For this post, we welcome Guest Contributor, Dipanshu Mphapatra; self-taught guitarist who has played over 100 live performance gigs and counting. Dipanshu runs music-industry blog – Pick Up The Guitar. For more information about Dipanshu, see his full bio below.
It’s no surprise that the music industry is one of the most competitive industries to get into. The barriers to entry are high, and the competition is fierce. So, how can musicians improve their chances of getting gigs?
There are a number of things that musicians can do to make themselves more attractive to gig promoters and venue owners. Here are 10 positive ways that musicians can improve their chances of getting gigs:
1. Play well and be professional
This one seems obvious, but it’s important to remember that the music industry is all about connections. If you’re not playing your best and being professional, you’re not going to make the right connections. Think of it this way: If you were a venue owner, who would you rather book – a band that’s going to give a great performance and bring in a crowd, or a band that’s going to flake out and make your life difficult?
2. Have a good online presence
In today’s day and age, it’s important to have a good online presence. This means having a personal website where you can showcase your music, as well as being active on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. By having a strong online presence, you’re more likely to get noticed by gig promoters and venue owners. Don’t just sit around waiting for someone to discover you – put yourself out there and make some noise!
3. Play original music
While covers are great for getting your foot in the door, it’s original music that’s going to really make you stand out from the crowd. If you’re an unsigned artist, gig promoters and venue owners are much more likely to take notice if you’re playing your own tunes. In a world where everyone is trying to be a copycat, originality is key.
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4. Create high-quality music demos and videos
In addition to having a strong online presence, it’s also important to have high-quality music demos and videos. These days, anyone can create a professional-sounding recording with the right tools. If you’re serious about getting gigs, take the time to create quality recordings and videos that showcase your talents.
5. Develop a niche
There are a lot of musicians out there, so it’s important to find a way to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is to develop a niche. If you’re a metal band, focus on playing at metal venues. If you’re a jazz trio, focus on playing at jazz clubs. By developing a niche, you’ll become known as the go-to band for that particular genre of music, making you more attractive to gig promoters.
6. Get involved with your local music scene
Another great way to make connections and get gigs is to get involved with your local music scene. Go to shows, meet other musicians, and network. The more people you know, the more likely you are to get your foot in the door. Moreover, by getting involved with your local music scene, you’ll be able to get a better sense of what type of gigs are in demand.
7. Play for free
Nobody wants to play for free, but sometimes it’s necessary to get your foot in the door. If you’re just starting out, offer to play for free at small venues or private events. Once you’ve built up a following, you can start charging for your gigs. At first, you might not make much money, but it’s important to remember that gigging is a long-term game.
Related:
Why Sometimes it Pays to Take a Low-Paying Gig
Guide to Making the Most Out of Unpaid Gigs
Use This Essentials Toolkit and Start Booking Gigs Like a PRO
10 Things Venues WON’T Say About Your Booking Pitch
The Musician’s Guide to Booking a Profitable Tour
8. Participate in music festivals and competitions
Music festivals and competitions are great ways to get noticed by gig promoters and venue owners. They’re also great networking opportunities. Even if you don’t win, simply participating will give you more exposure and put you on the radar of industry professionals.
9. Collaborate with other artists
Collaborating with other artists is a great way to create new music and get your name out there. By working with other musicians, you’ll be able to reach a whole new audience and expand your fan base. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun!
A great way to collaborate with other artists is to host an in-the-round show or a jam session with other musicians!
– Anitra Jay
10. Be Easy To Work With
Let’s face it – gig promoters and venue owners have a lot of options when it comes to booking bands. They won’t hesitate to pass over a band that’s difficult to work with in favor of one that’s easygoing and accommodating. So, be professional, be polite, and be easy to work with, and you’ll increase your chances of getting booked.
Keep Track of Booking Calls with the Booking Call Log
Whether you perform locally and need to keep track of all the venues you’ve called to inquire about performing or you’re a touring performer, this logbook can help musicians or performers keep track of calls, emails, conversations, and any outreach made related to booking gigs.
11. Have a Great Stage Presence
Having a great stage presence is one of the most important things you can do to make your live shows enjoyable for both you and your audience. If you’re boring or lack energy on stage, people are going to lose interest quickly. So, put on a great show, and you’ll be more likely to get repeat bookings.
12. Be Prompt and Reliable
It’s important to be prompt and reliable when you’re gigging. If you’re late for soundcheck or show up to gigs unprepared, it reflects poorly on you and your band. Gig promoters and venue owners are much more likely to book a band that’s punctual and professional.
13. Be Willing to Play Any Type of Show
When you’re first starting out, you might not be picky about the types of gigs you play. But as you start to get more bookings, you might be tempted to only play the shows that pay well or that are at big venues. However, it’s important to remember that not every gig is going to be a home run. You might have to play a few duds here and there to get to the good gigs. So, be willing to play any type of show, and you’ll increase your chances of landing better gigs down the road.
14. Promote Your Gigs
If you want people to come to your shows, you need to promote them. Post about your upcoming gigs on social media, hand out flyers, and do whatever else you can to get the word out. The more people you can get to your shows, the more likely you are to get repeat bookings.
15. Have a Good Attitude
Having a good attitude is important for both you and your bandmates. If you’re unhappy with the way things are going, it will show in your performance and in your interactions with others. So, stay positive, work hard, and be grateful for every gig you get. With a good attitude, you’ll increase your chances of success in the music industry.
The music industry can be tough, but it’s important to stay positive and never give up on your dreams. If you work hard and believe in yourself, anything is possible. So go out there and gig your heart out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best way to get gigs?
A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to get gigs will vary depending on your situation. However, some tips to keep in mind include developing a strong online presence, creating high-quality music demos and videos, getting involved with your local music scene, playing for free at small venues or private events, and participating in music festivals and competitions.
Q: What should I do if I can’t find a gig?
A: First of all, don’t despair – it can take time to find gigs, especially if you’re just starting out. Keep networking and promoting yourself, and eventually, you’ll find the right gig. In the meantime, consider playing for free at small venues or private events to get your foot in the door.
Q: How do I stay positive when gigging?
A: One of the best ways to stay positive when gigging is to remember that gigging is a long-term game. It might take time to build up a following and start making money, but if you stick with it, eventually, your hard work will pay off. We know it is better said than done but try to enjoy the process and have fun with it. After all, you’re doing what you love!
Q: Do I need a manager to get gigs?
A: While a manager can certainly help you get gigs, it’s not absolutely necessary. There are many successful musicians who don’t have managers. If you’re just starting out, focus on promoting yourself and developing a strong online presence. Once you’ve built up a following and once you start making money from your gigs, you can start thinking about hiring a manager.
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Numbers 2, 4 and 5 really hit home for me. Having high quality demos and recordings really raised the bar in getting better paying gigs. I think it’s uber important to have a good press kit to showcase your features and highlights. I typically reserve playing for free for jam sessions or if I’m trying to break into a new market. I did a few retirement home gigs for free when I was trying to book those.