The world has finally opened up again! Now is the time to play those shows that we have all missed. You can get gigs by knowing how to.
Live performances are a great way to gain fans and establish yourself. Ed Sheeran is a good example. Ed Sheeran has stated that he performed over 1,000 gigs before becoming famous. Before you can play 1,000 shows and explode, you have to be booked.
In this article, we will discuss how you can start putting on live shows regardless of your level in music or your career.
How to Get Gigs for Musicians
It’s essential to remember that promoters are always looking for new live acts. You need to know the right way to approach and present yourself to supporters, whether you are trying to land your first gig or have a long history of live performances.
You can learn everything you need about booking gigs.
Create & maintain Your Brand
Let’s begin with some truths. It would be best to be “bookable” before booking gigs.
What does this mean?
This means you have to sound and look the part. Your social media and Spotify profiles are the first things a promoter will look at. So make sure that you have music and are active.
Ditto Music allows you to release your music if it’s unavailable on Spotify, Apple Music, or other major platforms. You can test Ditto Music free for 30 days and release unlimited music anywhere.
Regarding social media, ensure that your music marketing and feeds have great content. You can use anything to show off your music and encourage people to book you.
Create an EPK
Consider putting together an electronic press kit (electronic media kit), which would include links to your music and videos of you performing in person, social media accounts, images for the press, etc.
You can make it easier for people to find you by putting all your essential information in one place, like an EPK.
It’s essential to look the part, be professional and make life easier for whomever you contact.
Contact promoters, venues & Festivals
Now that you have a solid online presence and all your links in one place, it’s time to contact venues, promoters, or anyone else in charge of organizing live shows.
New artists often make the mistake of expecting too much too early and being disappointed when they don’t get any response.
If you’re just getting started, stay local.
Find local clubs, bars, events, shows, and promoters. Also, check out open mics.
Make a spreadsheet or list of all the emails. Contact them individually, using a polite, personalized message asking if they are looking for live performers and informing them that you’re free, along with links to your EPK and music.
Do some research on the venues before you reach out. For example, don’t contact a jazz club if you are a rapper. Although it may seem obvious, it will be a waste if you don’t have the right music for your audience.
If you are starting, staying local may be the best option. But what if your goal is to reach a wider audience?
You can find many resources and websites that connect artists to festivals, venues, and promoters. Sign up for websites like Gigmit and Sonicbids, which are great for local and international bookings.
You can find a lot of festivals that accept applications from bands and artists by searching Google for “apply to festivals” or “submit your music for festivals.”
Festivals such as The Great Escape and Reeperbahn always seek new bands. You need to take a risk and apply.
You can also find a complete list of festivals accepting submissions on our blog.
Remember what I said about sounding and looking at the part earlier? This is what will set you apart from the rest.
You’ll likely play for free to build up your profile. But keep going. The amount you charge or don’t charge depends on your current career stage. You need to gain experience and practice before taking on more significant steps.
Make a good impression
You can use cold emails or festival applications but also think long-term.
It’s essential to build lasting relationships with the right people and network. Many people make business contacts, but things happen after the initial contact.
You must maintain your relationship with the venues and promoters to get something out of it.
To do this, you need to be a good communicator. Developing your people skills and understanding body language can make a world of difference.
As a musician, you are selling both yourself and your music. You want to be remembered positively by people and have them happy to work with you repeatedly. You won’t be booked again if your music is excellent, but you are an egomaniac.
Show up on time and be friendly. Make a great impression. Nine times out of ten, the festival organizer, venue owner, or promoter who booked you will remember your kindness and repay the favor.
Join the community of musicians
Networking with people in the industry is essential, but getting to know musicians in your area working in a similar style or region is also necessary. DJing gigs can take on many forms, including rap shows, battle of the band nights, and concerts.
Collectively, artists share a wealth of industry knowledge. My best connections, advice, and links came from talking to music friends who knew someone I had been trying to reach for years.
Don’t hesitate to share information, links, and support.
Collaborations and gig exchanges can help you reach the audience of another artist. It’s an easy decision if both of you make similar music. You can get your target audience directly.
Offer to support a band in their hometown in exchange for their support in yours.
You’ve doubled the number of your fans in no time.