Onemusic - Orwellian Country Music 2005 PredictionWritten by Robert Harper
Note: You're probably wondering how I got started on this "Orwellian Music Theme". Well, it began very easily... I was watching a commercial, for Nike maybe. There were these old folks dancing "polka style" to hip-hop music. Later, some break dancers were wearing cowboy hats and jammin' to a banjo.Cute. Entertaining. Until Tim McGraw hit hip-hop scene. Mustard hit windshield. This ain't no joke > it's happening. On with story. ----------- (Quote) A music dies when it becomes a parody of itself, which has happened to some extent with rock... ---Chet Atkins, Dec. 15, 1974 People Magazine
| | Band Promotion - Book Your Garage Band Some Shows or GigsWritten by Dennis Damp Jr.
So you have you press kit and demo CD and want to know what to do next to get your band a gig. Why not try an open mic night at a local club. Most clubs advertise these open mic nights in your local music papers or entertainment magazines. Open mic nights will give your band experience on stage, and club will most likely have a built in audience to perform for. Most of time all you have to do is show up with your instruments. The PA system and drums are usually supplied. Call ahead just to make sure this is case. Many of these events are hosted by local established bands and produce great networking opportunities. Make contacts with bands playing open mic night, and leave a press kit for club owner. Maybe hosting band likes your music and needs an opening act in future. Sometimes people in audience may be interested in your band, so have some business cards ready with all your contact information. The reality of starting out as a band is that your most likely not going to get paid at first. Your not in it at first for money anyway right, your there because you want to get your music heard. Offer to be an opening act for a band you know or met at an open mic night. Email some bands in your area and see if they accept opening acts. Offer to open for free to get some much needed exposure. Many established bands love opening acts because they don’t have to pay them much, and they won’t have to play as long so this makes their job easier. Promote your band any time you get an opportunity. Hand out business cards at open mic nights, and send fliers to clubs that you will be performing at in future. Call or email clubs or venues that handle your genre of music. Once you get some shows, contact your local music newspapers with your band’s name, venue name, phone number, show time, and any other information you feel necessary. Many entertainment newspapers offer this service free of charge. Solicit your press kit to local venues. Start visiting local clubs in person with your band mates and talk with booker or entertainment director. Leave a copy of your press kit and get them to listen to your demo while your there if possible. Call a day or two after your visit, and be persistent. You may have to call a few times, because it can be difficult to get a hold of band booker. Most work late hours at their venue.
|
