Indie Music Marketer .com

Itís the dream of many a musician to open up for either: their favorite band or the favorite band of their childhood. For many, the ultimate in true rock star status is to share a stage with the musicians who made you want to play music in the first placeÖto see you name in lights (or printed on a flyer, as the case may be) with the guys (or gals) whose music you listen to almost as much as (if not more than) your own. 

But is it really a good idea, as an unsigned artist, to open up for an act already known to the general public? Will you get anywhere near the recognition opening up for Pearl Jam in a large venue that you would at a local club playing with other unsigned bands? Will you fans dig your music as hard as ever or will they forget all about you in a mad frenzy to have Eddie Vedder sign their backs? 

Itís a double-edged sword that many artists forget to think over carefully before rushing starry-eyed into the excitement of being the opening act for: (Insert Name Of Famous Rock Star Here). In many cases, venues and promoters still expect your crowd to turn out and drink it up at shows, even though the headliner will draw a big crowd of their own. Many of these shows are an hour plus away from your local area and tickets can be upwards of $100. Is that something you can expect your friends will be up for? 

And then thereís the issue of press. Do you dare ask a reviewer to come out and cover your show and expect that a large portion of your article wonít be about how ìPearl Jam rocks!î You score local radio play only to have the DJ announce the show and play, ìAlive.î Sometimes opening up for a signed act can make an unsigned artist feel even more invisible than usual. 

The following are a few tips that may help you to weigh the pros and cons of grabbing a spot as the opening act for a famous band: 

1.) Would You Take The Show If You Werenít Playing With Pearl Jam?---Many artists think that playing with a famous act is so important that they donít even bother to check out anything else about the gig. Many assume that rock stars always command rock star stages, but this is often not the case. Many acts, especially classic rock/retro acts on revival tours, are looking to get out and play anywhere that will put them up the right kind of front money. Often times this means that the venues are in more remote areas either looking to get on the musical map or using a well-known act to entice people to drive in from far away. Sometimes, the clubs are older rooms looking to get their groove back or new places that havenít yet acquired a regular crowd. Before booking anything, drive out and check out the venue on a few different nights and make sure that you like the room, the stage, the regulars, the area, etc. and ask yourselves if this is a venue that would play if it was! 

nít for the draw of the signed headliner. Since many of these shows can cost unsigned acts anywhere from $200-$2000 in ticket guarantees, you want to make sure that your getting your moneyís worth musically. 

2.) Would Pearl Jamís Fans Listen To You If They Caught You In Your Local Bar?---For a lot of upcoming acts, the lure of playing in front of a crowd of adoring fans is a huge plus. But, you need to make sure to remember that just because people are coming to a club doesnít mean they plan to listen to you. Sadly, often the followers of signed acts could care less about unknown openers and will arrive right before the headliners set. Sometimes, they sit in at the bar in another room praising their favorite band while the openers play to their friends and the wall. Worst case, many of them will rush the stage yelling, ìPearl Jam! We want Pearl Jamî while you do your best to win them over musically. This is why itís important to only open for signed acts that fit in the style of your music. If you loved Pearl Jam in high school but your band sounds like John Mayer, you might want to think twice before deciding that their fans are automatically going to dig your tunes. 

3.) Find Out All Of The Details Before Committing To A Signed Act Show---Itís fairly easy to book a local show: two to five unsigned acts, 20-45 minute sets, all ages to 21 and up, $0 to $10 cover, sound check or line check, maybe free parking, possibly some free drinks, sometimes backline gear, occasionally free food, and pray for a decent sound man. Itís all pretty much cut and dried and if your band has been around awhile, you can confirm gigs in your sleep. Signed headlining acts are a whole different animal and promising your crowd to a venue two hours away, with a $40 cover charge where your band is playing a 15 minute set with your gear scrunched up on the front of the stage so that the headlinerís gear can remain set up might not be as easy as you think. Your fans are used to seeing you rock the house, down the street from their homes, where you play long, get an encore and the house buys everyone a shot! Unless theyíre dying to see Pearl Jam, they might not be u! 

p for all of extra energy it takes to see you open up for a famous act. 

4.) You May Not Be Signed But You Can Act Like You Are---If you decide to take a gig opening up for a signed band and you want to impress them, their crew, their reps, and the clubís management, then make sure youíre act as professional as your headliner. Get there early, have your gear organized, make sure everything is working perfectly, load in at the speed of light, have your set list ready, be courteous to the sound guy (gal), keep your set on time, and load off at the speed of light. Most importantly, have your merchandise in order and professionally displayed at the club/arena: CDs, DVDs, t-shirts, bumper stickers, hats, condoms, thongsÖyou name it. You know youíre unsigned but the headlinersí fans donít, so why advertise it? Put on a fantastic show and maybe youíll sell some CDs, etc. and make some extra cash. 

