How to book a show - one night performance

Musicians need to put a lot of time and energy into booking a gig for their band. Jobs should be split up among band members to increase efficiency output. Band members should delegate one person. who will be in charge of booking shows. This individual has to be someone, who is extroverted and is competent in his or her communication skills. The goal is to promote the band in a positive light, so future bookings do not become a problem. A laid-back personality and knowledge of the music industry always helps with this position. Band members, who want to take on this role, but do not have a good knowledge of the music business, should touch up on their communication skills before talking to people. It looks better, if someone knows what he or she is talking about beforehand. Reading issues of Billboard magazine, R&R, and CMJ can augment your knowledge in this area.

Bands should always try to get their foot in the door before trying to take on solo gigs. If you know another band that is already performing gigs, then try to talk them into letting you perform an opening act. This will give club owners a better idea of what type of music you play, and how the audience reacts to your songs. If you are lucky enough to know an established band, do not inquire about money for the opening show. Money is not the main issue here. Getting your foot in the door exceeds all other priorities and asking for money could prevent your band from getting the gig it deserves.

If you do not know a band that is currently making their rounds on the gig scene, the best way to proceed is to search for a club near your hometown, where many of your friends could attend. Admission prices should be wallet friendly, so that all of your fans can attend. It is important to have as many fans as you can at your first gig. This gives the club owner a good impression of the band and will usually lead to future bookings. You will need to contact the actual person, who arranges the gigs. Be sure to send your tape or drop it by the club before speaking to this individual. Dropping the tape off in person may offer more benefits, when it comes to booking a one night performance, since the booker may listen to the tape when you are present. If the booker is not there, then try leaving the tape with another employee or staff member. Engaging in a quality conversation with these employees will help you to acquire a good reference.

Try to remember to jot down names of people you spoke with at the club or over the phone. This will be extremely important, when it comes time for you to call the club back. You will be given a designated time to follow-up with the club. Calling back before you are told will make a poor impression on the owner. When it is time for you to follow-up, remembering the names of people you spoke to will make a great impression on club owners and employees alike. This could be the most important call of your life. Be honest with the owner and don’t exaggerate on the popularity of your band. Tell the owner you are looking to book a gig or open for a more popular band, so you can increase your fan base. Honesty will always get you further than telling a bunch of tall-tale lies. It is best to contact several clubs, in case one turns you down. Once the venue has received your tape and you are in the process of booking the show be sure to be patient with the events that will probably follow. Most owners, who are booking a band for the first time, will usually schedule the band on a slow night or in a late night slot. The reason for this is simple: owners have to get familiar with your music and make sure you can generate some kind of revenue for the club, before you can play in front of larger crowds on Friday and Saturday nights. Realize also that payment is completely up to the owner. Take what the owner gives you and don’t ask questions. Most first time gigs make money based upon the number of people, who show up and not for the performance itself. Once your band becomes more established, the going rate will go up and equal that of other competing bands in your area. Time and patience are the keys to booking a show, especially if it is your first gig. Play your music the way you know how, and don’t ask questions about the procedure. Hang in there and the rewards will start to come your way.

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