Archived Edition of Chromatic Musings

Getting a gig

Some tips on landing gigs (a bit condensed; follow the link for the full text):

• Portfolios. Every band and their dog has a demo C.D. How excited would you be to get a copied low quality recording of some guys jamming in their basement? Not very. That's why you want to have a portfolio. This is simply said C.D., plus a professional band photo..., a bio including info on you and your band with history, and a letter to the specific establishment you are dealing with (to make them feel important).
• Unions. You should look at the local musicians union, but I don't necessarily recommend joining one.
• Be Nice. So the manager of the bar or restaurant is a jerk, and you want a gig there because it's a great venue. Brown nosing isn't the answer, and may in fact make him/her respect you less.
• Pay. Well, this varies greatly, and that's the whole point of this post. No one wants to work all night for 20 bucks only to have to pick up the $30.00 tab at the end, and we all dream of big money, so what can we really expect? Take a good look at the venue for an idea of what you'll get.