Where you book gigs and how you promote your band makes a difference.
You've worked hard to get a band together and start making music, but now's the time to start playing local shows. Live shows let you give your fans an experience that they'll never forget. You can connect with them on a better level, build a fan base, and maybe even sell your CDs.
Instructions
1. Find a venue: Look online to find a venue that has a maximum capacity of the size of the crowd that you're able to draw (for a local band, average would be about 300 people). Make sure the other acts that play there match your genre. You don't want to play a hip hop venue if you're a rock band. Consider transportation costs as well.
2. Talk to the venue: Send press kits to the venues of your choice after they request one. Provide the club with the dates your band is available to play, and tell them what kind of crowd you can draw, as well as what kind of promoting you will do. Most venues/clubs make most of their money from the bar. It may be harder to get a show if your band is under 21, because most of your crowd won't be drinking.
3. Book the gig: If you don't have a booking agent, have one designated band member handle all your bookings. This band member should have a business sense and know negotiate a fair deal. For example, you shouldn't have to "pay to play." Find out the payment terms from the club owner. Some venues will ask if you want to rent the venue for the night and give you a price that can be paid back with ticket sales.
4. Promote the show: Make flyers and posters. Pass them out or leave some at a music store, skate store, or popular clothing store that fits your demographic. Hang posters where you can. Promote online on your website, MySpace, Facebook, Reverbnation, or other social networking sites. Post your show in listings for your city.
5. Get people to show up: Hook up with local promoters who can help bring a larger audience. Call record labels, stores and magazines to see if they would like to attend your show or help promote it. Set up a radio contest. Offer to have VIP/employees of the venue as special guests.
6. At your show: Have merchandise to sell at your show. Usually the venue will have extra tables for that reason. Have people sign a mailing list, have a meet and greet for fans, and let everyone know where your next show will be.
7. After your show: Send a thank-you note to the venue and follow up with them. This is professional, and you will have a greater chance of being booked again at that venue. Thank the fans who signed your mailing list with a follow-up email.
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