So you’re ready to step it up a level, and go from being a
solo artist to playing with a band. Or maybe that’s how you intend to start
off. Regardless, playing in a band is a lot of hard work, tons of fun and will
give you a great confidence boost while allowing you to enhance your skills.
One important aspect of playing in a band is live
performance, or performing live. Doing live gigs, performing in front of an
audience, going on tours all over the world and performing with your band will
be some of the best time of your life, and your first gig will truly be a
defining moment in your career as a guitarist. Take it from someone who’s been
there, done that!
However before you move from your garage jam sessions and
step into your first full-blown live gig, you need to plan and take a few
things into consideration.
1. Equipment
Before you hit the live stage, you need to ensure that you
have the equipment to do so. Your old cheapo guitar, that run-down, weak
amplifier and those old cables and accessories just won’t cut it now. Now would
be a good time to invest in some good equipment. Get a better guitar for
yourself, better amps with superior effects processors, better effects pedal
and upgrade your accessories. Spend some money; you’ll probably break even
after a couple of gigs, with the money you make off them.
2. Location
The next step would be deciding where you would want to
play. My suggestion: start off with a couple of gigs in your own hometown,
where you would have friends, family, peers and colleagues turn up and support
you. Also make sure that the venue is big enough to fit a reasonable amount of
people and have its own sound, light and PA facilities. When you move out of
your garage, playing somewhere far off, where no one knows who you are and
people are unfamiliar with your music probably wouldn’t have a lot of people
turn up, rendering it a waste of time and money.
3. When to Play
Determining when you play is vital, try and book your gig on
the weekend, preferably Friday or Saturday. This would ensure a large turnout,
as people won’t have work the next day. Playing on the weekdays, when people
have work the next day would probably mean a low turn-up. It is also a good
idea to avoid public holidays as most people are away on vacations.
4. Collaboration
Finding other bands to play with could be an excellent idea.
Local bands, who might already be established and hence have a big following
would give you a lot of exposure. Big artists and bands touring your city might
be looking for opening acts, these bands usually see a huge number of people
turn up, book the best and the biggest facilities and if you open for them, you
stand to gain a lot of new followers and fans. Remember, all ‘big’ artists
today started this way and probably opened for other artists in the past before
making it to the big time. Get in touch with these artists/bands through their
social media profiles. Offer to help out with the promotion; you could hire a
promoter for this purpose.
5. Transport and Equipment
Determine a way that you will transport equipment to and
back from the gig. It is all, in all probability expensive stuff, worth
thousands in total, and it is solely your responsibility to ensure its safety. If
you’re performing with other bands, would you have the time to switch equipment
between the gig, or would it be a good idea to share some of the equipment?
Make sure that you develop terms and conditions for this purpose, decide who
shares what beforehand, and that everyone agrees to the set terms.
6. Contracts
If someone asks you to sign a contract, turn it down. For
instance if a venue owner sets a prerequisite that the only way you’ll play is
if you ensure there are a 100 people present, or that you sell a certain number
of tickets in advance, walk away. Same goes for going into agreements or
contract with other bands or promoters, it is important not to be bullied into
signing legal agreements such as ticket-selling deals.
7. Promotion
If you’re opening for another band, they would’ve probably
taken care of the promotions. Still you can do your part by advertising
(offline and online) – such as through posters that are displayed in music
stores and venues in town, billboards across the town, and other venues. And of
course, over Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and your Youtube channel. If you’re
playing with another band, or even if it’s just your own band this is
performing, use these mediums to advertise and get the word out. Use your
website. Tell your friends, ask other people to spread the word, and do this
well in advance. Make a video where your band performs their best track, and at
the end, ask people to come see you perform live. Be creative. If you have a
large turnout, the venue might even ask you back.
8. Sponsorships
While a long shot, there might just be sponsors out there
who’d be willing to pay you a couple of hundred bucks to have you put their
name on the promotional material and plug their business in between the songs. Ask
around, check with local business, especially those in your vicinity or town,
and to whom you might’ve given a lot of business over the years. Small
businesses are always looking for such promotions, as it helps them get the
word out. For you, a sponsor (and whatever little he pays) would help to cover
at least a fraction of the costs, such as venue or equipment costs.
9. And finally…
Make sure that you’re in touch with all relevant people –
the venue, the bands, your own band mates, the promoters and the sponsors –
days before the gig. Keep everyone in the loop in case something happens, for
instance if someone pulls out. As for the performance, give it your best shot,
I’m sure you’ll do great, and do share your experience with me in the comments
section!
No comments:
Post a Comment