playing at the venue you want

your band wants to play the local venue and are looking for a way in. the venue holds a couple hundred people, and you’ve played some smaller venues around town, but feel ready to move up. so how do you get in? here are some things you can do:

OPTION 1: according to venue operators, one of the best ways to get on the bill is to open or play with a band that already plays there.

venue operators are much more likely to listen to a demo or consider a band if they hear about it from a band they already know. first, figure out which band (out of the ones that already play there) has a similar sound to your music. one of the many obvious reasons for this is that you’ll have a lot easier time appealing to their fans. approach that band, give them your CD, and ask if you can open for them at that venue. Plus, if you get to know them and get them to like you, it may mean future opportunities. this may involve a bit of networking, but it could pay off.

OPTION 2: another way to get a gig is to drop off a demo and hope they call you. this is much more difficult because venues sometimes get hundreds of demos per month. if you do choose this, here are some tips.

1. create buzz. venue operators are much more likely to listen to your demo if they’ve heard about you from various sources. for example, if they see your demo on their desk, see one of your flyers across town, and read a blurb about your band in the local alternative newspaper, they’re much more likely to remember your name and give your band a listen.

2. include a short (a paragraph or two) bio with your CD. here are some tips on what to write:

• include information about your sound, and what other bands you sound like. sometimes, venue operators are looking for a certain sound, and if your description is something they are looking for, they may more likely listen to your CD over another without such a description. you’ve not only taken away some of the guesswork for the operator by saving them time, but have increased your chances of getting your CD heard.
• list other bands you have played with. if it’s someone they’ve heard of, that’s +1 point for your band.
• list other venues you’ve played. this is important because it tells the venue operator what to expect in attendance. remember that venue operators have to worry about the bottom line. you could be the most talented band to ever play that stage, but if you can’t fill the room so the operators can sell them drinks, forget it. in some ways, it’s somewhat circular; you can’t play the bigger gig because you can’t show you’ve played any other bigger gig. nonetheless, it tells the operators you’re not just playing at your friend’s house.

3. once you get the gig, bring the masses. see above. if you don’t bring enough people, the venue will not be happy and it will hurt your chances to play there in the future. for example, take the ‘bottom of the hill’ in san francisco, ca. the venue holds about 350 people. it is NOT enough for you to ask 75+ of your family and friends to show up. this means you will have to promote, promote, and promote to make sure you get people to go.

~ by cafenotes on December 9, 2008.