted September 21, 2011 Members Share Posted September 21, 2011 Do you hire live music? no Do you ever think about Maybe having live music here? no, dont need it Its not a matter of NEED its a matter of WANT . WE DONT WANT IT ,THERES THE DOOR GET OUT NOW ! ok,thank you ,heres my cd and card in case you change your mind if you dont get out now ...ok ( go through this 100 times and get a few gigs ,say, 6 ,..out of those you might get 1 where you can play every weekend . Wear that out till they get totally sick of you and go through it all again . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Gary Blanchard Posted September 23, 2011 Members Share Posted September 23, 2011 For some venues, I use a digital press kit through ReverbNation. I have had some good results that way. Some closer places I stop in with a CD and information. I usually also offer to come in and audition. I have actually found a few gigs on Craigslist, but I tend to specialize in benefit performances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members charlie13 Posted September 26, 2011 Members Share Posted September 26, 2011 I agree with all the above....used hard press kits, done free auditions, and worked with booking agencies. My latest gig grabber is "Gig Salad"....an online website that aloows you to have a free account and pay NO commission to anyone. Simply set up the account, answer the questions, and then watch your E-mails come in telling you about specific gigs. Best thing to do is call right away and establish the personal contact, then E-mail the particulars. Best gigs I've done this year have been through Gig Salad...hey, it works for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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