The Bizz with the Buzz: Setting The Stage

The Biz with the Buzz: Setting the Stage

By John “Stoney” Cannon



Last time we spoke kiddies you were knee deep in getting together that great demo to go along with your top notch promo picture, straight to the point bio, and eye-catching logo. Now in the old days this would make up what we oldsters call a promo/press pack. Toss all this cool stuff in a folder with pockets and you have what, even in this day and modern age, some places accept for information to write about your band. Sure many places now find it easier to just follow the link you email them to find all this info online but look at it this way – you’re now covered on both ends as you can use this same info for your actual print material or for your online version. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves…what’s the point of getting press if you don’t have anything to promote? Luckily you can use this same information (if needed) to try and get that debut gig. You know the one of which I speak - that first magical night where you introduce yourself to the public by blowing the audience completely out of the water. OK so chances are good that it won’t be that incredible but still, you and your band are well rehearsed, have some cool tunes, and are hungry for some stage time. To top it off, you have all the proper promotional tools to present your band to prospective bookers. So let’s go get that gig.



Now first off, there are some good things you should know. Simple rules that you may not all find in a book but are still good to follow. First off…make sure you and your bandmates are on the same page and get a good idea of everyone’s availability for a couple months ahead of time. You want to come across like playing out is what you do. Many a band have missed out on great gigs because a booker was eager to fill a slot and was told by someone in the band “sounds cool but I gotta check with the guys to make sure everyone can do it.” There’s always a band right behind you who is desperate enough for the gig to say yes immediately. And while I’m on the subject of talking to a venue booker, I need to stress how important it is to build a relationship with the booker at the venue you’re looking to play at especially if you’re looking to return again or maybe play at the venue on some sort of regular basis. The best way to do this is a simple one and can be done using this simple rule – “first contact-permanent contact” meaning the person representing your band who makes initial contact with the venue should be the one who handles continuing dialogue with the venue going forward. Of course this can be made easier by designating one person to handle all the booking arrangements period. Even if you happen to get the gig through a band inviting you to play, it is never a bad idea to visit the venue ahead of time and introduce yourself. This will not only show that you value the gig but also give the booker at least a small level of assurance that your band has been contacted and arrangements have been made for you to play. Besides, a visit to the venue ahead of time is also a good opportunity to find out a few things to make the big night easier for you (if you haven’t already) like what time to show up for load-in, where to load-in, and maybe even what time your band will play and for how long.



Many of the points mentioned above might seem like no-brainers for the well weathered musician and once you’ve built a reputation as a drawing artist some may even eventually not be needed but for now, you’re on a mission to get that first gig under your belt. The date is set…there’s nothing left to do but show up and melt some face. Or is there?



Next time: Prepare and Promote aka How to Look Good in AND Out of the Gig



Check out Stoney's long running website http://www.lokalloudness.com