How to Book Your Dream Gig – Part #3

Ok! So the past few weeks we’ve covered
The Where & Why & How to Land the Gig!
Click on the links if you missed it!

Now?  Some other pointers on how to make it super-fabulous……

First

Avoiding Shady Deals….
I do hate to go there, but in every business there are  sharks and awareness is important so that you can protect yourself.

Here are a couple of things to keep your eyes open for.

Pre-Sale Ticket Scam - There are a lot different configurations to this set up, but here’s a standard example that I’ve seen many times.
A random promoter approaches you for a gig opportunity at a great venue (they will often promise that industry peeps will be there). The deal is that you have to pre-sell a certain amount of tickets.  The promoter will take the entire revenue for most of them and then another 50% for the remaining.  Your set time is not guaranteed, and the performance line up is based on which band sells the most tickets.  It’s also unclear when you will receive your percentage of the proceeds…..
One Word RUN!!  ….
  

Pay to Play – I realize this is a common practice in some cities.  BUT be wary.  Don’t feel Desperate - you Don’t NEED to pay out money to play your music!  There are a lot of opportunities (see part 2 of this article!!)

3 Rock Star Tips!

• Ask questions.  You can recognize a scammer when they avoid your questions, suddenly become rude /abrupt, or start to make you feel as though you don’t know what you’re taking about.

• Be aware of deals when a club you don’t already know or trust offers to pay you by a percentage of the bar.  I’ve seen it time and time again-  they are able to fudge the numbers at the end of the evening and what looked like a fair deal suddenly leaves you in the dust.   And if you can, always have a friend /manager overseeing the door and keep a rough count of your fans who showed up to see you

• Always try to get the official details in writing, or at least via e-mail.  Have it on hand at the end of the evening so that they can’t say,  “I never agreed to pay you ……..”

Trust your instincts and protect yourself!

Now onto the GOOD STUFF

Outside the BOX Booking!!
There are amazing opportunities outside of your typical clubs and bars.  These can be especially great, as atypical venues are often grateful for music!! They can also help you to seriously build your fan base.

Here are some ideas

• Does your music appeal to a specific niche?  I recently met a guy who plays a self-created genre called, “Jewish Blues”  He makes his living by playing paid gigs to synagogues all across the US.  Brilliant! 

• Are you passionate about a cause or charity?  Book places/events that support that same mission!

• Do you have a hobby?  Golf, Knitting, Painting, Sailing, History, Comics, etc
  Appeal to the places & events where these other aficionados hang-out, as well as their specific events, festivals & conventions. 

• Colleges!!  These gigs are a little tough to get your foot in the door, but they pay big. Check out NACA for more info.

• Is your music Kid-Friendly?  Do you like to do Childrens Music?  Set up something at local schools or kids birthday parties.  (I did very well with parties in NYC – there was that one time a kid smashed a frosted pink cupcake into the keyboard, though, so note not to bring your expensive gear….  LOL)

• Political Events-  Just remember here that you are publicizing a strong affiliation and some musicians are reticent to do that, which makes sense.  But if you are passionate about being in the Green party, Republican Party or whatever…. Then do it!  You can even make that your niche. 

• Festivals that are not Music Festivals – craft fairs, renaissance fairs, arts festivals, etc…

•  Is your band good with cover tunes?  Special events & Weddings 

Other Ideas....
Hotels, House Concerts, Spiritual/Religious places, Coffeehouses, Corporate Parties,  Community Centers,  Book Stores, Libraries, Art openings, Park Events,  Conferences, Community Gardens (these are great in  NYC)

And of course…. Music Festivals :)

But PLEASE remember the rule from Week #1
Don’t Put a Monkey in a Library – Make sure your music is a good fit for the venues you are pursuing!

Notice?  All of these ideas are Bar Free!
But here’s another great idea if you are touring….  “Piggyback” with a local band in that city.  Offer to open for them (this gives you a built in crowd to create new fans) and in return have them open for you in your home city.

LASTLY!

Here are 3 Rock Star tips to help you make the most of it!

1.  Say your name at least 3 times while on stage and don’t forget to mention your
website, & social media sites

2.  Get names for your mailing list  so that you can build your fan base!
You should also offer a fan incentive for people who sign up – Free MP3 is always a good thing!
Often I’ve also seen bands do a little raffle from the stage – If people sign up for the mailing list, they will pick a random name and give that person a Free CD

Often people won’t approach the stage or merch table directly.  SO? Go around and talk to them!! Make new friends!
Don’t be pushy just ask politely and still smile and say Thanks if someone says no.

(When I was in San Diego I talked to a bunch of people after the show.  One woman I spoke with was really touched by one of my tunes, that made MY day! And I emailed her the song!)

You can also have friend do the mailing list for you towards the end of your set -  but meeting the actual band is super cool for non-musicians
     
3.  And as for the tip jar?  Have a friendly person walk around the room with it.  People are more apt to put money in it, if they don’t have to get up and go to the stage to do it!

Do what you can to build relationships.  Remember you’re making your music to connect with people and share your voice.   

Have Fun! And Good Luck!  Keep me posted on your success.   

xo Meredith