Terminal West, one of the bigger Atlanta venues at which Triple D's Productions organizes shows. (Image via gafollowers.com)
Atlanta is a city overflowing with ambitious, hard-working creatives. Everybody's DIY game is strong: you can see it in efforts like Deer Bear Wolf, a group working to connect the city's literary, art, and music scenes, as well as the reopened and revamped Aisle 5. And it's in the success of Mammal Gallery, a multipurpose venue that opened only a couple years ago and consistently attracts hordes of show-goers to an area of downtown formerly deserted after dark.
That everyone who's involved in propelling the independent music scene forward is so adept in their endeavors says something about the bands and artists that keep them running: they're top notch. Competition is stiff – Damon Hare, who helms Triple D's Productions, agrees. Either on his own or in conjunction with other companies, like Tight Bros Network and OK Productions, Hare books at the bulk of Atlanta's best venues. Thankfully, he was able to give us some tips for up-and-coming bands looking to break in. Check out the insight he provided below – and good luck!
What venues in Atlanta are best for up-and-coming independent bands and artists?
Wonderroot, 529, the EARL, Drunken Unicorn, Star Bar, Music Room, the Mammal Gallery, and Aisle 5.
What's the best way for a touring band or artist to get their first gig in Atlanta booked?
This one is tricky. It's important to think things out and really try to find like-minded bands in that certain town to play with. Show trading with that band in your town definitely [helps] establish these relationships. If you have good-drawing locals on your side, that will help a venue's booking agent consider you quicker when booking. Also having recordings available to hear via Facebook or Bandcamp. I prefer these two methods. Bandcamp is very user-friendly, and Facebook can help me gauge how well the artist is known and where we need to go from there.
[The Best Way to Approach a Venue for a Gig]
What factors do you consider when booking a local act – social media following, local pull, style?
Definitely all of those are factors. I always prefer local bands that fit the style of the out-of-town headliner.
Are those factors the same for touring bands, or are they different?
Sometimes our taste or what is definitely a popular trend locally will dictate which touring bands we book. Also, we like to book bands that bring drinkers into the bar. That's definitely one of our goals. There are certain music styles that are also connected to a lifestyle. Some party more than others.
What's the one biggest thing you want independent musicians to understand about booking gigs in Atlanta?
There is a lot of competition out there. It's a hard business, and it takes tremendous work to be recognized. Different bands work at different levels. Certain venues prefer to book certain genres and like to keep it that way. Your band needs to find the right stage to play and prepare to bring a crowd! Hustling and getting the word out is crucial for places to book you.
Find out how to book shows in other major markets:
- What No One Tells You About Booking Gigs in New York City
- What No One Tells You About Booking Gigs in Los Angeles
- How to Book Gigs in Boston, According to a Bowery Boston Talent Buyer
- What No One Tells You About Booking Gigs in Austin
Jhoni Jackson is an Atlanta-bred music journalist currently based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she juggles owning a venue called Club 77, freelance writing and, of course, going to the beach as often as possible.
