Booking Your Dream Gig Part #2!

Seems the Cat has found her dream gig!!! But unfortunately we human musicians need to take some extra steps…..  Last week we covered the Where and Why.   Click Here if you missed it! Now we have the venue and we are clear on our mission.  The Next Question is HOW?  How do you Book Your Dream Gig? Once again? I had too much to say!! SO? We’ll get to the What? & Who ? Next week!!    Your first job is to have clear Press/Music/ Contact Materials.  No excuses, End of Story.  This includes: Short Bio Music - CD – EP –  Mp3, etc A Site where your music can be heard easily. Hard copy press materials  (contact info on every page!)  AND an easily accessible online version-  press kit on your site or a good equivalent Either your own domain or set up a Free Reverbnation Site or Sonicbids (My opinion is that sending people to your Fan FaceBook is less professional) Rock Star Tip:  Take some time and set this up in an organized fashion.  You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. So do it Right! And then it’s done! Make it Easy for people to find you, contact you, learn about you and BOOK You! Bonus Points…. YouTube Channel One-Sheet which includes Press, Reviews, Awards, Radio Airplay, Film/Tv Placements, etc- let them know your noteworthy accomplishments!  NOTE this is called a ONE-SHEET for a reason. Photo- We live in a visual world so YOU need to be depicted somewhere –  Include a Picture of YOU on the One-Sheet or bio or card or on the CD or a head-shot IF you are sending a hard copy – which is rare nowadays - make sure that your number/email are on Everything.  Even if the club Loves your music. Trust me! the booker does not want to have to go searching to find you. Now You’re a Rockin’ Pro with a Killer Press kit and Web Presence. How to get them to notice you? Go to their site and see How they want to be contacted. Every club has their process - do they want a link, an Mp3, a hard copy CD or….?  Unless they request it you do NOT want to clog someone's inbox with MP3's, they will delete you and remember who you are. Note… Some bookers put people through the paces to see who is worth working with….. ;)   Nowadays, e-mail is usually the way to go. Basic Tips: Make it short Include your contact info:  Name, Number, E-mail A Link that they can click on directly to get to your site Rock Star Tips: Include…. A nice thing about their venue or why your band would be a good fit for their space or clientele. Do you know a band with a GOOD reputation who has played there?  Use their name (with permission!) and say that they referred you. Do you have specific dates you’d like to play – put it out there, makes the bookers job easier Remember this is a numbers game.  Their bottom line is making money for the venue.   If you have a big draw let them know (don’t lie….) and tell them a little bit about your promotion plan. Make them see that you are a pro and will do your best to make the show a success. That greatly increases your chances of getting the gig. And here’s my favorite secret trick….. Make yourself More than just a person on e-mail.  Show Up At the Venue.  Don’t be a stalker, but politely introduce yourself.  Then HANG OUT, get a drink (be nice to the waitstaff) and support the bands who are playing.  I realize this is only possible with your local clubs & less feasible if you are touring.  Will have more on that Next Week. If it’s a club that you really really want to play.  Make your presence known there by supporting their venue.  I can’t tell you how many times I booked someone because they were at the club when I had a cancellation for a future date or because they were fresh in my memory from being at the club,  There were also moments where I took a chance on someone because the bartender or waitstaff talked them up. Last Tip Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up.  Once again don’t be a stalker!!  But in this case, the squeaky wheel gets the oil.  Nowadays people are busy and often overwhelmed….  Continue to let them know you are interested. After your first inquiry give it a week to 10 days.  And then repeat.   Each time space it out a bit more.  And I would say 3-5 attempts should be your limit. Be polite – Tell them you understand that they are busy so you thought perhaps it might make it easier for them for you to follow up.  Use a mix of common sense and doing what you can to keep yourself fresh in their mind as a pro who is interested in playing their venue!  I will admit I have booked bands because of their tenacity, but this is a fine line. Keep me posted on your success stories! AND any additional tips you've used along the way Next Week?  Outside the Box Booking and Avoiding Shady Deals and Protecting your Bottom Line! Keep Shining on like the Star that You Are Xo Meredith