Starting your own promo company

[ForgetMeNacht]

I had the inspiration to do my own promotion and booking agency after talking to a member of another band about how some of the local promoters are only interested in their own handpicked bands that play week after week. The idea dawned on me that if they want to play that we, so should we.

I personaly know several venue owners as well as knowing other bands that could play along that if we all can agree.

Now for the hard part, the business. Other than calling up other bands and clubs about a date, how should the finances be handled, printing tickets/flyers and all that. I have some grasp but would like to hear from veterans on this.

[Bensbeenjamin]

I'm not really a veteran on this but my friend and brother did sort of the same thing, the most part you need to worry about is treating the bands good, especially if they are a big time band that you are booking. For instance I know my friend let them sleep over at there house for free and fed them good and just hung out with them and got to be good friends with some of them. As far as printing tickets go, it depends on the venue. I would just do pay at the door and set up fliers all around town and maybe get a radio commercial for the week of the show depending on how big the band is. That's about it.

[BlueStrat]

 

I had the inspiration to do my own promotion and booking agency after talking to a member of another band about how some of the local promoters are only interested in their own handpicked bands that play week after week. The idea dawned on me that if they want to play that we, so should we. I personaly know several venue owners as well as knowing other bands that could play along that if we all can agree. Now for the hard part, the business. Other than calling up other bands and clubs about a date, how should the finances be handled, printing tickets/flyers and all that. I have some grasp but would like to hear from veterans on this.

 

 

 

I hate the whole idea. I know that's how the game is played in some cities, but the notion of paying some third party jackass tribute just to get my name penciled on on the gig calendar really rubs me the wrong way. It's really a cheap version of organized crime-you want the gig, you pay me. It's not like these guys are booking bands into other places; they're booking rooms. They don't work for the bands, they work for the clubs, but they collect from the bands for nothing more than being allowed to play. Bull{censored}.

[ForgetMeNacht]

 

I hate the whole idea. I know that's how the game is played in some cities, but the notion of paying some third party jackass tribute just to get my name penciled on on the gig calendar really rubs me the wrong way. It's really a cheap version of organized crime-you want the gig, you pay me. It's not like these guys are booking bands into other places; they're booking rooms . They don't work for the bands, they work for the clubs, but they collect from the bands for nothing more than being allowed to play. Bull{censored}.

 

 

If you think I'm trying to pull those pay to pay schemes, it's far from. It's just that I'm tired of thesse promoters in the local metal scene only choosing their own and favorite bands to play at the only club venue week after week. I thought of rallying up and get a show and I thought I can do this a bit further.

[BlueStrat]

 

If you think I'm trying to pull those pay to pay schemes, it's far from.

 

 

Oh no I wasn't talking about your plan

Just the whole system that makes it even necessary to think about it in the first place

[Inazone]

 

If you think I'm trying to pull those pay to pay schemes, it's far from. It's just that I'm tired of thesse promoters in the local metal scene only choosing their own and favorite bands to play at the only club venue week after week. I thought of rallying up and get a show and I thought I can do this a bit further.

 

 

You must live in Minnesota. Things are pretty grim for the original metal bands in the Twin Cities.

[daddymack]

If you think I'm trying to pull those pay to pay schemes, it's far from. It's just that I'm tired of thesse promoters in the local metal scene only choosing their own and favorite bands to play at the only club venue week after week. I thought of rallying up and get a show and I thought I can do this a bit further.

But don't you see that you will wind up being one of them? THis is why the situation exists...wannabe promoters build their 'stables'...rig their circuit...and the next thing you know...p2p...

[ForgetMeNacht]

 

You must live in Minnesota. Things are pretty grim for the original metal bands in the Twin Cities.

 

 

Central Kentucky and for the post above, it's more of a network than a promotion per se. The project will be dead before it's p2p so no need to go Nietzsche on me.

[daddymack]

it's more of a network than a promotion per se. The project will be dead before it's p2p so no need to go Nietzsche on me.

okay, s long as you promise this will not devolve into some kind of money making machine...

[ForgetMeNacht]

okay, s long as you promise this will not devolve into some kind of money making machine...

 

if I did, I chose the wrong genre

[primeelite]

I have contact with many people who have small booking agencies. They are not making anything. Lets break it down this way. The going percent to take for booking is 10%. Most local clubs end up paying door etc which in most cities might average to $300 max for the small clubs. That means you are making $30 a pop. After your own expenses you really won't be making that much since you will also have to deal with all the bullsh*t that comes with booking small venues and small acts.