Indie Music Marketer .com

Time for your music dreams to come true – playing live onstage to masses of screaming fans…or 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 – know your style, be solid in your performance abilities before you take on too big a gig 

All band mates know their responsibilities 

Calendar – create your timeline 

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

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

Press kit – with contact info, web address 

Demo tape/CD with your 3 best songs 

Rehearsed extensively 

Decent equipment – with backups and spares 

Reliable transportation for band and ALL equipment 

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

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

Sound Technician 

Playlist – 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 – 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 – one band opens the show, the other closes 

Getting the Gig: 

Attitude should be “how we can help each other” 

Understand what is expected of you – don’t 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 club’s 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 it’s up to you to promote your gig, right? 

The Promotion: 

Word of mouth with enthusiasm! 

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

Street teams, fan clubs 

Internet marketing – 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 – 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 – so the same rules apply: be on time, don’t 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 – 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…door prizes 

Have someone take good photos (video) for adding to your photo albums later – 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 – don’t get a big head 

Respect the people around you and don’ 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!