Playing in a Battle of the Bands contest is even better than playing a regular gig. The crowd at these competitions is more diverse than usual. Plus, they’re already pumped up for a competition. Give them multiple ways to engage with you, and you can walk away with more fans. Even if you don’t take home the title, you’ve still won.
Get new fans. If you can engage with the crowd the right way, you can not only get new fans, you can get more long term benefits. This is a great crowd for you to expand your fanbase. Sure, some of them probably came to see another group play, but that doesn’t mean they won’t like your stuff too. Playing for new crowds means new fans. This is your chance to show off your sound to a whole new set of ears. Make the most of it.
Engage with the crowd. Give them extra ways to participate. There will be voting at the end of the night, but there’s a lot of time before then. Everyone has a camera in their pocket these days, so make the most of it. Start a facebook or Instagram photo contest. Have the crowd take their best shots, and post them to your band’s facebook wall. After the show is over, pick your favorite. The winner can get a t-shirt, copy of your album, or backstage pass to your next show in the area. Every entry expands your social reach by putting your bands name in front of their friends. You get exposure to even more potential fans, and they get free stuff
Live Hashtag. They’re not just for twitter anymore. Facebook jumped on the hashtag bandwagon, so should you. If the organizers of the battle of the bands are savvy, they may already have one for that day. If not, make up your own. Show your hashtag at your merch booth, and make sure your band’s twitter handle is easily found. Make sure to reply to those messages after the gig is over. Follow them, and thank them for participating.
Pay back the host. Remember why the bar is holding this battle in the first place, they want to sell drinks. Tell the crowd about a specialty cocktail or favorite beer that the bar has. Find out the bartender’s names and give them a shoutout from the stage. Everyone likes recognition for a job well done, so tell the crowd to be sure to tip generously. If you help sell lots of drinks, the bar owners will remember that and are more likely to hire you again in the future.
Looking for a contest? We’ve got the opportunities you want with things like the Extol Performing Arts Festival and more.
Remember, this is about more than just winning the Battle of the Bands competition. New crowds mean new fans. Finding the best way to keep them engaged means they’ll stay fans for the long haul.
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