United States

Hi. I am new to the gig world and would really like some advice. I have performed a lot, but most of those were in college or with groups, and I was never apart of the search to procure the gig. I have a website, resume, list of music, some gear, business cards, and demos.
So, my questions is basically...where do I start? Thanks for any help.

Hi. I am new to the gig world and would really like some advice. I have performed a lot, but most of those were in college or with groups, and I was never apart of the search to procure the gig. I have a website, resume, list of music, some gear, business cards, and demos.
So, my questions is basically...where do I start? Thanks for any help.

Are you interested in doing weddings? go to churches and other places of worship and give them your resume and business card. Follow suit with bars ( inquire about auditions or open mics ),coffee shops, tea houses. Offeer to do a brief ( 15-20 minutes ) live performance. Post your business cards at grocery store bulletins. Think about what you want to charge and have a negotiable price list ready for anyone interested in you. Do anything and everything that comes to mind. You will get a gig.

Jessica , advertise on Craig's list, and Myspace musicians classified ads.
Put your name up on the wall of the 3 closest music stores.

If you are going to play private partys of any kind always get a 50% non refundable deposit and make sure they are not putting you out in the 100 degree sun, in other words make sure you have enough space to set up and accessable electricity with a covered stage area because my experience with people booking private partys is that they have no idea what they are doing these people also are known for cancelling, and make sure the person booking you knows what kind of music you play. I use a c.d. that we went to a studio and in a couple of hours wala we put a band picture on a label my wife makes we burn our own c.d,s with the web address printed on them something cheap but as impressive as you can make and just leave it with them, when recording try to minumize your bands overdubing instruments you don't have live because you want to put your best foot forward but you also want the club owner to no exactly what you sound like that way he has no excuses when its time to get payed, and the very best compliment I have ever received is to be accused of useing a cd and acting like we were playing. Get ready for a wild Journey and be patient.

My goodness, woman! What PIPES!

You do need better recordings, though. The piano is too loud in what you have here.

A pro package will help. Good head shot. CD of a few snippets of tunes you do. And a short bio, with a list of your experience, will help.

Your genre of music will limit you in where you can perform, but so what? (So does everyone else's!) I'd try putting together a night of performance at your local theatre with like-minded ppl you can find at the closest college, music schools, churches, etc. Have plenty of CD's to sell, if you can.

Other than that, I'd be getting a demo CD into as many hands as possible, with your contact info on it. Esp get it into churches & music stores, who can direct possible customers your way.

You might also consider your local theatre group, & try out for their musicals. You meet ppl that way, too, who may be in need of your services. (Plus it's fun!)

Best of luck.

Thank you all. I have started working on making contracts, better demo, etc. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. =)

You're welcome.

You might also try your local musicians' union. They really help, in some areas of the country, from what I've heard.

that's dinner party music.
get your press kit to the wealthiest people in town n charge em a premium price (in that arena your only worth what you charge). also try fine dining establishments.
you'll make bank if you promote yourself properly.

that's dinner party music.
get your press kit to the wealthiest people in town n charge em a premium price (in that arena your only worth what you charge). also try fine dining establishments.
you'll make bank if you promote yourself properly.

Good idea, but I think I will have to move out of this town for that to happen. I have never thought of that route before. Thanks!