I'm in a heavy metal cover band covering bands from Zepplin, AC/DC to Pantera, Metallica. We're all set to go and we're looking to get booked for shows.
Now in the past I've emailed venues with mp3 files of recordings and a little info about us. Now this worked in the past but the rest of the band don't seem to excited about the idea of recording a couple of songs on the cheap just to get something out there.
Is there another way of getting shows? Or should I just tell the rest of the band to just pull their thumbs out and get something recorded?
Comments
Pubs gig? Just get in the phone or call in - has anyone in the band enough gigging experience to have contacts with landlords etc?
A demo can be handy but it's just part of a package that helps you persuade someone you will bring or keep an audience.
Get in the place and meet the (wo)man (pick a time when they are NOT rushed off thier feet). It might take a couple of visits. Talk face to face, leave a card but better still have your diary in your hand and get a date, I've had a link to a website ready on my phone or a choone to play straight into thier face from the crappy phone. Be confident, it becomes a snowball effect, but ensure rent a crowd turn up at the first event in a new venue so you create the right impression. It's all about bar sales to them and big crowds pull big crowds!
Same goes for other bands.
Whatever you do though, don't sell yourself short. Try to avoid places that want you to pay to play. Be selective about doing too many freebie gigs/support slots, though it might not do you any harm to do a few to establish yourself early on.
My advice for first gigs is don't be shy, just go in and ask, have a video of you playing, don't quibble too much about cash and be flexible. Many of the people who manage venues have to fill vacancies from bands dropping out. Just go for it.
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.