Tips for New Bands Looking for Places to Play: How to Search for Your First Gig
Baby Steps
It’s hard to be humble, but a new band has to be. No matter how good you are, or how polished you are, you have to start small by playing opening sets for more established and popular bands.
This is the best way to get your foot in the door at any establishment that features live music. Talk to the popular bands in your area, and ask them if they would be willing to let you do an opening set for them.
Don’t just ask any band, you want to go for a band that plays music similar to what you have to offer. The crowd that comes to see them won’t warm up to you if you are offering punk tunes and they came to see country.
When you secure an opening gig, ask the band about their set list. If your band happens to cover any of the same songs they do, remove those songs from your set list for that night. It’s a common courtesy that you should extend to anyone you open for. If you play their songs before they do, they probably won’t be willing to have you open for them again.
Remember that you may not make any money for an opening gig, and your set will be short. Keep it within the time limit and get your equipment off stage as quickly as you can. Stick around for the headline set and thank them for the chance to play the gig.
Are you Ready?
Once you have spent some time playing opening gigs and perfecting your sound, it’s time to shop around for your own shows. Take your time getting there, because one disastrous show might be the end of your reputation as a band.
Before approaching bar owners about booking your own gigs, get your press kit together. This should include a band biography, photo, set list, any press clippings, and contact information. An audio sample of your music is a great touch if you have one.
New Places
Don’t be afraid to play free gigs and community events if they offer you exposure. This is a great way to introduce your band to the public, and you never know who is out there listening. Also consider new establishments or private parties as another way to gain exposure and experience.
Your Price
One of the first things on your mind might be about money. Don’t expect too much when you start. You may find that opening gigs don’t pay you anything except (possibly) free beer. At times, even the free beer is limited.
Keep your prices low when shopping your band around for gigs. This may help convince a bar owner that you are worth the risk. Bars typically make most of their money on weekend nights, and if the band doesn’t draw in people, that bar isn’t making any money. Let them know you are willing to work for a lower price because you are new to the scene, and they may give you a chance. If you don’t work out, they haven’t lost a ton of money paying you.
Once you have done a long string of shows and have proven you can bring in the crowds for every gig you play, you can then start asking for more money. If a bar is consistently making money when you play, they will pay more to keep you coming back.
Final Thoughts
As you move up the food chain and obtain higher paying gigs, don’t forget the fundamentals. Practice is essential and everyone could use more practice. This helps keep your band tight, helps your set list to evolve, and keep everyone in your band on the same page. The better you get, the more money you stand to make, and sometimes, it’s as simple as that.
