It’s time for your musical dreams to come true: playing live on stage to masses of screaming fans… or at least a room full of people listening to your creations. Although the ultimate goal is a well-paying gig, an artist or band just starting out may need to accept a few gifts. Consider them as experience. Use this list as a start on how to get gigs, a checklist of the basics, and a starting idea.

The preparation:

• Talent: Know your style, be solid in your acting skills before taking on too big of a job.
• All bandmates know their responsibilities.
• Calendar – create your timeline
• Internet: online presence, class announcements, forums, press, friendship with other bands
• Networking: go to shows of other bands and meet them, create critical allies, rub shoulders
• Press kit – with contact information, web address
• Demo tape/CD with your 3 best songs
• extensively tested
• Decent equipment – with backups and spares
• Reliable transportation for the band and ALL equipment
• Funds: who handles your band’s finances, food, gas, places to stay
• Booking agency or manager to get reservations, when affordable and research thoroughly.
• Sound technician
• Playlist: well formed, very smooth, more than enough for the time allowed, minimal pause between songs

The places:

• Fundraisers, Charities, Benefits
• City festivals, fairs, free concert halls, trade shows
• Music contests, songwriting contests
• battle of the bands
• Nightclubs, bars, pubs – karaoke, open mic night
• Weddings, special occasions, private functions, parties
• Country clubs, cruises
• Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, bookstores
• Schools, churches, universities
• home concert
• jam sessions
• online video
• Exchange of concerts with other bands of a similar style: one band opens the show, the other closes

Get the concert:

• The attitude should be “how can we help each other”
• Understand what is expected of you – don’t assume anything, including food and drink.
• Make sure the venue has a good reputation for being fair
• Be prepared if you need to audition live during the less busy hours of a club.
• Venue specifications, space, sound
• Keep your word, create respect, do what you say you will do
• Get it in writing, contract
• You know it’s up to you to promote your concert, right?

The promotion:

• Word of mouth with enthusiasm!
• Flyers, Posters – Get permission as needed (eg parking lots)
• Street teams, fan clubs
• Internet Marketing: Artitopia events, email, ezines, newsletters, class announcements, blogs, concert calendars, mailing list (online/offline)
• Call ALL your friends, family, coworkers, schoolmates
• Press releases to any available media
• Newspaper, radio, local concert guides.
• Bulletin boards, music stores, record stores
• Go where your particular style of fan would hang out or work – do your market research
• Exchange promotion with local stores, restaurants, have a cool idea
• The number of heads through the gate is the most important factor for a new booking

At work:

• A gig is a job, so the same rules apply: be on time, don’t take too many breaks, be prepared to do your best, and be professional at all times. The reputation you create will follow you.
• Sound check, balance, volume levels
• Make sure the audience knows the name of your band
• A good catchy opening line.
• Be adaptable to your environment – have a sense of humor
• A musician under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a recipe for disaster.
• Merchandise for sale – CDs, t-shirts, stickers… entrance prizes
• Ask someone to take great photos (video) to add to your photo albums later, and chat with your fans! Collect fan names to add to the online photo narrative.
• Collect emails, distribute business cards, promote the next gig, get referrals
• Something will probably go wrong, think about the typical disasters and try to be prepared
• Have fun because you are doing what you love to do!

Monitoring:

• Let everyone know you had a great time and thank them for coming to see you and thank the operators and staff at the venue.
• If you have a gang following you, be courteous and move your team as quickly as possible.
• Get Your Pre-Designated Moneyraiser to Do Their Job
• Drop the rock star attitude – don’t make a big head of yourself
• Respect the people around you and don’t burn any bridges.
• Learn from every experience
• Add any upcoming gigs or follow-up press releases to your Artitopia profile. Show the world what you are!