Should you play gigs for free?
“Should my band play gigs for free?” has been asked a million times. Is any gig worth playing for free? Is it better not to play at all? Read More.
music gigs
How to get the attention of a talent buyer or booking agent
You’ve put together a great set of music and you’re ready to perform. How do you make a connection and impress a talent buyer to book you for a high-profile gig? Read More.
How to book high exposure music gigs as an independent artist
Here’s the strategy I used to book high exposure music gigs opening for Rick Derringer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joan Jett, Fuel, and many others. This same method will work for booking gigs at local venues as well. Read More.
How to make a detailed input list for your live shows
An input list should include every instrument, DI, and vocal that’s part of your stage set-up. Here are some tips to help you put together an effective input list with minimal headache. Read More.
The details your live sound engineer wants to know
Think you’ve told your live sound engineer everything he needs to know for your big gig? Don’t forget these important details. Read More.
Set yourself up for success with an accurate stage plot
A well-crafted stage plot – customized to the lineup and tech needs of your band – can go a long way towards setting yourself up for success once you hit the stage, especially for a multi-band event. Read More.
Tips for a smooth transition at your next music gig
The fifteen minutes between one artist’s final note and the next group’s first “hello” are precious. How you handle the transition can set you up for your best performance at your next music gig. Read More.
Will this gig help you reach your music career goals?
When working toward your music career goals, the big question I want to focus on is: “How do I know if a gig is worth playing?” Read More.
Build your music career while your band is on the road
Touring is such a valuable learning and career opportunity. See the sights, play great shows, connect with industry, and make your fans feel special. Having a genuine attitude and hard-working ethos on the road can only lead to bigger, better opportunities. Read More.
The Indie Artist’s Guide to Gigging: Booking Strategies
Excerpted from our updated Indie Artist’s Guide To Gigging, this section focuses on booking strategies for acts trying to gain momentum and widen their base. Read More.
Five ways to get more gigs
If your goal is to get more gigs and play better venues, these five tips can help you make the most of your time and energy and give you a plan of attack. Read More.
Sick for the gig? Here are tips to get through the show in one piece.
Here are some practical tips to help you deal when stars (and germs) align to make you sick for the gig you’ve been looking forward to play. Read more.
Changing the pressure during your live performances
Being intentional with different visual presentations for the variety of moods your songs invoke is part of what Tom Jackson calls changing the pressure on your audience during your live performances. “I’m not talking about acting or choreography, I’m talking about thinking, “What should this song look like?'” Read more.
Develop a home base before moving to regional music venues
There’s an advantage to concentrating your live performance development in local music venues as you plan for future tours in new and wider territories. Start your career in a central place – your hometown or a town nearby – then expand outward from that central point. Read more.
Have you outgrown your favorite music venue?
Growth is good, but grow with awareness as you move to the next level. The truth is, most acts move too quickly. They think they’ve reached a level of success that they simply have not. Carefully assess every step of your success before charging ahead thinking you’re ready to move on. Read more.