How to Book Your Band

It's easier to book your band than you might think. You've been getting together with your friends in the garage and turning up the volume on your sound system. The songs are really beginning to sound good and you're drawing a crowd from the neighborhood. Someone says you should book your band downtown at the XYZ Club, but how do you go about doing that?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

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

1. Start by doing your "homework." Check out the XYZ Club advertisements. Find out if you know any of the bands currently perfoming at the club. Your fellow musicians will share a lot of information with you concerning the club, like how much the job pays and what's expected of the band. You'll need to know the person's name who is in charge of booking the bands for the club. He is the person you will ultimately deal with when you book your band. Call him by name when you call the club. People like the sound of their own name and the fact that you went to the trouble of finding out who they are.
2. Also, find out how long you will be expected to play for your perfomance. Before you attempt to book your band you need to be sure you have enough material to cover the gig. You don't want to repeat songs all night long. Also make sure your material fits the format of music featured at the club. There's nothing worse for a band than being booked in the wrong venue.
3. Some clubs provide sound and lights and some do not. You'll need to know in advance so that you can bring adaquate equipment to do the job. Always make sure that all of your equipment is in working order before you book your band. You don't want to be scrambling at the last minute for a guitar amp or any necessity.

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!