Musician Forum - Band Discussion Board - BandMix

Weve all tried to find em, some of us less successful than others so i am asking the bandmix community, where have you received paying gigs in toronto and how much, and how about would one go to finding a paying gig, ive played 7 shows in my life all free gigs(N)

It's not easy breaking into the regular GTA scene, so you're not gonna be playing the big venues right away. Start out with open mics and the cheaper bars [not too cheap though]. Get yourself out there [with a demo] and hit the bars/small venues.

Not on your computer I'll wager.

You got to get out and meet and greet. Work the angles. Socalise network!

Do the leg work and the gigs will just come to you.

sans - I never thought I would hear you say the word "socialize"

LOL!

network, dude. Go to where the music is, & pass out your CD's. Make friends who will let you audition in paying bars.

Damn!!! Did I say that!!!! It's a conspiracy I tell ya!!!!!

All awesome advice, in giving demos to bars, but what bars let you play> lol like I do a google search, cant find squat. So like even if they pay less, any specific bars where they have the potential to pay, and these open mic nights, usually a prize for the winner? so is that like a batle of the bands, i am tryin to go down that path.

The google search may be your problem my friend. If playing bars is what you want to do, go to the bars. Shake some hands man.

Oh and don't agree to play free, man. It's just not right. Unless it's your friend.. even then..

maybe do some open mics to get your sound waves heard, I don't know bout toronto but where I live its nearly the only way to get started

There is no secret to getting gigs in Toronto or elsewhere. First, put together a good promotional package. This should describe the band and the type of music, a list of gigs (if none for the band, then gigs band members have played), musical bios of all the band members, some good pictures of the band members (on stage and posed) and a recording. Nothing happens without a CD worth listening too. Be sure to have someone proof the promo package. Also, bar owners want bands with stage time. So if you have never been on stage, get the whole band to go to an open mike / jam and take pictures there. It will look like you have played in a bar. Do your reseach and select the places you want to play and the bars that play your type of music. No sense in going to hip-hop bar if you play classic rock. Once you have a promo package, start visiting bars a quiet times. Do this in person, not by e-mail unless that is what the bar wants (see their website). No one wants to talk during the supper or lunch rush, or when a band is playing. Be polite. Follow-up in a week or so, and again, be polite. It is just like looking for a job, hell it is looking for a job.