How to Book Your Band

Record your band's best two or three songs for your demo CD.

If you are a member of a struggling band, you may wonder how to begin booking gigs. This is often one of the most difficult aspects of being in a band; however, there are numerous things you can do to get your band booked at various places. It doesn't matter what type of band you are in, there are always places looking to book live bands. If you are stuck in a band without any dates booked, try following these steps to help you book gigs that will help your band take off.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Current Calendar
• Promotional Materials like recorded music, a picture, video or DVD, written information about your band.

1. Research local venues. Begin looking around and make a list of possible places to play. This often means asking people about places and visiting the clubs to see what they are looking for. The best way to see what type of music a club is looking for is to visit the club on a night when a live band is playing.

2. Record a demo. A demo is generally a CD that contains your band playing several songs, or bits and pieces of songs. When you make a demo, be sure to capture an overall view of what your band sounds like and has to offer. Bands often make demos in home studios or at professional recording studios.

3. Create a press kit. In order for you to effectively promote your band, you must have a press kit. Press kits vary by band, but typically include a picture of the band, the band's history, a list of the songs the band does, a copy of the demo and a brief description of the members in the band.

4. Hire a band manager or promoter. If your band can afford to hire someone to book gigs, it is often beneficial for the band. This person is responsible for distributing press kits to potential venues and is responsible for setting up the gigs. Many band promoters or managers operate by charging a certain percentage of all gigs they obtain and therefore you may not need to pay the person until a gig actually happens. If your band does not want to hire someone to do this, one of the members of the band, or the entire band, can accomplish this task themselves.

5. Promote your band. Do things to gain attention for the band. Go to local open mic nights and get up and perform a song or two. This is a good way of meeting other musicians and finding musical connections. It is also a good way to obtain practice in front of people. Another way to do this is to offer to play for free. Offer to open up for another band for free or find a local benefit that wants to have live music at a planned event.

6. Publicize your band on social media and music sites. SoundCloud (soundcloud.com) is a social music-sharing network that allows individuals or bands to post music online. Bands are able to share music through networks and make their music available to others. Another music-centric social media site is Last.fm. On this site, musicians upload music they would like to share with others, and listeners can customize the types of music they prefer and receive suggestions for new music based on preferences.

Tips & Warnings

• Go by or call the club. Ask the contact person if they have time to talk. If they do not, ask when would be a good time to contact them again.

• Start writing down contact information or keep it in your computer. It's common to book your band using email or faxes. You can even keep a diary of the conversation so that you know exactly what to say the next time you call.

• Ask permission to submit promotional materials. Look at it from their point of view and present your band in a way that tells the club what they will gain from booking your band. Let them know you have a following of friends from your neighborhood that will attend your show. Tell them you will help promote the show with flyers, posters, newspaper ads or whatever you are willing to do.

• Let the club know that you are respectful, prompt and always follow the rules.

• Don't get mad if you are turned down when you try to book your band. There is a gig waiting for you. Go for it!

References

• Media Web Source: How to Get Gigs
• Independent Music Advice: How to Get Gigs For Your Band or Yourself