So, you’ve been honing your musical craft, and you’re ready to take the stage. But where do you start? That’s probably the scariest part of it all: where do you start so you can get accustomed to the attention? Where do you start so you can get over stage fright? Well, honestly, getting gigs as an aspiring musician can feel like an uphill battle, but it’s a crucial step in building your career. It’s not exactly as easy as going onto LinkedIn and applying to gigs like you would a regular job (or other freelancing gigs).
It is fairly challenging to actually get something- all musicians struggle with who is after gigs and who is after getting known. But overall, it’s so important to understand that playing live is not only a fantastic way to share your music, but it also helps you connect with fans, gain experience, and make a name for yourself.
It all takes time, patience, and research, but honestly, it’s going to be worth it at the end of the day. So, with all of that said, let’s dive into some tips and tricks to help you land more gigs and get your music out there.
You’ll Need to Perfect Your Act
Before you start reaching out to venues and promoters, it’s essential to have a solid act. That’s right, it’s all going to start right here. This doesn’t just mean being good at your instrument; it means having a polished, cohesive performance that showcases your talent. Work on your setlist, practice your transitions, and make sure you’re comfortable performing in front of an audience. This is the hard part: trying to get used to having all eyes on you.
So, you might want to start really small, like friends and family, and maybe then consider recording a few sessions in the recording studio with strangers (the ones operating it), as these strangers having eyes on you could help ease this, too. But overall, it’s important to get out of your comfort zone and slowly work into having a bigger audience; the more confident and professional you act, the more likely you are to impress venue managers and bookers.
Keep On Networking
Just like all other industries and jobs out there, yes, even the music industry thrives on connections, and getting gigs is no exception. That’s why a lot of musicians will move to London, Los Angeles, New York, or Nashville since these four spaces are known for their giant music industry, and musicians can get some connections there.
But it’s absolutely true: networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed. This is exactly why you’re going to want to attend local gigs, open mic nights, and music festivals to meet other musicians, promoters, and venue owners. Just don’t be afraid to strike up conversations and let people know you’re looking for gigs.
Join online communities and forums where musicians gather to share opportunities and advice. Social media is also a powerful tool—follow local venues, engage with their posts, and connect with other artists in your area.
Create a Professional Promo Kit
It’s not as easy as handing out business cards and saying, “Follow me on YouTube.”, it just doesn’t work that way. Honestly, a well-crafted promo kit is your golden ticket to getting more gigs- but this needs to be a total showstopper! This should include a high-quality recording of your music, professional photos, a bio that tells your story, and any press clippings or reviews you might have.
If you have a live performance video, even better—this gives bookers a taste of what to expect from your show. It’s going to be a really good idea to have a website where all of this info is. So, just make sure your promo kit is easily accessible online, whether it’s on your website or a dedicated page on a music platform (ideally both to get more traction). Honestly, it’s just the best way to get noticed.
Play for Free (At First)
Sometimes, it’s totally fine to do free work, especially at the beginning. While the goal is to get paid gigs, sometimes playing for free can open up valuable opportunities, especially when you’re just starting out. Open mic nights, charity events, and local festivals can be great platforms to showcase your talent and gain exposure. These gigs can help you build a local following, network with other musicians, and get noticed by venue managers. Eventually, paid ones will come, but it all starts with going free at first.
Feature image by Kobe Subramaniam on Unsplash
