How to Be an Indie Rock Music Promoter
Your friends always tell you you have cutting-edge tastes in music. You have a naturally social and gregarious personality, and you love to attend live shows. You might be cut out to be an indie-rock music promoter. You can share your tastes with the masses and party every night.
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Instructions
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Learn about up-and-coming indie rock bands whose music you might like to promote. Go to small shows and listen to songs on their MySpace pages.
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Pick at least three bands whose music and image you like and ask them if they'd like to play a show. Lesser-known bands are eager for exposure, so it won't be difficult to get them to agree.
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Schedule a show at a music venue you're familiar with and whose vibe you like. Often, venue owners will let you put on a show there for free, as long as you agree to give them part of the proceeds from ticket or drink sales.
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Get the word out. Get an artist friend of yours to design an eye-catching poster for the show, and hire some other friends to post them around town. Set up a basic Web page for yourself, and be sure to use Facebook and Twitter. Send out a mass e-mail to everyone in your address book, and write a press release and e-mail it to music magazines, newspapers and Web sites.
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Hold your show. If you make sure everyone, from the bands to the crowd, has a great time, your reputation as a promoter will grow, and bands and venues will start seeking you out.
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Tips & Warnings
Even if you don't make a lot of money or attract a lot of attention the first time, be patient. Promoters rely heavily on word of mouth, and if you put on a good show, word will get out.
Try to develop your signature sound -- e.g., electronic music or lo-fi pop. Focus on promoting bands that play this kind of music, and people will start to identify the sound with you.
Build relationships with music journalists and bloggers. If they have high opinions of you, they'll be more likely to provide coverage for your shows.
Unknown bands may agree to play for free drinks initially, but at some point you will be expected to pay them. Be sure to agree on a percentage ahead of time with both the venue owner and the bands, so you can avoid disputes later.
