Booking Gigs

Booking Gigs

Booking Gigs, Music Marketing & Promotion Tips

Once you have a set prepared, performing live should be a big part of your music career. Gigging is a beneficial and important step for promoting your music and increasing your fan base. It’s definitely the best way to give you a personal connection with your current fans, and attract new ones.

If you’re ready to start performing live, below are some tips for booking gigs:

 

 

 

Start Locally

It’s every musicians dream to tour nationally, but it’s best to start locally. Become familiar with local music venues and festivals that support your genre. Also, network and stay in contact with other musicians that currently play in your area. A lot of times they need opening acts.

Have Your Press Kit & Demo Ready

It’s important to have a press kit and demo ready to share with whomever you’re going to be contacting about performing. This will show them who you are as an artist and what type of crowd you’re going to attract. Click here for information on what to include in your press kit.

Contact & Follow Up

Contact the venue and/or agent and try to set up a face to face meeting (recommended). If they’re crazy busy, they’ll more than likely ask if you have a press kit to send. Respond by letting them know that you’ll send it out right away. If you don’t hear back within a week, follow up with them to see if they received and reviewed your material. If you don’t receive an answer, keep trying until you do and remain polite. Following up can greatly benefit you, but will sometimes require a lot of patience.

Keep Track

Create a booking sheet to keep track of who you’re talking to and booking shows with. Include things such as: venue name, agent name/contact info, date/time of show, payment information, and any performance requirements (if any).

Getting The Gig

Congratulations! You got the gig! Ask the agent if they have few minutes to go over a few gig details with you. Follow your booking sheet and get as much information as you can. You won’t be able to fill out some of the things until the night of the performance.

Performance Contract

Performance contracts aren’t always needed, but are very good to have. This contract will be an agreement between you and the venue discussing the conditions for your performance. Here are some things that should be included in the contract:

• The venue name and address.
• The date and time of your performance.
• The amount you’ll be paid and when.
• Any performance details (special requirements).
• Sound/lighting (have deducted from your earnings if required to pay).
• Selling and distributing Merchandise (can you sell merchandise at the venue).
• Both parties must sign the contract. Make a copy to give to the venue and keep one for your records.

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