How To Book A Live Show
Result
Book live shows using your own press materials and connections.
Overview
Booking shows is often a difficult process that requires some research and a lot of persistence. There are many steps to go through between writing a song and getting to play it live. From calendars to press kits, all the main steps are covered.
Related Categories: Booking Resources, Online Press Kits
Estimated Preparation time: Days
Estimated Result Time: A few weeks
Estimated Cost: Low
What You Need to Do This:
- Songs that you are prepared to play in a live setting
- A press/booking kit
- Persistence
Directions
1. Designate one booker.
Your booker needs to be a people-person who can build relationships with venues, be persistent, and also handle rejection. Usually, the booker is a member of the band, a friend, or fan. However, you can also use a booking agency.
2. Choose your collaboration and coordination tool
If you're in a band, then the booker will need a way to communicate and coordinate the schedules of all the members. Rather than rely on email, create an online band calendar by using free tools like Google or Yahoo! Calendar. These are shareable and allow all the members to mark which days they can't make a gig.
3. Get your "music resume" items up-to-date
Update your "music resume" documents (your bio, discography, type of music you play, mailing list count and/or Eventful Demand number, etc.) . These items should be available online at your website or as a part of your online press kit so they can be downloaded and printed anytime your booker, a venue, or the press needs them. Once finalized, you can create your offline press kit.
4. Prepare your Press Kit and music
The booker will need your press kit and music (album, demo, etc.) avaialble so he or she can hand the material out in person at venues, festival bookers, etc. Learn how to make one here.
5. Prepare a target list of venues and festivals
You will want to make a list of places where you can play:
- Venues
- House Concerts
- Conferences
- Festivals
5. Contact the venue.
Call/email first to verify the person who handles booking musicians at the venue. If you email the person, send a link to your online booking kit. You want to build a relationship with the venue, so often it's best to drop off the booking kit in person rather than point them to your online kit.
What should I do next?
References