Things On My Mind

So with social media and what seems like a million and one new web sites, apps, videos, on line what ever you can think of, a person could go mad.
You set up a site and get things rolling, then promote it on line spend more and more trying to get people to listen, like, share, watch, and hopefully buy your music.
You set goals, you plan, re plan, change plans, make phone calls, book shows, fliers fliers and more fliers.
When is too much too much? You know, The burn out you get trying to hustle you shows, web site, facebook, iTunes, youTube channel, and your music.
What about the T shirts and CD? Didn't even start on that ... what now?
Well one of the most effective things you can do is start out with a simple band logo. Something clean simple and that says every thing about your music as you can in one quick flash. Sadly that that seems to be our ever shrinking attention span in this digital world.
Old fashioned hard work, hands one, one to one, in person interactions are what will make things happen.
 Some times, like I am in now, no matter how many phone calls or emails you send you just can not catch a break and line up a gig.
So what do you do when you hit a wall like this?
Start planning your own shows in or at nontraditional locations. At different times, with other groups or artist.
Hey, why not even plan on on line web cast shows.

When you are looking at odd places to play the best bet is go out with a hand full of demo CD's, a business card, a one page sheet with a quick write up on your act and even throw that on the back of a band promo photo printed off on a 8 X 10 page.
With all of these in Tow for setting up shows the most important things you need are very simple.

1. Act or artist name on every thing.
2. Contact name and phone numbers, email
3. Web site addresses (keep it simple 3 should be more then enough)
4. A quick list of your last shows. A simple list of place, date, time and if you have how many people came out (draw).
5. Always smile and say thank you! no matter the out come.

When you can go out and meet face to face you will get better response from Booker's, bar owners, venue coordinators and any one else that is a gate keeper to a place you want to play. It shows a more professional attitude and you just handed over more information to get you the show then and phone call or email will get you. The person you deal with or talk to will have something to go over, listen to, and have in hand or site on their desk to remind them you are serious. 

Its just like looking for a job. Your promo kit is your resume. Make it look good. Get it in their hands. Smile and be thankful of every ones time. 

Also one thing to think about if you get that show right then and there do you ask right of way if they know of any other places that are looking for bands to play? That is a hard one you never know they may see it as taking business away from them down the road. 

At the end of your show make sure you thank the person who let you in to play, and ask if you can come back again in the near future. Always good to try and play the same place a few times, you start building regular fans easier if they know where you are on a regular basis.

Any How things to think about. Things to try.

you may have a better spin on some of these.

Drop a line if you have something you could add to this!

Keep on Rockin!