Creating a band is an exciting project! Getting it up and running by assembling your group together is only half the battle, however. You’ll need to get gigs if you hope to build a following. Yet, there are thousands of other bands out there looking for the same spot in front of an audience. That’s why you have to find those gigs yourself and convince the venues that you’re the right person to bring in money. Yet, that’s often much easier said than done.
Breaking into the local music scene and even finding one or two shows will take so much more than just talent. It’ll take hustle, networking, and the willingness to put yourself out there again and again, regardless of how many times you’re told “no.”
With the right tips, you can start out playing a few modest gigs and eventually find yourself in a green room with Aztec rugs and bottles of champagne. Here are some practical tips to help you land your first few gigs for your band.
Start With Your Network
Before you start branching out and cold-calling venues, it’s important that you start with what you have. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers if they know of any local events or parties that would be looking for live music.
You may start out playing in someone’s backyard or even a nursing home, but don’t underestimate these smaller shows. They can help you practice by building your confidence, not to mention you never know who could be watching.
Every show should be seen as a stepping stone to something bigger, which is why no gig is too small. In the beginning stages, you need to live by the harsh motto that beggars can’t be choosers.
Do Your Research
If you hope to get gigs, you need to know who the big dogs are. That means doing your research on local venues and knowing what kind of bands each one looks for. Certain venues will lean more toward acoustic acts, while others will be more into jazz trios. Learn the vibe of each venue, particularly if they have multiple different theme nights.
Once you find one that seems to fit your vibe, get a press kit ready and get ready to start proposing your band. That doesn’t mean spamming every single venue with a copy-and-paste email, but rather being personal and real, since bookers weed through these emails and know the ones that are authentic and hungry for sharing their talent.
Use Social Media
Social media is one of your greatest tools in the music scene. Your social media followers are just as important as your actual music, as the size of your following speaks volumes. The more of a following you have, the more credibility you have for bookers. So, get busy and start creating a buzz on social media if you hope to have more influence on potential venues.
