When is my band Weaponelect going to play a gig?

Question

We have been practicing and writing for over three years. Our first gig may be December this year 06. Why havent we played any where yet? Some sound advise is appreciated. Check out our myspace. Death

Answer 1

First off, are you guys over 18? Makes it easier to get into bars to play.

Put together a tape of what you do and take it to bars/clubs that have live music. Offer to play for free and audition. Clubs don't want bands that suck so make sure you guys can nail your songs.

I've played for years and I can tell you one thing....You need to have at least 2 sets of cover tunes, at least! Preferably 4 sets (45 minutes per set).

That's right, no one wants to hear your original stuff...at least not yet. You gotta earn your stripes. You may have to play for free until they see you guys are legit then expect to make between 20-100 per person per night. Depending on how solid you are and how much the crowd likes you. Now you are building a resume so to speak. If you are good, it will be easier to get into the next place. All this stuff is what a band manager will do, until then its up to you guys.

You gotta have a big inventory of cover songs...Stuff that people will want to dance to. Stuff like Brick House, Mustang Sally,
Wait till the midnight hour, Pride and Joy...Some good ol classics. Then you can sprinkle in some new stuff BUT don't get to hard or obscure, you'll lose the crowd. Remember, people like stuff they have heard a thousand times on the radio. That's why classic rock usually always works.

Once you build a rapport with the bar/club THEN you can bring a couple of original songs to the table per set.

Now if you guys are some super heavy band, well you are going to have to find a club that has showcases. Those are very rare now days and the competition to get in is fierce. Back in the day when we were trying to break in (80's Sunset strip) A lot of times you had to sell tickets to your own show or end up PAYING the club for the unsold ones!!! So if you sucked? You're broke and that's about it. Not very fun!

If you don't want to do the cover thing (which will do wonders for your skills and would be a mistake not to) then you can try to contact High-Schools in the area and offer to play for free during lunch or assembly or something. Doing so though, may end up crushing your egos so I would advise against that. You can also try to play college parties. Put up flyers that says "FREE BAND FOR YOUR PARTY!" and see what happens. Go to Laundromats near the campus and start posting!

I would still suggest that you hit the clubs, meet other people doing the same thing. Network, share studio fees and the such and see if you can get a good recording to shop. You see, if you are a seasoned bar/club pro it will make so much easier the transition to your own stuff...Live that is.

Remember, you guys are only has good as your suckiest player so if you have a weak link....You gotta dump him, friendship has nothing to do with being good and successful which I'm sure is your goal.

Answer 2

youll start geting gigs when you stop sucking...lol just hang in there someone ought to notice you if your any good