ScoutTV

Unless you are a name-recognised band, have a song in hot rotation on one of big radio stations, or have one of the top end booking agents in town on your team, you are probably like the other 8000 or more bands in the scene begging, borrowing, or offering to steal something to just get put on a bill at a reputable venue. Or even a not so reputable venue.  It does seem more and more venues are only booking safe bets, meaning you have to have a die hard fanbase of 10,000 punters who will follow you to every gig, or you play popular covers that will go down well with the 40+ plus crowd who want to tap their foot but not be blasted out the door as they catch up with their mates, or dine on meatloaf with their families at the local RSL bistro.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

But you’re new on the block and you play orginials and you’re in that unfair nether zone of needing to be put in front of people so they can hear your music, but no one wants to book you because no one knows your music…so what do you do?

Some strategies I have been advised of and which seems to be working include the following -

1. Band swaps - simple - I give you a gig, you give me one in return. Contacting other bands through MySpace and offering them a space at one of your shows will expand your contacts, allow them to come play to new faces, and give you the chance to go play for their fanbase. Some advice about this kind of deal - agree with the other band on a timeframe for the return gig (so you are not waiting three years later for the gig you are owed). And make sure the return gig you play with them is in their territory so you are playing to a new fanbase who hopefully will join your mailing list too. Choose bands that are on a similar level to you and who have a similar sound - better more of their fans will hearten to your songs as well.

2. DIY Line-ups- some venues like it if you do the work for them of organising the night- so if you find a stable of bands you get along with, all have a sounds that go well together, and every one is keen to play out - start offering ready made line ups to venues (but remind them you are also happy to come play support on an existing bill).

3. Charity events - offer your band for free anytime you can if what you will get in return is exposure. Especially with youth charities as an all ages gig will put you in front of people who otherwise can’t check out your pub show. And if no charities are taking you on for their fundraiser, hold your own! Support a cause you believe in, put together a killer line up, and let everyone know about it!

4. Be promoting something - don’t ask for gigs just to ask for gigs - have a reason. Be “touring” in support of something - a new song on your myspace, something you have sent to radio, your new album. You need to be raising your profile on several levels at once, not just the live scene. Have press releases about your tour and send them to bookers as well as media outlets. Telling bookers you are organising and promoting a tour is a lot more impressive than just coming out and playing a gig.

5. Don’t overplay - spread out your gigs and look at where you are booking. Don’t play a particular venue and then try to book into the neighboring venue down the street, because you have just gutted your own attendance. There are differing views about then and perhapse I should dedicate a sole blog post to it, but personally I am of the view that unless you are a major act, people are not going to come out and see you too often.  You can only tap your friends to come pay to see you so many times. So stagger the shows and locations if you can.

6. Don’t give up - it’s a fine line between being persistant and being annoying. What I have been told (and what seems true) is many venues try to hold off to get the best acts they can (the safe bets) and then if they have spaces to fill in their calendars, they book some acts on the lower tiers. So call too earlier and they aren’t booking yet, call later and they are all booked up! My method is to send an email with all the info (myspace, what we are promoting, when we would like to play) and folllow up with a courtesy phone call around two weeks later.  I keep track of when the last time was I emailed or spoke to a booker, and keep up the contact approximately every two weeks, unless they have told me specific time to get back. It’s important to remember your band is likely not on the top of their mind and they may forget about you in the shuffle. But persistance pays off - you get your name out there, they see you are getting other shows booked, and if interested, they will eventually get you in their place.

Always be professional, and if they say they have no dates for you, thank them for their time. Maintain contact by occassionally updating them with where you are playing and invite them to  you gigs to check out the band for themselves.

And NEVER LIE ABOUT HOW MANY PUNTERS YOU CAN PULL - trust me, it will catch up with you. If you lie to get into a venue and don’t deliver, don’t expect to be asked back. And bookers do talk to each other.

I am sure their are more ideas. All you young pups and newer bands - what are you doing to get gigs? Share your ideas here!