Wednesday nov. 16

[BBABM]

So today I watched this video

I don't really know who these fellows are, other than having heard mc Lars' name mentioned. However, what the other gentleman says about how nobody was going to do it for you really struck a chord with me today. I proceeded to burn off 10 demo CDs and hoofed it to all the local watering holes that support local music. I handed out 5 of the CDs and got another 5 email addresses for booking people. Hopefully soon I will have a live show! I will probably be paid in beer and cheeseburgers, but that's all I really want.

I guess my question is: how do you book gigs? Is it worth it to hire someone to do it for you? Should I spend money and get a really good sounding demo?


Thanks!

[ken]

I got pretty good at booking via email. I wrote up a pretty standard email that talked about my band's latest achievements, when we wanted to play their venue (and sometimes why) and a link to our music on myspace. I don't know if people still use myspace for that stuff anymore. The best tip I can give you is that booking agents are lazy busy. Take the time to look at the venue's calendar and offer to play on a date they do not have music already scheduled. Be prepared to find other acts to join you if it is one of those deals where 3-5 bands play an hour each on one night.

Ken

[BBABM]

Yeah, for being a college town, Charlottesville has surprisingly few places to actually play. Especially around the university. I think this is odd, but then again UVa students are more the 80's dj dance night type. Ugh. I do like the idea of having a standard letter/email that can be customized per situation. My schedule is pretty open, being a waiter I can get off almost any night... Is it looked down upon to say "any night is fine," or should I specify a night?

[ken]

I think it is fine to say you are available whenever, but it seems to go over well with booking agents that you have taken the time to look at their calendar and consider when you might best be a fit with the venue.

[BBABM]

Well I ended up getting a gig by just walking around, handing out CDs. Apparently a band bailed on them for the night before thanksgiving... Which is understandable... So they emailed me short notice. We'll see how it goes. 2 hrs is a long time, I'll play real slow