#1625989 - 08/31/00 06:02 PM
getting live gigs
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easybanton@hotmail.com
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Registered: 08/31/00
Posts: 20
Loc: ,,UNITED STATES
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Hello, I was wondering if anyone had any tips to approaching clubs so that my band can perform for their venue- I've been working in the studio so long, and don't have any experience going out there and getting gigs. Also is there a good place to find out all the happening hot spots for a particular region? Thank you for your advice.
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#1625990 - 08/31/00 08:20 PM
Re: getting live gigs
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jddunlap@uswest.net
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Registered: 08/25/00
Posts: 2
Loc: Tucson,AZ,UNITED STATES
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This the part of gigging that can be both fun and frustraing. What I have always done first thing is get everyone together in the band and see who is willing to help. What I mean by help is, who has a camera(you'll need band photos),I always liked a group shot on the front cover and single shot(live or studio) of each member attached to a small Bio of themselves. A CD,tape or video of the material that you plan to perform. Keep this material rather short, bits and pieces of each song tied together, running not much longer then say, 15 minutes. Most club owners will not spend alot of time on this material. Getting the frist job will be the hardest. Their most likely going to ask you either"where have you played or where are you playing right now,so we can come out and check you out." No real way around this question, that's where the best salesperson in the band comes into play! A great source for gig findin' is in you're local weekly entertainment magazine. It'll not only list all the clubs that have bands but it will list the venues. Start by making a few calls and find out who the entertainment director is and can you stop by and drop off a package. I didn't mention this earlier but you should also include a current song list in you're promo package too! You could also just drive around and cold call on any place that looks like they might hire a band.
Good luck and happy giging...
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#1625991 - 08/31/00 08:32 PM
Re: getting live gigs
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jddunlap@uswest.net
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Registered: 08/25/00
Posts: 2
Loc: Tucson,AZ,UNITED STATES
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This is the part of gigging that can be both fun and frustrating. What I have always done first thing, is get everyone together in the band and see who is willing to help. What I mean by help is, who has a camera(you'll need band photos)I always liked a group shot on the front cover and single shot(live or studio) of each member attached to a small Bio of themselves. A cd,tape or video of the material that you plan to perform. Keep this material rather short, bits and pieces of each song tied together, running not much longer then say, 15 minutes. Most club owners will not spend alot of time on this material. Getting the frist job will be the hardest. Their most likely going to ask you either" where have you played or where are you playing right now, so we can come and check you out." No real way around this question, that's where the best salesperson in the band comes into play! A great source for gig findin' is in you're local weekly entertainment magazine. It'll not only list all the clubs that have bands but it will list the venues. Start by making a few calls and find out who the entertainment director is and can you stop by and drop off a package. I didn't mention this earlier but you should also include a current song list in you're promo package too! You could also just drive around and cold call on any place that looks like they might hire a band.
Good luck and happy gigging...
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#1625992 - 09/02/00 11:36 PM
Re: getting live gigs
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Doctor Al
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Registered: 05/05/00
Posts: 192
Loc: ,,US
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you sound like a prime candidate for GIG magazine. The whole magazine has a viewpoint 4 people in your situation.
Try it - ya might like it!
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#1625993 - 09/22/00 05:52 AM
Re: getting live gigs
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Anonymous
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A lot of towns have weekly rags that promote the goings on in that community. In Kansas City we have the "Pitch Weekly". But, no matter how hot the band, you'll probably still have to start small. If you're really hot, you'll rise to the better gigs more quickly, but you've gotta sell yourself. The promo pack thing is right on, but a lot of club owners want to hear you live anyway, but they won't come out to hear you. If they have a jam night (blues clubs are great for this) you can play a few tunes and they can hear you. Getting an agent is good, but some agents are only in to promoting their hot sellers and don't care about newcomers. It helps to have someone in the band who is well versed in the local club scene, and if they can get you gigs it oughta be worth a few extra bucks for them ("Hey Bar-owner, remember me? I packed your house with my old band, and wait'll you hear my new band").
I feel your pain. I've moved around a lot, and each town it's the same story...
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