Last week we hosted an awesome panel here in the Sonicbids office about “Getting Your Band Booked in Clubs.” Panos moderated the panel and tapped into the 100+ years of collective booking knowledge from our 6 bookers who participated.
I have to say, I was mega-impressed by the great tips given. Here are my top takeaways from attending the panel:
- Look at a venue’s calendar online for open dates. If you’re browsing a venue’s website and you see a ‘TBA’ in the near future that they normally would book, send your EPK and inquire specifically about that date. Your chances of booking at that venue are higher if you can fill an open slot on a short notice versus a random inquiry.
- Gig swapping is good. Befriending other bands is one of the better ways to get recognized by a promoter.
- The 3/3 rule applies in most towns. This means that you do NOT want to play a gig three weeks before or after another gig in any given area. Unless you have a massive following, it almost always hurts your draw, and bookers need you to fill their club as much as possible. (Note: NYC seems to be a bit of an exception if you play in different boroughs.)
- Send a quick message with a few honest ways you can draw. When you send your personal note to the promoter, just give a few quick, realistic, and honest ways you can draw at the venue. Your EPK and music should show the promoter that you’re quality.
- Be cool. If you’re difficult to deal with on the gig, late, or unprofessional, bookers will remember and they will tell other bookers. The same goes if you make a great impression. It will get around. Being nice, considerate and responsible goes a long way.
Want to listen to all of the tips given? We filmed it and have links to the whole thing on our YouTube
Don’t want to miss another panel? Like us on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @sonicbidstess and we’ll be sure to let you know the next time we have one. We stream them live online via our UStream and you can ask the panelists questions, even if you’re not in the Boston area!
Thanks to our 6 panelists for giving some awesome feedback and tips: Dana McDonald from the Delancey (New York, NY); Billy Jones from Pianos NYC (New York, NY); Nate Arling from The Double Door (Chicago, IL); Anya Siglin from The Ark (Ann Arbor, MI); Billy Beard from the Lizard Lounge (Boston, MA); Jackie Indrisano from Café 939 (Boston, MA)
