"Isn't DIY band booking just for Covers bands?"
You may have wondered whether the same techniques for how to get gigs apply to original artists as well as covers bands.
The general answer, very definitely is "Yes".
The outline of your overall approach to
successful band booking is the same no matter what you play.
Having taught both original and cover bands and solo artists in more than 15 countries how to fill their gig diaries I can give you some additional insights though.
Certainly when you're starting out, ie before you've got a name of any sort or a good fanbase you'll find:
- There are more venues for acts who play covers material
- You'll get a lot less private party/function and corporate work as an originals-only act
3 tips you can draw from this as someone playing your own material are:
1. You need to get building your fanbase as early as possible in the gig-getting process.
This will both help you persuade venues to give you that initial gig, and the more new customers you can draw when you do play - the easier it will be to secure follow-up appearances.
Get more people to your gigs
Build your band fanbase with Social media
2. You'll have to work that little bit harder than a cover band might, to locate enough venues to target
You use all the same techniques though and as ever it's only a numbers game. Scroll down the piece below for more ideas to improve your success with band booking venues
3. You'll increase your chances of at least that first band booking at a new venue if you include a cover or two in your shows
Some acts have a hard time "swallowing their pride" to do this. Really though, name me a global superstar act who never played the odd cover or two (at least in their early days) to get the crowd into them? have a look at the info below if your pride is choking you:
Covers and original bands
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