fisherman bob wrote:Personally I never would give away any CD. Especially if it's good. Second, you keep mentioning drum mics. Why don't you buy your own or barter for them. Third, get with some muscians who already have a PA. A lot of places don't have a PA. IF you're ready to gig and get a job offer at a place without a PA are you going to turn it down?
As far as networking that's if you have the time and are able to do it.
I hope for your sake St.Louis has a better music scene than Kansas City does....
A CD is a loss leader, you take a loss on the initial transaction, but it helps build your fan base. Even if you sell your CD at $5 or $10 chances are you will not recup what it cost you to make it (you would have to print and sell thousands of copies). Remember, you're not at a gig to make side cash or sell CDs but to build your fan base.
Networking is not something you do if you have the time; it is essential to building the band. If you can't make it to other band's shows and use social media build a buzz about your band you will fail. Plain and simple.
Regarding a PA, you have to have one to rehearse but not necessarily to gig. Sure some places will expect you to bring it, but more and more venues are choosing to buy or rent the PA (and soundman). You can pick and choose where you want to gig based on your circumstances. We have a PA for rehearsal, but we could use it in a small to medium size room if we had to. But we prefer to play at places that have this service provided.