tips for showcasing for a young rock band...?

[david_d]

we've got some pretty big showcases comming up in the next couple of months - our first one is here in calgary for a possible new manager, and in the end of february we will be in new york city showcasing for the labels... does anyone had any advice for us?

 

thanks

david

[chrisgraff]

-know the music (obvious)

-dress the part (sometimes not so obvious)

-own the stage (you're supposed to look cocky on stage)

-be friendly, but not necessarily too eager to whoever you're playing for. Like you'd treat a hot chick you wanted to ask on a date.

 

and absolutely most important.....do NOT sign anything without consulting an entertainment attorney. Never-ever!

[david_d]

Originally posted by chrisgraff -know the music (obvious) -dress the part (sometimes not so obvious) -own the stage (you're supposed to look cocky on stage) -be friendly, but not necessarily too eager to whoever you're playing for. Like you'd treat a hot chick you wanted to ask on a date. and absolutely most important.....do NOT sign anything without consulting an entertainment attorney. Never-ever!

 

we've got an excellent lawyer down in nashville

[B Money]

if you've got this far, i doubt there is much advice anyone could give you that would be benificial.

 

Keep on rockin' and follow your gut instinct. If something seems rotten.....it is.

[Scheming Demon]

Besides the obvious of having your music and show down. If you're doing a private showcase like in SIR studios it would be a good idea to have some catered food. Nothing extravagant (unless you're independently wealthy) but it would make an incredibly good impression. Sounds a little goofy but I heard that from some very well connected people in the business.

 

If you're just one of x number of bands playing at a particular club that label people are coming to then there is not much you can do beyond the show aspect. If they are coming specifically to see your band than that is a very good sign. If labels have contacted you saying that they are coming to see you that is a great accomplishment in and of itself. Remember to put them on the guest list or in some other way insure they do not have to pay a cover.

 

If the label has not contacted you about wanting to see your band at such and such a place on such and such a date then you are kidding yourselves.

 

If you have any private time with label people be as professional as possible. In fact be professional at all times. That means no acting like spoiled children, showing up on time, being lucid (meaning not so high or drunk that you can barely function), being polite and respectful.

 

The bottom line is whether the label is willing to entrust risking or investing thousands of dollars on your band in the hopes that you will be successful. You must be business savvy and responsible in that area or have a manager who is.

 

There are exceptions to everything but you want to put as many things in your favor as possible.

[bleeding june]

rehearse your arses off until you can play the songs without even thinking about it.

 

your music is the product, it has to be faultless in delivery.

 

personality is much more important than image. Look comfortable and confident on stage, rather than dressing impeccably and looking like a prick trying to impress with you latest gear. If image is more important to you you're probably playing to simon cowell.

[GOSG]

It would be a good idea to have a good sound tech that is familar with your show. If that is not possible or if production engineers are being provided- contacting the sound company to "advance" your show would be a good idea. You don't want to spend the day worrying about the technical details. Best of luck!

[David Hooper]

Relax and have fun. Even if you totally {censored} things up, it's not the end of the world, so you might as well enjoy it.

[shredder0_0]

I think everyone here has made some valid points. Be great onstage. Be genial in person, and be yourself with the industry people. They have seen it all, and if you can't sit and talk like you are at your kitchen table with freinds, you lose points there.

 

The sound tech thing is a good idea, especially if your music invoves any special effects like an intro theme or echo on the vocals at a certain cue. If the tech knows the song and can boost solos that's also a plus. You want to show the company the entire package. If your show has a certain impact in your mind when presented, make damn sure it IS that way when they see it. Have you got a lighting tech? Light cues are sometimes even more important than sound cues. A good light man can make your show devestating.

 

Be ON as a band. Too many A n' R guys only see the singer. Be a unit. All for one. United in your goals and inseperable from your dreams and each other. If you have been playing together for any length of time this will be evident.

 

Forget the little details and see the big picture. Think from the crowd perspective. To my knowledge nobody has ever been signed because they played a 68 Marshall plexi. Record companies these days do not want to spend money on development like they once did. They want you to be READY for the big time. So give them a SHOW! Be on-stage at Madison Square Gardens in your mindset even if the venue only holds 200.

Good luck!

 

Hey if Ashley Simpson can get a record contract, it should be a cinch for anyone with talent! Go get em!