| Once you have played and rehearsed all your songs, | | | | Seek Out Music/Band Promoters |
| you have two main options (three if you combine | | | | Some people will advise you to put on your own gig |
| them.) The next big step is recording songs or | | | | but this can involve a lot of time and money when |
| playing live and usually playing live is the important | | | | you should be focusing on using both of these issues |
| one. With modern technology, bands can record | | | | to help the band. It would be a better use of your |
| successfully by themselves at home but many people | | | | time to find promoters who already run nights and |
| prefer to record with the backing of a label or | | | | who are looking for bands to play at their evenings. |
| publisher. The best way to create a buzz about you, | | | | These promoters will probably be as keen to know if |
| get some publicity and get genuine label attention is | | | | you can draw in a crowd as opposed to how good |
| to start playing live and build up a fanbase. | | | | you are but at this stage, live experience can be |
| Now that you have decided you need to play some | | | | worthwhile. One important thing to remember is try |
| live sets to further your career, how do you go | | | | and AVOID PAY TO PLAY scenarios. It may be |
| about it? The following hints should give you a head | | | | tricky if you are from a small area where there is no |
| start when it comes to finding live gigs. | | | | other option but there are usually plenty of |
| Do Your Venue Research | | | | promoters who are willing to have you on the bill |
| Before you start worrying too much about gigs, | | | | without you having to foot the bill. You may not |
| narrow down your choice of venues to places where | | | | make any money from these gigs but its all about |
| you can easily get to and perhaps bring a good few | | | | experience and you quite often get a couple of free |
| friends or supporters. If it is going to be a far trek it | | | | beers. |
| may not be advisable for your first set of gigs. Also | | | | Make a Demo CD or EP |
| try and make sure you approach venues or | | | | More often than not you will need to offer a CD of |
| promoters who cater for the music your band plays. | | | | your bands music. Some promoters are willing to |
| You may be one of the best new indie bands of | | | | check out a band via their website or myspace and |
| your generation but if you turn up at a goth or metal | | | | some may be happy to receive mp3 files but it |
| club you aren't going to do yourself any favors. | | | | makes sense to have some CDs made up to be able |
| A lot will depend on your local area or community. | | | | to give to people. |
| Bands in major cities should have a strong choice of | | | | The CD should have the following features:o |
| venues and promoters to work with but your choice | | | | Optimally 3 songso They don't have to your 3 best |
| may be limited if you live out in the country or live in | | | | songs (it would help) but make it representative of |
| a town with no real live music scene. | | | | the set you would playo Have contact details on the |
| If this is the scenario, you will need to widen your | | | | CD and packagingo Draw attention to the band |
| search but remember to factor in the additional | | | | without using gimmicks |
| traveling time and costs before deciding on what | | | | This CD should then be distributed to promoters, club |
| venue would be right for you. | | | | venues and even promoters or radio stations in order |
| If you are in a band you will probably have an | | | | to create more awareness about your band. |
| interest in seeing live bands anyway so you may | | | | Depending on where you are based, getting a gig |
| already know some venues which would suit your | | | | may be a bit more difficult than others but the |
| style of music but there are many places you can | | | | principle ideas mentioned above should stand you in |
| look for tips about where to play:o Notice boards in | | | | good stead regardless of where you are situated. As |
| rehearsal roomso School / college or University notice | | | | long as people want to see live music and pub and |
| boardso School / college or University newspaperso | | | | club venues need to keep people coming in to make |
| Local newspaperso Music magazineso The internet | | | | money there is always going to a number of venues |
| (specific searches or via music sites) | | | | offering live music nights. |
| All of these places should be examined in order to | | | | All you have to do is make sure you sound your best |
| get as much information as possible. | | | | and then make yourself heard. |
