How to Get Gigs for Your Rock Band
Are you in a rock band and looking for gigs to play at? If so, there are several different things you can do to promote your band and line up gigs at the perfect venues. The first step to do this is to research your area and find local venues that would suit the music that your band plays. Look up these clubs online or call or visit them to find out when they have live bands scheduled. By doing this, you can visit the clubs on nights with live music to see how well of a fit your band would be for this particular club.
The next step is creating a promo-pack. A promo-pack is a folder of information you will give to club owners. It should contain the name of the band, pictures of the band and a story about the band. Each band member should also contribute small bits of information about themselves, such as their band influences and favorites. Include a list of all of the songs your band does as well. The final thing to include in a promo-pack is a demo CD. Make sure that the demo CD is a good representation of your band's music. Have it done professionally or at a small home studio. Include a couple songs on the CD or a medley of clips from five or ten songs. Hand out the promo-packs to all venues that might possibly be interested in your band.
Another step you can take is to hire a band promoter or manager. Let someone else be in charge of promoting your band, but remember that if you choose this option, you must pay the band promoter for his time. Typically, band promoters work off of a percentage of your gigs. For example, a promoter might agree to promote your band for 10 percent of all gig revenue. If he lines up a gig for $500 for you, you will have to pay him $50 after you successfully complete the gig and get paid.
Take a night out with your band and visit local clubs that offer open mic nights. Get up and sing a few songs and talk to people. Get the name of your band around town by meeting people. The best way to promote your band is to find other connections in the music industry. Build relationships with these types of people and they might be able to help you line up gigs in the near future.
Get your band's name out using social media sites, such as Soundcloud.com or Last.fm. Make a Facebook page and publicize your band that way. These steps can help make a huge difference between finding gigs and not finding gigs.
