Getting Gigs

im in a band, and we've been together for about a year. we have played a couple of really lame shows, a couple at our school, one at a town event that only parents, little kids, and 6 of my friends came to, and things like that. we would like to start playing at clubs. what do i need to do to get a gig? we are recording a demo to destribute, but i know thats not all. any tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

How old are you?

What kind of band? (covers/originals/both?)

What style?

'll be happy to chime in.

B

Don't be concerned with getting gigs till you're tight as an Olsen twin. Then, and only then young jedi, ready for the gig's you'll be.

Tight as an Olsen twin ? :D

Anyway, ask yourself.....If I were a club owner or booking agent, what would I want in a band ?

Can they make me money?

Are they all over 21? (in alcohol-serving clubs and shows)

Can they bring in lots of money-spending drinkers that won't trash the place?

Does their music fit in with the style and tastes of my regular business? Does their demo sound like they'll keep people here drinking and dancing and having a good time so they'll come back next week and spend more money?

Where else have they played?

Can they make me money?

Do they act like professionals? Dependable?

Can they make me money?

Can they make me money?

Do they suck enough to drive away my regulars and give my business a bad rep?

Can they make me money?

ETC...

we are a punk band. three of us are 16, then our bassist is 14. we play mostly originals, but we throw in 1 ramones cover every set. and as far as being "tight as an olsen twin", we have played before in front of people, we just havent played at a club or anything where we really had to try to get a gig.

Well, first of all, "tight" usually means that you all play together as one unit, one musician--like the band is very well rehearsed; a polished, professional-sounding togetherness.

At 16 and 14 yrs. old "the clubs" really can't use you right now, unless they're under 21 shows. I'd be looking into getting showcase gigs--those dreaded "6 bands in one night" kind of shows. That's where original bands usually get to play. Usually few and far between, too.

You've got one thing on your side and that is TIME !

Time to rehearse, and time to put a good-looking promo kit together. Time to get tight, and time to write really good songs. Time to save your money for the gear you'll need to play the clubs.

How many tunes do you know?

When I did clubs-you had to have about 30-60 songs on tap for a full show-half that for a split show.

If you are dead set on following the "original only" path, then I would do what Kingnome has said. try to hook up with bands that are in a similar situation and book yourselves out as a package.

At your age, it's gonna be tough to find gigs. I would concentrate on polishing your performance, writing material and saving up to record a nice demo. You have PLENTY of TIME. Try to get the demo to local booking agents so they at least have heard of you and know what you are about. If you want to get out and play NOW you may want to consider forming another band and leaning a bunch of covers (keeping your original project seperate)You may also want to try to find bands in your area that are doing what you WANT to be doing, playing the clubs you want to play etc. and try to contact them. Ask them if they need an opening act sometimes-invite them to a rehersal, give them your demo, bug them-ask them if you can carry their gear at a couple of shows so you can see what it's like to gig at the clubs-Whatever you do, don't get caught trying to drink or anything that could get the band in trouble with the bar owners (this depends on the club-be polite in all dealings)

Good Luck,

Bryan

ok, i appreciate all of your advice. first question: how long would you guys think a band should be rehearsing together before they play a gig?

second question: pretend we are ready to play. again, pretend we have been together for 6 years(i know its a long time, but i just wanted to satisfy your need for waiting). we found a club that is all ages and a few other bands to play with. we have a demo ready to go. what else do we need, and what is the actual process for getting a gig?

ok, i appreciate all of your advice. first question: how long would you guys think a band should be rehearsing together before they play a gig?

second question: pretend we are ready to play. again, pretend we have been together for 6 years(i know its a long time, but i just wanted to satisfy your need for waiting). we found a club that is all ages and a few other bands to play with. we have a demo ready to go. what else do we need, and what is the actual process for getting a gig?

You'd call ahead and ask to speak to the club's booking agent. Usually this is the manager or owner, in larger clubs they may use an outside booking agent.

Tell him/her you've got a band available for booking. Tell him/her you'd like to stop by and show them your promo package and/or leave it for him/her.

Tell them you've played in the area recently and are building a strong following. Tell them that your mailing list numbers are on the rise, and that you're sure he won't be disappointed.

Follow up with a phone call about a week later. Be polite, pleasant and up-beat, even if they say "No thanks".

Don't be a pest. They hate that.

How long to rehearse before gigging ?

Good question. If you're going to be the evening's entertainment, you'll need 40 or 50 tunes that sound good.

I think Bryan's advice about finding a working band in your style is very sound. You should really go see a decent club band operate, and then you'll know when YOU are ready.

Don't misunderstand the "wait a while" advice.

If you guys can get some gigging experience early, then go for it, but make no mistakes--- Each club is someone's BUSINESS. They do it for MONEY. They do not exist to further a band's career, they exist to further the club owner's career. If you can help him achieve his goals, you will succeed in the clubs. If you can't bring in the crowds, you probably won't be asked back.

And that's where covers come in. But that's another story........

Get with area punk bands and organize an all age show somewhere .... rent a hall / auditorium ( Elks Lodge ... ) .... put 5 or six bands on the bill and promote the hell out of it !!!

If you're music is poppy .... see about sending a tape to the local TV morning show to have you on to play a song and to advertise the event.

Sell tickets to your friends, siblings, sibiling's friends ..

See about playing block parties and festivals. You'd be amazed at how much word-of-mouth that can generate ....

In regards as to what to give club owners:

1. A good demo ( 3 songs ) your contact info on EVERYTHING ( the CD, jewelcase ..... )

2. A short ( 1page bio of the band and it's members )

3. A nice phot of the band

TRY TO MAKE IT LOOK AS PROFESSIONAL AS POSSIBLE

( Kinkos can be your friend )

The truth is that you have to pay your dues. It doesn't come easy and it takes awhile to build a following. Try to get out and see shows and meet similar bands. Shoot for some opening spots with groups that have shows booked. If you are talented, it will lead to future gigs.

Always keep in mind that clubs are looking for bands that will bring people in the door and keep them there. The next time you perform, note the response from the crowd on your tunes and focus on the ones that they like. That will help you develop your sound.

Good Luck!

Todd

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