5 Ways to Impress Bookers.
Here are 5 ways that you can use to impress venue bookers and give yourself the best chance to get more gigs:
Think Ahead of Time
Most desirable venues are sold out 3 months in advance. More popular a venue, further in advance should you contact them. Even more so if you’re looking to play on a Friday or Saturday night. So be sure to contact the booker at least 3-4 months in advance. As discussed in my blog More Tips and Tricks, the more you plan in advance for a tour, the more bookings you can get for your preferred dates. Many bookers will ask you to find local acts that draw a crowd and combine your performance with them. It is not very difficult to find local acts online. You might need other acts or have to rearrange a show and need bands. All of these can be found online. Just do your research well while planning the tour.
Patience
I know you are a busy person, but so are the bookers. If you didn’t get a response to your e-mail, or if your phone call goes unreturned, you do not have to start underestimating yourself and thinking that they’re not interested in booking you. Be patient; chances are, they just haven’t had time to evaluate your music yet. A polite follow-up to see if your e-mail/message has been received is good. If the booker is locally located, you may even pay them a visit, but, but whatever you do, don’t try to rush them or sound desperate or annoyed that they haven’t gotten back to you. Be persistent, but always be polite.
Honesty
Don’t ever try to lie about your work, income or experience. You don’t need that, trust me. Sooner or later you will reach to whatever you are lying about. Just keep working towards it. You’re better off being honest with a booker about what your draw really is rather than stretching the truth and disappointing them. Chances are you won’t be booked at that venue again if you tell a booker that you can pack the place and only your mom shows up. However, the booker will no doubt want to book you again if you are honest about what your draw realistically is and you match or surpass it.
Respect
Whether you are playing at one of the top-rated clubs in town or at a nearby bar, treat every one of the staff members like they were your best friend. Here are some ways to show respect to the staff:
- Tip bar staff: Even on free drinks, be sure to tip the bar staff. Especially if it’s a slow night; the gesture will not go unnoticed.
- Thank staff: Every chance you get, thank the staff and especially while on stage, which is always appreciated. Even the audience likes a humble artist.
- Be extra nice to the sound tech: They are your hero for all the nights that you play at that venue. If you do not treat them well, they can quickly become your worst enemy. Treat them well and you will immediately reap the benefits of the effort.
- Show up on time: Always show up well in time or before. Never get late for the sound check.
- Leave on time: Don’t make the staff stay longer than they normally would because you want to take your time having one last drink. Finish it up and get out of there on time. Pick a drink on the way if it is really needed.
- Start on time: Even if there is nobody in the crowd, start playing on time like the room is packed.
Gratitude
I love the person who invented the thank-you note. It is one of the best things, after your talent, to ensure that you get the next booking. Sending a nice thank you note to the booker the day after the show is always a nice gesture. There is so much competition out there, be sure to let the booker know that you’re thankful for the opportunity to play at their venue. This will go a long way to building a long-term relationship with them that will help get you many more gigs in the future.
Tip: Gratitude and humbleness will take you a long way and open doors to success, so will sounding professional and politically correct.
Keep coming back for more quick tips of the business!
