HOW TO GET VENUES TO PAY ATTENTION
Being in a band, I know how hard it is to be taken seriously while asking for a show. How do you stand out when so many other bands are competing for the same gig?
In my time as a booking agent at a venue, I’ve gotten thousands of inquiry emails from bands asking to play a show. Some of these stand out, but a lot don’t.
Here are some tips on how to stand out to booking agents even more.
Have good internet presence
When I do a Google search of your band, I want the first three websites that come up to be about you: your website (or bandcamp), your Facebook page, and your Twitter or Spotify or an article about you. I want to see that you’re serious about your music.
Have at least 1-2 professional videos
These can be music videos or live videos of your band (but not taken from the middle of the crowd on a cell phone). The live video should be a full shot of your show. If it shows the crowd even better! I can see you have fans and they’re enjoying your music.
Update your Facebook profile
I know I probably don’t have to say this, but having an out of date Facebook page looks really dumb, but I’ve seen a lot of Facebook profiles that post twice/year. This isn’t a warrant that you’re not going to get a gig, I’m just saying it doesn’t help me make a favorable decision.
Suggest some dates
If you’re planning a tour, this should be easy. If you’re open ended or a local band, still suggest some dates. If you ask for any date available, it shows me two things: 1) you’re desperate for anything, and 2) you don’t know how to ask for what you want. Offering a weekend or range of dates (at least 3 months in advance) narrows it down for the booking agent and they can give you a more definitive answer. If the answer comes back they’re booked, throw around some other dates. It’s okay to keep inquiring.
Keep it simple
For both you and the booking agent.
Write something short and sweet and to the point: who you are, what your band’s name is, where you are from, what genre you are, and where can I see/hear your music. I don’t recommend sending attachments like photos, but some agents like to see a photo of you. I would say link it out to an EPK or website where they can find everything they want to know easily.
Follow up
Booking agents get hundreds of emails each week. Sometimes it’s hard to sift through and find something that stands out. If you follow up each week, they will see your name more and you’ll become more recognizable. Even something like “hey, we’re just checking in. We’re still really interested in a gig on these dates” will work. You might not hear back from every venue, but keep at it!
Have any other suggestions that you’ve found helpful, email me and let me know.
Happy booking!