Thereís one more thing to consider here: fulfilling a dream. If itís your dream to open up for an act you love, then throw caution to the wind and do it just for the dream. If you lose money, hate the club, get booed by over-zealous fansÖwho cares? For that one set, you shared the stage with the band that put the dream in your heart to get up on a stage in the first place. Plus, itís great bragging rights for your band. You can throw it up on your website and talk about it to your grandchildren. If you donít mind the extra effort, commitment and sometimes hassle, then go for it! Who knows? Maybe theyíll pick you up as the opener on their tour? Maybe their label will see you and sign you? Maybe Rolling Stone will come out to review them and mention your name? If youíre doing it to fulfill the dream, then everything else is a bonus. Just remember to get all of the details, and stay smart when undertaking a huge gig. Now, get up on that stage and wow that big crowd,! 

you rock stars! 

Time for your music dreams to come true ñ playing live onstage to masses of screaming fansÖor at least a room full of people listening in to your creations. Though the ultimate goal is a good-paying gig, an artist or band just starting out may have to take on some freebies. Consider them as experience. Use this list as a start on how to get gigs, a checklist of the basics, and an idea starter. 

The Prep: 

Talent ñ know your style, be solid in your performance abilities before you take on too big a gig 

All band mates know their responsibilities 

Calendar ñ create your timeline 

Internet - online presence, class ads, forums, press, make friends with other bands 

Networking ñ go to shows of other bands and meet them, create critical allies, rub elbows 

Press kit ñ with contact info, web address 

Demo tape/CD with your 3 best songs 

Rehearsed extensively 

Decent equipment ñ with backups and spares 

Reliable transportation for band and ALL equipment 

Funds ñ who handles your band finances, food, gas, places to stay 

Booking agency or manager to get bookings ñ when affordable and research thoroughly 

Sound Technician 

Playlist ñ well shaped, great flow, more than enough for the time allowed, minimal pause between songs 

The Places: 

Fundraisers, charities, benefits 

Festivals, fairs, city free concert venues, trade shows 

Music competitions, songwriting contests 

Battle of the bands 

Clubs, bars, pubs ñ karaoke, open mic night 

Weddings, special occasions, private functions, parties 

Country clubs, cruise ships 

Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, bookstores 

Schools, churches, colleges 

House concert 

Jam sessions 

Online video 

Gig trading with other bands of similar style ñ one band opens the show, the other closes 

Getting the Gig: 

Attitude should be ìhow we can help each otherî 

Understand what is expected of you ñ donít assume anything, including food and drinks 

Make sure the venue has a good rep for being fair 

Be ready if you need to do a live audition during a clubís less busy hours. 

Venue specifications, space, sound 

Keep your word, build respect, do what you say you will do 

Get it in writing, contract 

You know itís up to you to promote your gig, right? 

The Promotion: 

Word of mouth with enthusiasm! 

Flyers, posters ñ get permission as needed (e.g. parking lots) 

Street teams, fan clubs 

Internet marketing ñ events, email, ezines, newsletters, class ads, Blogs, concert calendars, mailing list (online/offline) 

Call ALL your friends, family, co-workers, school mates 

Press releases to any media available 

Newspaper, radio, local gig guides 

Bulletin boards, music stores, record shops 

Go where your particular style of fan would hang out or work ñ do your market research 

Swap promo with local stores, restaurants, come up with some cool idea 

The number of heads through the door is the most important factor for a re-booking 

At Work: 

A gig is a job ñ so the same rules apply: be on time, donít take too many set breaks, be prepared to do your best and be professional at all times. The reputation you create will proceed you. 

Sound check, balance, volume levels 

Make sure the audience knows the name of your band 

A good catchy opening line 

Be adaptive to your environment ñ have a sense of humor 

A musician under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a recipe for disaster 

Merchandise for sale ñ CDs, t-shirts, stickersÖdoor prizes 

Have someone take good photos (video) for adding to your photo albums later ñ and schmooze with your fans! Get fan names to add to the photo narrative. 

Collect emails, hand out biz cards, promote the next upcoming gig, get references 

Something will probably go wrong, think through typical disasters and try to be prepared 

Have a great time because you are doing what you love to do! 

The Follow-up: 

Let everyone know you had a great time and appreciate that they came to see you and thank the venue operators and staff 

If you have a band following you, be polite and move your equipment as quickly as possible 

Have your pre-appointed money collector do their job 

Drop the rock star attitude ñ donít get a big head 

Respect the people around you and doní burn any bridges 

Learn from every experience 

Add any upcoming gig or follow-up press release to your music profile. Show the world what you are about!