With the pandemic pretty much over (hopefully), more and more musicians are getting back to a regular gigging schedule. Having made it through such difficult times, many gigging musicians are feeling like they are starting over again. So whether you are just starting out or have been gigging for years, here are some tips to help you get more gigs and more money.
How to Get Gigs
There are a lot of ways to get gigs as a musician. Here are three of the most common methods:
1) Contact local venues and promoters directly and ask for a gig. This may seem like a “duh” sort of suggestion, but for someone just starting out this may not seem as obvious. Also check local publications and Facebook Groups to see what other musicians are playing in the area and where. Try to find the best venue to fit your musical style.
2) Use online resources such as GigSalad, BandMix, or Craigslist to find gigs that match your skills and availability.
3) Find locations around your city where Busking is permitted and perform for tips. You may make some decent money this way, but you will also get some good exposure.
4) Don’t forget “alternative venues.” By this I mean places that are not traditionally seen as a music venue. This could be talking to a restaurant about performing on their patio one night. You may have to play for tips at the start, but if you do really well you can start insisting the venue pay because of the number of patrons they will have come in to see you.
5) Be sure to have a reason why they should give you a chance to grace their stage. Maybe you cannot afford a professional studio to cut a demo, but you have a pretty decent smartphone so try a simple video. You could also offer them something most other artists won’t, such as an audition gig where you play for tips with the agreement that you are paid the next time. Careful though, this can always backfire.
The Devil is in the Details
You always need to make sure you have a firm set of details for any gig you book, and make sure you have it documented in some way that cannot be disputed. Even if you do not get a formal contract signed, using something like Facebook Messenger or just email will give you a way to document everything that is arranged in case the manager “forgets” about something. This means at the least you get documented confirmation of:
- Date & Time of Event (including what time you are expected to be there for setup and soundcheck)
- Is the venue going to provide any promotion and if so what will it be? Will they need any promo materials from you and if so what and when?
- Payment arrangements should ABSOLUTELY be documented
- Stage and equipment arrangements and your requirements. Don’t skip this or you’ll show up to find only one outlet for all your gear.
- Are you allowed to set up and sell merch?
Expand Your Income Options
As a musician, it’s important to think outside the box when it comes to generating income. Gone are the days when gigging was the only way to make money as a musician. Now, there are a variety of options available for those looking to monetize their music. One option is to sell merch at shows. This can be anything from t-shirts to CDs or even vinyl records. Another option is to sell digital downloads of your music online. This is a great way to reach a wider audience and generate income on your own terms. There are also a number of streaming platforms that allow musicians to generate income through advertisements or subscription fees. However this is better for artists creating original music, otherwise you’ll be paying royalties just to post your cover songs. You can even use gigs as a way to promote your abilities and offer music lessons. By exploring all of these options, you can ensure that you’re maximizing your earning potential as a musician.
Get Help to Get More Gigs
One of the most important things you can do is to get help in getting more gigs. This could be in the form of referrals from other performers or even the venues themselves. More referrals equals more chances to book new gigs. You can even ask your friends and family if they know of any upcoming events that may need musical entertainment. Perhaps you play just the right mix of music for a friend’s wedding reception. Try attending music industry events in your area and make connections with other music professionals. The list goes on for options on how you can get help to book more gigs, so just use your imagination and think outside the box.