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We have lost count of the emails requesting advice on getting gigs, so we hope the following information will provide some constructive tips and a place to start!
First step on the agenda is to create your publicity/press pack - a business card is all you need to start, although a photo, biog and audio or video demo are preferred. Read about Publicity Packs & Press Kits at Vocalist where you can also read Example Booking Contracts.
If you haven't already done so, participate in as many open mic, jam nights, showcases, talent and charity shows as possible - agents, bookers occassionally drop by and the venues they are held in may book acts that impress them or their regulars.
Pick up the local newspaper, yellow pages or trade paper like The Stage, NME, Melody Maker, Billboard, Variety and other magazines, or use our Venues listings to find contact details for live music venues and do some research. An exploratory phone call or visiting the venue enables you to discover where you would set up, the audience capacity & style of music prefered and who books the acts. Then all you have to do is ask for a booking.... Of course there are no guarantees that the booker will be ameniable and give you a gig, some people are more persuasive than others, but as long as you are polite (and don't pester the booker when he/she is busy), then you can always approach them again a few months later. Make notes of who you contacted, when and what the outcome was..... and when to call them back.
I can already hear groans of dismay at the thought of ploughing through (and possibly being rejected by) dozens of venues before landing your first booking...... Help is at Hand! For a commission of course .... Hiring a manager to deal with the business aspects is an option, if you can find one capable and willing to take on the task.
An easier (albeit slower) route is to contact Entertainment / Booking Agents whose business is to match and place acts with bookers / venues / event promoters who use their services. Many are constantly on the lookout for new fresh artists to entertain their clients and welcome applications for inclusion on their books, although it's advisable to telephone to establish the type of acts they are seeking before sending any info. Don't expect to be flooded with tons of gigs straight away!! They have hundreds of established popular acts who will get the top jobs and it is your responsibility to keep the agents informed of your availability, a polite enquiry once a week or fortnight will provide a gentle reminder that you are there, alive, and looking for work - sooner or later, they'll offer you a spot on a showcase or a couple of gigs to see how you get on. Do well and there will be more in the offing.
The internet is a wonderful tool that has enabled companies to provide online booking services for both agents and performers alike. Whilst there are several online booking companies
Get booked at PowerGig
A tool for agents, talent buyers and performers for finding, booking and promoting gigs. PowerGig charges a small fee to the performer that is less than a yellow-pages listing. If you’re not ready to join, you can still put your profile online--it's free. Just search for your name using the advanced search form first, and if you're not listed, add yourself at the bottom. This is a service provided by a company based in the USA, talent buyers from anywhere in the world can view and book PowerGig listed performers directly - this service may not be suitable for those seeking bookings in the UK only.
GigMasters
is a similar service available for USA, Canadian and UK performers. Artists are charged $49.00 for 3 months, $99 for a year and $179.00 for two years membership. They do not charge extra commission for leads sent to members, however, 3 month membership subscribers must pay to 'bid' for available bookings.
Renta Gig
Set up by a couple of musicians based in Sussex, UK - the site lists acts and bands from $9.99 to $29.99 a year - venues, studios and management companies get free listings.
Browse Entertainment Agent and Agency Listings at Vocalist.
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