There is no way that a digitized format of music can beat the experience of a live concert.
The effect live music has on us is written into our DNA. Perhaps it is the communal involvement with others attending the live performance or the longing feeling a live concert can generate for a short time in our lives.
Perhaps it’s something more primitive; the act of synchronising your body’s rhythm to drum and bass. Nevertheless, a live performance remains without a doubt the greatest way to create fans and relieve stress.
However, creating a live show fan base is not an easy task.
This leads us into the question of how to be a musician. To be a musician you will need hours, months and years of practice and experience to create the perfect set list that will entice your audience and ensure you get the gig again and again.
It will eventually become somewhat monotonous, after all, becoming a successful musician is a long road, however if you work hard, you’ll ultimately progress from grimy bars to better venues.
You will need to grow your confidence to be able to speak easily with your audience.
This and other live performance tips you will learn as you progress. But, if you are dedicated and your hunger to win is bigger than your fear of losing you will succeed to become a well known local music artist and if you’re lucky, a global music artist.
The best experience of all is the tremendous feeling you get from performing in front of a full venue, and if you are fortunate enough, a steadfast fanbase that you will obtain from gigging.
Here are tips on how to get your first gig OR how to get your first singing gig:
Professionalism is key when making contact
It is important for the venue to know that you are taking your music career seriously, especially if you are trying to get your first gig.
Bear in mind, they probably received a hundred other applications for bookings that week. That’s why it’s important that you know what separates you from the pack of other artists out there.
Here’s a few tips on how to be professional:
- Be informative when describing yourself. Add a description of your music style, your location, and previous bookings. Insert a link to your social media and a video of one of your performances.
- Follow up after making the first contact with the venue This is to confirm that the gig is set.
Keep in contact with the venue before the show
Ensure to keep the venue owner/promoter calm by letting them know you are set to perform on the date you agreed.
Do effort to promote the gig on social media and tag the venue.
Advertise on social media and ask friends
Advertise the event. Don’t just show up. Invite friends and put-up Flyers at the venue if possible.
Come well prepared
Practice hard and bring your best. This will ensure you get booked for another gig at the same venue and will help you progress to better gigs.
Remember that perfect practice makes perfect!
Talk to the event organiser when you are at the gig
Introduce yourself and show gratitude for letting them have you. Also thank them after the show.
Ensure the venue rates your performance
Wait a few days after the gig and contact the venue owner through the app they have not rated your gig yet.
Keep doing this and you will eventually build up a great platform of dedicated venues.
Never overbook
Leave sometime between your bookings in the same area.
Off course, when you start, do as many shows as you can, but be careful to not book yourself in the same area the next day or week as this will not go down well with the venue owner.
How many songs per gig?
This depends on the length of your sets. Some promoters/venues prefer 4×30 min sets, others prefer 2×45 min sets or even 3 x 40 min sets.
The number of songs you sing will differ if you are able to talk to your audience.
The best rule is to rather have more than enough great songs and not need it than to need it and not have it.
This will allow you to adapt your set list per audience. Nevertheless, ± 10 songs should be sufficient for a 40min/45min set and ± 7 songs should be sufficient for a 30 min set.
