The Top 4 Things That Keep You From Booking Shows

The 2016 touring season is now in full swing and most DIYers are making the kinds of mistakes that keep you from booking shows. Over the past decade I have spoken with scores of independent artists who don't have a booking agent or a capable manager, and these four (4) issues continue to plague unsigned bands who try to lock in live performance dates.

1. No Draw. Majority of the people creating and releasing music these days have absolutely no draw, and many new artists don't even know what a "draw" is. How can you possibly book gigs if you can't tell a venue owner what your draw is? The foundation of the booking industry is not about your music, it's about how many people you can guarantee will attend your shows. Venues are run by businessmen who need bodies coming through their doors who will buy food, drinks, or whatever else it is that they sell. If you can't deliver people to the venues you're trying to book, you will not be able to book that particular venue without doing ticket pre-sales or offering to deliver other artists on the bill who do have a draw. How do you develop a draw without shows?
   • social media - see episode 122 of The Miews podcast for some tips on how to start building your following
   • media coverage - if nobody in the media is talking about you, many music fans won't be interested in you. If you want to get more media coverage but can't afford a publicist, go to "The Biz" in our site menu bar and on the drop down menu click on "Career Tips" to access our How To Get Press video course.
2. Sending booking requests on social media. When you post a booking request on a venue's social media page for the whole world to see - instead of sending an email, it makes you look unprofessional, but it paints you out to be a beginner like all the other DIY artists who do the same thing. Some of the smaller venues may respond, but most of venues have a specific way they like to receive booking pitches listed on their websites. It's best to visit them online and see if they have certain instructions listed.
3. Waiting until the last minute. Many bands don't contact venues far enough in advance. Most venues like to book talent 4 - 6 months ahead, so if you request a date that is 30 days from now, you're likely to be unsuccessful in your efforts. Some venues will book you 60-90 days before your requested date, but the popular ones will likely turn you down unless you can guarantee them a massive turnout.
4. Never following up. This area is not a strong suit for most indie artists. Followups are a vital part of booking shows; without them you're not giving yourself a real chance at successfully landing gigs. Some venues get inundated with emails and can't reply to every one. So, the artists who do followups have a better shot at booking gigs.

MUSIC FEATURED INCLUDES:

• Port of Est. - "Valentine In My Headphones" (Experimental Pop)
• Cool Company - "Summer Daze (Soul)
• Jaylon Ashaun - "While You Wait" (R&B, Pop)
• Magic Lightnin Boys - "Mojo" (Blues, Rock)
• Ramsey - "PAY" (Pop, Trip-Hop)
• Younes - "You Aint Got Nothing On Me" (R&B)