Gigs

So I’m in a band and we need gigs! I’ve done a few but it’s hard work trying to get more booked… how do I go about it? I was thinking maybe a booking agent but I can’t find any :-/

Help!

Okay. My friend is a booking guy for a club and I got some good tips from him a while back. First, you send an email. Here is the format you should do.
Dear Bob (you DO NOT want to say dear booking guy, do a little research and find their name)
We are The Band Name, an alternative rock band looking to expand our fanbase into new York city. (a little info about you and why you want to play where you want. 1-2 sentences)
We have previously played a few shows in our hometown of blahblahblah and have consistently brought in crowds of 50-60 people. (say where you’ve played and how many people you’ve brought in, round up a little. Say if you’ve been bringing in 40-50 say 50-60)
You can listen to our music at www.thebandname.com
(post ONE link that is your main one, and if it can be avoided, DO NOT post a myspace link. If that is all you have it’s ok. It is even better if you have your own website)
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
The Band Name

Www.thebandname.com
Www.bandcamp.com
Www.myspace.com
Www.Facebook.com

(list ALL websites you have)

Then, wait for a response. You may be asked to play weekday shows at first, but you always have to start at the bottom.

I live in London and between Sunday 21st August and Sunday 28th have the Italian rock band Sexual Disorders staying with me. I am looking for gigs for them near to London if possible. Can anyone help with suggestions?

Contact small music venues in London that play unsigned bands and pay for a night. Ask other similar unsigned bands if they’d like a slot. Make sure one of them can provide backline (cabs, heads, drum kit and breakables.) Make a poster and stick it up around London, and make an event for it on facebook. Make sure you know someone who can charge door money (if the venue allows you to charge.) The venue should provide a sound technician but if not then you’ll need to find one.

I’m joining a band that tours. It’s a 4-piece. I’m playing bass and possibly back-up vocals. How do bands typically split gig money? How much can I expect to make for my portion?

These are questions you should really be asking your bandmates. Every band has the right to decide how they want to split the money on gigs.

The band can either get a cut of the door or can be paid a flat rate. The money is usually divided up after expenses (agent’s fees/promotion costs, transportation costs, and road crew-if any). CD sales are usually divided equally between the members that paid to get the music recorded and published.

I am a manager of a band and I just want help trying to find gigs in nyc, any events, restaurants, taverns, anything. The band consists of a drummer, 2 guitarists, bass player, and a keyboard player. I would really appreciate this especially for my band. Thankkss a lot
not in staten island though, only brooklyn, bronx, or manhattan, or queens. pleasee

L’amour. It used to be a place where metal bands like Anthrax, Metallica, Exodus, W.A.S.P, etc would play. I’m pretty sure its located in Staten Island now.

I’m in a band with 4 people (a lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, drummer). We live in Mississauga, a town close to Toronto Ontario. We are all currently underage so we cannot play in bars right? We play indie pop. What would be good gigs for a band like that?

All-ages venues, skateparks, local high schools, talent shows, battle of the bands competitions, churches, etc. Plenty of choices for you. Sometimes bars offer all-ages shows, but the drinks and stuff are only for 21+ people, so you could technically play bars if they offer all-ages shows.

How can i find gigs for my band to play?

Call local bars and stuff..

My friends are in a unsigned band and there all 15 and 16 and play at local pubs.

Hey guys, I was wondering, when my band is ready to perform how do I get gigs. Does anyone know places in SLigo looking for bands. Even if you don’t, how do I ask if somewhere wants live music, would I call a phone number, send a video of us playing or an email? Please tell the best places to start off with small gigs (e.g cafès, youth clubs) and some things to make sure to do and have on the day and what not to do.
Thanks

You’d be surprised how many bars/clubs are actually LOOKING for bands to play there. Talk to the owner or even strike up a conversation with a DJ if they have one, as he would know if they need someone and what type music they are looking for.

my band is made of 15/16 yrs. old girls. We play classic rock and a little alternative. I just need ideas for places to play.

same as any other bands get gigs, but more problematic due to your age
you should try to play at parties, school dances, youth clubs and so on

I am 15 and so is everyone in my band and we need to know how to get recognized and get gigs and money by playing songs we made and covers.

Find place that plays live music and ask if you can demo for them and see if they will give you a nights work

Send demos radio stations especially local & independant and even turn up and offer to be interviewed

Try & play a free public gig

So I’m in this band, we were really going somewhere – had a whole nationwide tour booked and ready to go, when the manager screwed us all and dumped us and the entire tour. Now, I’m really not opposed to staying local (in Pittsburgh) and paying our dues that way, but I’m at a loss as to how to get paying gigs. The guy was a JERK, but he really had connections.

tl;dr – How can I book shows for my (awesome) band?

Your unlikely to just fall right into a decent paying gig. Starting small, getting your name out there first is really the only way to go if you don’t have a label or manager. Get a demo out, coffee shops, house parties, bars etc.