Booking Shows
Online Booking Links
Gigmit – An online platform for bands and promoters. Apply for support slots, festivals and shows in specific cities. Mostly for gigs in Germany.
SonicBids – A platform to post your own gigs and find bands to play with or apply for shows by other bands and promoters.
ReverbNation’s Gig Finder – A directory of over 100,000 venues that can be sorted by similar artists who have been booked to play there.
Live Trigger - A free social network that helps you book amazing live music gigs with great promoters, outstanding clubs, cool bands and talented musicians worldwide
If you want to book a show for your band, you have to make a good impression from the very first contact point. This involves showing up as a professional, whether it be via email, on the phone, or your online presence, social media, website – whatever. If you send an email with a professional structure, a solid EPK (electronic press kit) with all information about your band in one place, you will make it a lot easier for a promoter to say yes. Promoters and booking agencies are professionals, so if you meet their standards, you will stand out among everyone else. Below are some tips that can help you standout among the competition.
What should your proposal contain??
1. Good quality Music- If you can get a promoter excited about your music, you will be a lot closer to getting your band booked for shows. You should be submitting a group of songs that reflect your artistic vision and talent. I recommend selected a minimum of 3 songs that show off your skill.
2. Electronic Press Kit(EPK) - An EPK or electronic press kit is a collection of information about your band – from the names of your band members, contact details, to the albums you have released and the critical acclaim and awards you have received. Everything of relevance should go into creating an EPK, highlighting the strengths and achievements of your band and your music. A well-crafted EPK will propel your independent band to the front of the queue and get you booked for gigs.
What You Need In An EPK To Get Your Band Booked For Shows
Ideally you want something eye-catching with all the information listed below. If you need help with the design, reach out to a graphic designer friend or find one on Fiverr.com. You can also use Bandzoogle and pick from the 100 templates they have available!!
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Band name
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Band members
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A band biography and description of your music
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Discography
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Links to your music
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Links to your socials & website
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Links to your music videos and live footage
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Band Logo and Photos
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Media quotes & reviews
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Previous shows, tours or festivals (mention any better-known bands you played with)
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Contact details: email, phone number, address, contact person
Start Small and Build
Have you ever seen a disco DJ play at your local punk venue? No, I didn’t think so. Many venues do cater for different genres and crowds depending on the day of the week, time of night etc., but you do want to make sure you are looking to book shows at the right venue.
As a band, you should always be looking to find your niche, or create your own. This includes getting to know the right venues for your niche and getting in front of fans that frequent those particular locations.
If you’re just starting out, you want to try to play ANYWHERE!!! Get those nerves out of your bones in front of your best friend, your room-mates or your family.
Head to the local café and ask them if your group can perform in the evening. Go to an open mic night and ask the manager if you can play a couple of songs as an opener or closer of the night.
Open up for the jam session with your local rock band at the bar down the road. The promoter might take notice of you and ask you to support a touring band on another night.
If you’ve got a number of shows under your belt and you're ready to take on larger venues or go on tour, research the right locations in the cities you are looking to play.
Get in contact with bands from other regions and ask for help. Reach out online looking for support acts to help organize and promote gigs in the cities you are looking to tour through. Promise a gig in your hometown for any bands that help out.
All information above and more can be found here: https://upayasound.com/12-tips-to-book-shows-as-an-independent-artist/