26 replies to this topic

[gbell]

One thing I've learned over the years of going though lengthy interviews processes is to be prepared. Expecting or even in a sense demanding something (a job, a gig at a new venue, a girl you have a crush on) does not get you far. Sure, occasionally you'll get lucky and thing will fall into place the way you wanted without putting in the leg work, but for the most part I've learned you need to do your homework. Find out what it is they are looking for, and if you feel you fit that need and are still interested after knowing their background, then is when you make your proposal.

With that as a backdrop, what would you recommend as a pitch for a newer band to play in a venue you haven't played in before.

A couple places I'd love to play at are Yucca and Lost Leaf. I emailed Yucca a couple times and never had any response. I don't want to keep emailing and be the guy that didn't get the hint, you know? Not sure if that's the case. After visiting Lost Leaf from a recommendation I'd really like to get in and play there also. Very cool setting.


Suggestions?

[HNIC]

Find out the person to speak to directly (in the case of Yucca its Rodney), pop in during a less busy time (not Friday night @ 10pm) and drop off a small promo package for them. Then continue emailing but make the contacts more personal, persistence w/o being a pesk can and will pay of. It also helps to see if they are around when you are in the venue and just say hi, that way they know you arent just band #376 trolling for a show but also a supporter.

[Tony]

venues get an assload of bands asking to play there. so if they don't know you or have somebody who can vouch for you, they're probably not willing to take a risk (because even if you're not full of shit, a lot of bands are, and they'll lie about how good they are or how many people they'll bring, etc).

in my experience, the best way to get your foot in the door is to get in with a band that is already playing. if they have an opening on the bill then maybe they can fit you on. in a lot of cases, venues don't want to deal with having to book 3 or 4 bands themselves, so they'll turn the night over to a band anyway. or the band can vouch for the fact that you don't suck. of course, bands can be harder to get in touch with than the venue...

otherwise, good luck.

[HNIC]

Tony, I prefer that way cuz booking X amount of nights can become overwhelming, butI have hooked up many bands based on solid positive persistence also.

[HNIC]

Plus lets be honest, just hooking up your buddies bands is how we end up with stagnation.

[Tony]

Tony, I prefer that way cuz booking X amount of nights can become overwhelming, butI have hooked up many bands based on solid positive persistence also.

word.

and i've been booked many times because of persistence.

so i guess the moral of the story is be persistent, but there are more ways to get into a venue than via the booking agent.

[Rial]

[quote name='Tony' date='03 September 2010 - 12:15 PM' timestamp='1283541311' post='944532']
[quote but there are more ways to get into a venue than via the booking agent.
[/quote]


just load up and say your "xxx" band and play

[joe.distort]

Plus lets be honest, just hooking up your buddies bands is how we end up with Stagnation.

i think thats just because they all lived at the best house for shows ZING!

[HNIC]

Well duh, I mean if its not an obscure house, warehouse, etc we all know its crap.

[donald]

Well duh, I mean if its not an obscure house, warehouse, etc we all know its crap.

[joe.distort]

Well duh, I mean if its not an obscure house, warehouse, etc we all know its crap.

uhhh what? i was just saying making a pun that the only reason that STAGNATION band was on shows all the time is because they lived at the house everyone wanted to use a few years back...nevermind.

[HNIC]

Really haha, there was a band called stagnation here haha. Its true no one does research band names, one step closer to starting my new band King Crimson (or Minor Threat, I havent decided).

[Jacki O.]

be nice
sing about kittens

[chalupacabra]

Get really drunk, start talking a bunch of stuff that makes no sense about SB1070 and tell them that until a few months ago their state hated gays. Works like a charm.

[Tony]

Get really drunk, start talking a bunch of stuff that makes no sense about SB1070 and tell them that until a few months ago their state hated gays. Works like a charm.

i think this is sage advice for all areas of life, not just for the band.