How To Get Gigs
Tips and tricks to get you on stage
by Joe Kleon

If you are just starting out, finding gigs as an independent artist can be hard and even overwhelming at times.  However, if you mix determination, composure and confidence, with lots of networking and hard work, you will find yourself expanding your presence and playing bigger and better shows.

Knowing where to look and how to fit into the scene of your genre will pave a path to the stage.  Continuous selling of yourself and your music is a necessity.  Seek out venues in your area and region, where your music will fit.  Attend shows at these venues,  Meet and network with those already playing at these venues.  Offer to open shows for them.  Make new friends and offer to collaborate with them on musical projects. 

Before you start reaching out to venues and promoters, you need to have something impressive to show them.  Without a professional, engaging online showcase, nobody is going to give you the time of day.  A bustling social media presence, with lot of fan interaction, will help convince promoters that you can draw an audience.  

Keep your social media pages updated and non-offensive.  Include your bio, performance videos, an EPK (Electronic Press Kit), a link to your website, and links to recorded music. 

Reach out to venues in your area, send them your EPK.  A link tree can make it easy for promoters to check your bio, EPK, website, and socials, from one centralized location.  Websites like https://sonicbids.com/ can help you get noticed and get on stage.  Search for resources to help you.  There are many promotional and marketing videos, blogs, and websites that can give you valuable advice on how to expand your brand.  Seek out these places and utilize them. 

Promote your shows heavily.  A venue and promoter that sees you working hard to bring people to your shows will appreciate your sweat and dedication.  Record your performances.  Capture video of your shows and ask the sound engineer to record audio from the mixing board for you.  You can get a lot of social media mileage from these recordings, as well as learn a lot about what works live and what doesn’t. 

Be well rehearsed and make sure your gear is in good working order.  If you are allowed a sound check, be ready, don’t goof off, and follow the instructions of the stage manager and sound engineer.  A polite band that is easy to work with, combined with tight performances, will impress venue personnel. 

Booking gigs, especially as a newcomer to the scene, is time consuming and can be frustrating and difficult.  However, with determination and dignity, poise and professionalism, you will make it to the stage and start growing a fanbase.