Not rocket science...
Sep 11 '00
So... You're out of the garage and ready to hit the big time huh? Bright lights, long cars, What? You're not out of the garage yet? What are you waiting for?
The first step in trying to get a paying gig is to know yourselves. Be honest. Are you ready for the Met? Are you really good enough for the Grizzly Rose? Probably not. Once you've played a few gigs you'll be able to go to the next step.
Think of the venues available to you. Do you play their type of music? There is nothing worse than trying to play Korn in a country bar. (except maybe getting fired from your first job)! Are you playing covers? Originals? Do you have enough material to cover a whole night?
It's okay to be an angry frustrated musician crying out the unfairness of the music industry. Feel better? Okay then quit your whining and let's get you a gig.
There is no way to be able to cover all avenues of gigging so for this opinion we'll assume you are looking for your first local gig.
Your first stop should be,(Shudder) your local bar. Most bigger nightclubs/bars that have live music usually hire road bands or "Established" locals. How do you become "Established"? First of all do some scouting in the venues. Introduce yourself to the bands and managers. DO NOT BRING YOUR DEMO OR TAPES TO THE BAR! This is an "Oh by the way, I play bass too" scenario. Get comfy and smooze the "locals". Find out how much they pay, the style of music, length of sets, ect. It is easier talking to someone you know after you've Jammed with the band and you've shown them you don't stink. I personally have found jobs when the house band needs a fill in for a weekend, or a road band cancels. "Anybody have any Idea's?" "Yeah, that (insert your name here) has a band, see if he's free." POLITICS! Get drunk and jam with the band.
Not your thing? Remember, there is always the traditional route. Find out who the manager is,(Who hires and fires the acts). Introduce yourself and simply ask if they have any openings. If they give you the brush off, leave... your number of course! stop in from time to time and keep asking. DO NOT BECOME A PEST. If you get your foot in the door, avoid the old advice of, "Hire us cheap the first time so we can charge you more later when you like us." All the bar owner will hear is "CHEAP". Trust me, they won't pay you anymore unless they have too, and they don't. You don't need to drop off your "Demo". These people have their hands full running a bar.
Now bear in mind when you take my advice, I am talking about SMALL local bars. elbow to elbow and on top of the pool table gigs. For out of town gigs, showcases, casuals, and of course trying to hire an agent, a promo package is a necessity. However in trying to land your first gig it's not required material.
More often new bands spend more money on promo than product. The Rock and Roll fantasy is great while it lasts, but the yellow brick road does not go on forever. How many old promo pics do I have? Too many! Common scenarios, this guy quits, the lead singer got pregnant, guitar player's in rehab, blah, blah, blah. Suddenly you're the only original member left, and still trying to use five year old promos! Meanwhile your pawnshop Honher guitar falls apart on stage. Should've bought the good gear instead of those tight spandex Levi's you're too fat to fit in huh?
Spend the money on equipment first, get good, get the gig, then get the promo.
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