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Getting Gigs

StophyStophy Posts: 69
in Musicians and Gearheads
Hello,

I've been asked by a friend to help them with their band. Nothing to do with my musical ability more to do with my organisational skills (sad I know). I've sorted out their social media side along with other websites.

They've now asked me to get some gigs (pubs, clubs and support slots) for them. Now I love watching live bands and have watched all types and styles of bands in all types and sizes of places but god knows where to start with getting a gigs. Has anyone got any got tips on how I can do this?

They live in the North East of England (Newcastle, Middlesborough, Darlington etc) so ideally want some around there. I know the pubs and clubs would be great for them but not sure where to start and don't want to let them down.

Keep on rockin!

Stoph

Comments

  • FrankieGFrankieG Abingdon MD Posts: 9,100
    I have never setup a gig, but I have a friend who plays regularly, and she just got to know the bar owners. I would just make some phone calls and ask about playing.
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  • gimmesometruth27gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 23,303
    i am sure they are going to need a demo of some sort. you need to make a promo pack with a picture, bio, etc. they will have to play for very little money at first, but make sure that they pack the place. i can not tell you the number of bands who work their asses off to get their first run of shows and they bring zero people in the door. the bar loses money that way, and the band never gets booked again. tell everybody, i mean everybody you know. if you tell 100 people, 10 might show up. lastly, find out where the band wants to play and find out if that place has a specific person who books the place, like a promoter, or if management books their own bands for the venue. that makes a big difference if there is an agent, because it is very difficult to break into that rotation of bands. good luck :)
    "You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry."  - Lincoln

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  • StophyStophy Posts: 69
    Thanks for the help and advice. I'll be sure to use it.

    They're starting to talk to other local bands and bar owners and have got themselves signed up for a local festival (it's first year, cover bands & originals) so I'm sure we'll get some more contacts.

    Hopefully we can get some more gigs soon.

    All the best.

    Chris
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