60 replies to this topic

[mothrock]

i kind of like having to be buddy buddy with people to get shows. don't get me wrong, it'd be nice to contact places and be able to hook up a show that way...but knowing people is really great. it helps me feel like our band fits in with other things in other places accross the country. also, it seems like you'd have to pay your dues in order to get anywhere which is a good thing for everyone. what i mean is, if you don't play shows locally (where you know you can get some gigs), you won't meet the people that will help you get shows elsewhere. and i feel like that's a pretty important thing to do. seems like you really have to earn it and i like that.

I couldn't disagree with you more. I think that people should organize their own shows, then approach venues instead of just calling up random venues trying to get a show. THAT I agree with . As far as muscling out others because they aren't buddies with you is complete horsecrap. How are you supposed to meet new people and soak in new music when you book according to social hiearchy? blah. I hear where you are coming from, but I flat out just don't agree.

[degrae]

a little empathy for the club owner is all i've ever needed, putting the whole show together before getting the venue is a great idea, it takes all the headwork off the club, much advance notice, and follow through on promotion is good too, some bands like a good sounding show, some like a good clique of people, some just tell you they need $400.00 bucks. This is a hobby for some, they always quit sooner or later if it's a hobby.

[mothrock]

I don't suppose too many great authors can't enjoy another writers book from time to time. Some bands, and clubs, are downright jealous of any successful effort, they would rather help a loser than get blown off the stage by a tight live show. So sad, stay small if you think small.

does not compute.

too many double negatives to process.

syntax error.

[unluckycharm]

[dharma_bum]

empowerment is not blind

[SceneIsDead Concerts]

I love reading posts from touring and/or local bands complaining about concert promoters. It only further validates everything that I have personally sacrificed by putting on these shows.

[mothrock]

sacrifice? that sounds pretty dramatic.

what do you mean?

[Folofo]

I'm not that smart with these computers ,but maybe we can set up a real simple to use "shows trading page" ..like for instance one could list shows coming up for the next six months that they're willing to offer up opening slots. Then another list of dates they need and cities they need them in. Going beyond that (money, place to stay, cocaine ration)I think should be kept between the bartering parties ,but at least this would be an additional resource for booking a tour.

I will do none of the work for this ,but will accept all the credit for planting the seed. What do you think mothy?

[degrae]

Mothrock, he means he promised people good shows, money etc, and when it looked pretty bleak, he paid out of his pocket. That can be a big pain.

[lit up like a monument]

I love reading posts from touring and/or local bands complaining about concert promoters. It only further validates everything that I have personally sacrificed by putting on these shows.

im not complaining about promoters, just saying some should try and be a little more courteous. if i take 20 minutes to write out an email politely asking to be on a show, they could at least hit reply and type "sorry, but not this one" back to me. its not like i was emailing trying to get on coachella or something... i have been in bands now for 8 years and never once have i asked to be paid for a local show, usually if we do get paid at a local show we just end up giving it to the band or bands on tour. this thread wasnt meant to attack anyone just a plea for better communication, but you can take it how you like

[mothrock]

People are only as responsive as they have to be. If someone can get away with ignoring your email, they probably will.

I subscribe to the same school of thought that Folofo does. I EXPECT people to flake on me, not actually help me out. That way, it is more exciting when something actually does work out.

.....and laying it all on the line and "sacrificing" doesn't sound like a good business plan. If you look at it like "sacrificing" you are setting yourself up for disappointment and making yourself bitter. No wonder you don't respond to happy-go-lucky bands, you're too shell shocked from your own outlook on your business expenses (that YOU took the risk on) to give the bands the time of day.

frankly this thread is silly.

[ladydemon]

when i was setting up the tour for the
band i was in a few years ago, i got
us some decent shows, a couple got
cancelled last minute, but we still had
a blast..anyway, as i was sending out cd's
following up etc i got a two word email reponse
from one club. Not Interested.

i emailed them back and politly thanked
them for listening.

i've never said that to a band, but i'm
closer and closer all the time.

[mashed tates]

i don't think social hierarchy is really a fair term. i think it eludes to some kind of haves/have nots thing that really just doesn't seem realistic to me. things are the way they are. if you're lucky, people will like you, and you can get hooked up after you play enough shows with out-of-towners. what's wrong with that?

USUALLY, the most fun shows you get are because of friends you've made by playing out (working hard). after all, they're the ones who know what places are fun to play. but ya' never know when going out of town for shows really...

i think my main point would be that if everyone could just tour, everyone would. and i just don't think that'd be good for several reasons.

EDIT:

also, i don't think muscling people out is really a factor either. i go to shows all the time, and if i saw a band and liked them, and had any ability to help them, i would do everything in my measly power to do so. but, if i don't like them that much, i won't feel obligated to try and help them find shows or something just because it's "fair".

[unluckycharm]

If they want you to play music at their venue, they will call you back or reply.

If you can sell 100 tickets, Franco wants you to play there.

If you're someone the promoter has never heard of, most likely they are gonna put you on the back burner unless they've heard something good through word-of-mouth or via a band they trust.

It's a lot like getting a job, except there aren't 3 interviews and there are no protective civil rights laws. Basically there are few rules, so you'll find there are a lot of jerkoff promoters and a few kind generous ones.

welcome to the music business.

[beefstew]

my thoughts on promotion in general.

myspace is awesome for bands.
word of mouth is even better.
know your material well, so if by chance 'someone' who is able to get you a show (band member, promoter, someone who knows someone) sees you perform, the possibility of them inviting you to play somewhere, increases.
knowing people is great but it is not a given that they will 'hook you up'.
don't EXPECT anything from anyone. kind of the mothy/folofo stance. i took it personally for a very short time. it's not worth it. people don't respond to you sometimes. that's just how it is. you know they've read your email/message (especially on myspace) but they just don't reply. so what. it's not worth stressing out about. it's kind of like gambling. you hit up a bunch of contacts you know or don't know and see what comes back to you. if nothing, then move on. your chances reduce dramatically but at least you tried.

i've also found that promoting your own shows (when you can get them) works really well. a little bit of work but it's worth it.