Right,
you've learned to play like a 'Guitar God' and you've
managed to form or join a great band. After several
months of rehearsing you're now
ready to start gigging. Well, even the longest and most
gruelling world tour begins with the first gig so
what are you waiting for?
Your first step will
be to check out the venues in your region and
probably the best place for this will be in the gig
guide of your local newspaper, magazines, Teletext,
or even on the internet. Take notice of the types of
bands that play at certain venues and whether they
cater for original or covers music.
It's pretty obvious that a band with a name like
Headslayer has a penchant for heavy rock so more than
likely the venue is of the same ilk. It'll definitely
be a no-no playing 80's Duran Duran-esque pop to a
multitude of bikers and an experience that might
seriously damage your confidence for the future. So
try and classify your music and what your aiming for.
Many
bands, and particularly singers, get an ego the size
of a barn door before they've even taken to the
stage. They'll probably demand a headline gig with a
rider including ten crates of beer and a thousands
tubs of Smarties with all the red ones taken out.
You'll have to decide whether you can really risk a
headline show on your first gig. The truth is no
promoter will give you that spot and will probably
only allow a support to see how you
go.
This
might be an advantage because support acts can
usually give the headline band a hard time. You'll
probably play better with that pressure off you and
you might learn something from the other band. Be
friendly though because you might need their help
with another support slot in the future or borrowing
their gear on the night. Remember your drummer might
be the member to make sacrifices with the likelihood
of having to use the alien drum kit of the headlining
band.
Your
band might be a world beater but unless you've got
the gift of the gab you'll probably never get to
tread the boards, so you could consider getting a manager. A dad or a
friend might be better than a proper manager as they
won't take up to 20 per cent of any takings and will
probably appreciate your music and where you're
coming from.
Generate
a buzz about your debut by building up your profile
with the local press. Try and get someone down to
report on and photograph the show. Or do a review
yourself and send it in to a national music magazine.
If you're still struggling for gigs put up adverts at
local rehearsal rooms asking other bands for support
slots.
Unfortunately,
if you're playing a well established venue the
likelihood of you being able to barter with the
promoter for cash for playing is almost zero. Think
yourself lucky you're not paying to play and be
thankful that you can get a soundcheck on the night.
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