Guitar, Voice, Lyrics, a Gig . . . now what?

Question

I've got a guitar, I play it well, I can sing alright and I've got original lyrics to top it off . . . now what? Join a band? Play at local restaurants? I'm lost.

Answer 1

Where do you live? If you live in Australia I can hook you up with an agency that handles musicians. If not I can tell you some in you area. Also contact local Conservatorium's the students at the more exclusive music universities are always setting up bands and getting good gigs because of their contacts, maybe you can join one there.

Answer 2

Open mic nights can be a start. Generally, these are for individual performers, but sometimes can include bands. Local bars, restuarants, local parties, etc. are a good first step. For instance, here we have a steak house which is one of the hottest venues in the south. In addition to the resuarant, they have 2 large stages, so these kind of combos are becoming popular. The first step to playing these places is to find out who books the shows there. Typically you can just call the place and ask. They generally have the name and info about that person handy. This can be anyone from an individual to an actual booking company. Small to medium venues will have one person most of the time. You will need a demo or some way to let the agent hear what you do. The demo does not have to be pro quality for this, your trying to get local gigs, not record deals. Many times, a new band will have to settle for something like thursday night, something off peak. Peak nights (fri, sat) are reserved for established bands. This is especially true for something like a college town, where the break between semesters or quarters would be considered off peak. Offer to do it for free at first, especially if they have house PA. (provided you can get someone to run sound). Regardless of where you start, you'll probably play for free. For the band I was in, that wasn't a big deal because we were just having fun. But it's good to point out that the last time we played, we made $1500. Working out a show in Mar. at the present, which will be paid (lump sum + part of door), sound provided, and on peak. So you see how it can grow. Don't get discouraged, you'll play some dumps and have some bad nights - it's just part of it.

Answer 3

Finding an opening in a decent band is sometimes a matter of chance. You could fall right into a sweet group or muddle about with a bunch of losers for a long time, but what you can do if you have the equipment, is to put together a nice single act - like for a restaurant.

You could sequence some of the background or record it to a CD. Or you could just do a single without any backup. There are places that will hire a good single act.

That way, once you get a bit of exposure, you have a better chance of attracting people LOOKING for additional talent and sidemen.

Answer 4

Get a program and an outboard module to record yourself, get a demo together. Play at coffeehouses and restaurants, if you have enough material. A band will take your song, play what they want over it, and it will become the bands song, understand that. If you don't mind that then go for it. Set yourself up to be okay if somebody doesn't show up. The more people, the less money for you, if that matters to you. Many bars have singer/songwriter nights, if you want to try your stuff out that way. Go downtown, like I do every once in a while, and open up your case. Sing on the corner. People miss that, even though they don't let on that they do.

Answer 5

If I were you I would try some open mic nights at local bars and stuff. You just might find out you arent as good as you think you are. I know way to many people that think they are a lot more talented than they actually are. Case in point, American Idol. If people in the audience actually say you sounded good I would try to hook up with some other musician and start a band.

Answer 6

I made friends with club owners and know where I can play if I want to. See who's looking for a live act and negotiate a price. You may have to play for free to get practice working in a live setting, but it will be worth it. David Allan Coe sings that you gotta pay your dues. You gotta moan the blues. You gotta play them guitar stings! Good luck, Dude!

Answer 7

You could use your computer as a studio and record. You could use programs like ejay to add other instruments and do without that pesky "band" thingie. Maybe you could even create a virtual band and send holographs out on tour. I think that would be the best way to survive the music business, which is only for suckers.

Answer 8

howdy, ok Ive in basic terms been enjoying for 8 months yet sick attempt and help. Its not time or talant its education, in something.. in case you elect to get better you education greater. artwork out while the chord variations on what words. So locate the lyrics on the internet and it could teach you while that chord is performed. Dont strum the trend. enable the chord variations ring out whilst slowly making a music the lyrics. shop dealing with it till you're able to do it exact. Then advance the strumming, then the making a music to the tip. you improve your making a music once you be conscious of precisely how the music is going. I prefer you success!:)

Answer 9

offer to play for free at friends parties first. make a mark in your crowd. audition at restaurants and bars. make friends with other musicians because they might akso you to sub for their original members when not available--if you are really good. record your songs in a home made set up and make copies of demo cds. submit them to record companies, bars and companies with a couple of your best photos and your contact numbers. while waiting for those people to respond offer to play a couple of songs for free at some places that can get you exposed or look for open mic nights too.you need to get bookings but nobody can book you until they know you exist. make your presence known to the industry. good luck.

Answer 10

get some friends who know how to play drums, bass and arrange a small gig at ur home. play at full volume and party all night.....do this a lot for free of cost and you will get the eye of a sponser very soon