Getting Out There

[J.R. Kannan]

How does a new band get gigs to play. I play in a country/punk band and it's very hard to find places to play. Also what is a normal rate to charge.
J.R. Kannan

[FINGERPICKINGOOD]

Go to bars and clubs and coffe houses and ask to play. Sorry to inform ya but you dont ask for money, you get what they wanna give you. When playing free-lance gigs like partys or cookouts - then you charge whatever you think your worth. Dont charge 500 dollars a gig to play boy george covers, and dont charge 5 dollars a gig to play 3 hours of pure adrenalin pumped original music. Use your own discretion.

[StoneDragon]

If you keep your ear to the ground, you might be surprised at the gigs that turn up.

Pay attention for local events. Get ahold of the organizers and see if they are interested in putting on some live music. If all else fails, set up and play at parties, BBQs, supermarket openings, baby showers... who cares where!

You can try renting out a local hall or the school gym and putting on a show/dance/whatever. Put up flyers all over town and charge $5 to get in.

Another thing that worked in the past for a band that I was in was to find an event that had a band already and ask the band if you can open for them. You might only get to play 3 to 5 songs, but you gotta start somewhere.


As far as what to charge.... you have to balance your desire to play with your desire to have them pay. As you're getting your foot in the door, you might have to do some gigs for free or play for free beer and a percentage of the cover charge.


Are there any booking agencies or a musician's union in your area? Are you willing to travel? If yes, you can get ahold of them and see about getting signed up. That sort of thing can get you an "in" with a lot of the established venues. Generally, the price will be set between the agency/union and the establishment. all you have to do is show up and play. The more valued you become with the agency, the better paying gigs they will toss your way.

[whiteguy]

If you have alot of late night clubs in your area, try hooking up there on punk night or something. I'm sure there are alot of dinky clubs where you could get some viewing at.