Getting the Gig - Part 1

So you've spent months of dedicated hard work writing songs and recording a demo and you want to get yourselves out there to be heard? A gig is the best way to do this and to get recognised or to get reputation. Great friends can be made on the gigging circuit along with valuable contacts through promoters etc. Getting gigs can be as easy or as hard as you make it to be, there are factors that make this for you such as the following:

• How far you are prepared to travel?
You're more likely to get more gigs if you're prepared to travel a distance.

• Whether you expect a good payment or no payment?
When starting out make sure you don't get that cocky “rock star” attitude, be prepared to play for nothing... a gigs a gig, and it's this attitude which will see a band far.

• Do you make a good first impression?
If you have a good speaking manner or aren't up your own arse you'll find that people are more willing to help you or guide you towards someone who can!

• Dedicated or not?
Are you sending out all the demo's you possibly could? If not than you should be. You should be eventually aiming to be getting at least 1-2 gigs a week, you can't keep doing this within a local circuit!

• Reputation? Got any?
If you already have established a good reputation than a promoter will more than likely be interested to have you play at one of their gigs. It is in their best interest to have bands which have a good following and a steady fan base.
Remember that most promoters know other promoters, and frequently talk to tell the others of which bands to look out for and which ones to “black-list”... Yes it does happen! Which is why you should always do what you can to be a pleasant experience for the promoter/club owner.