Getting the Gig and Keeping the Job
Some do's and dont's on gigging like a pro.
by Lesa McCabe
As the " Manager" of the West Puget Sound Band
"Payday Daddy"
Before I continue, please allow me to explain this term,
Manager.
The Manager is the poor slob that gets the job no one
else wants. The person that can talk to anyone,
anytime, anywhere, and about anything, and do it well.
It is my job to make contact, keep in contact, and keep
the contact happy. This involves many things, please,
allow me.
1) Keep records of all the clubs you are
interested in
playing. A little
black address book works very well. Keep the contacts
name, the phone number
of the club (and the contacts home number if you can
get and (this is not
an easy thing to get, trust me..) the full address of the
club.
*And very important* !!
The date you sent the promo! When they received it,
and what
your conversation involved!
It is very easy to become confused when you
call 10 clubs a day!! Nothing says" rookie" better than
calling back a person
you called yesterday, and they said no...AND, even if
they say no this time,
maybe they won't next time, so, always, always be polite
and respectful.
2) Having the " Gift of Gab" is a blessing. You
MUST be
able to make
small talk, and be sincere. I know all of my " Contacts"
spouses names,
their kids, and even the family dog. You can't be
business all the time,
and coming across as a friend makes you more real,
and them, more willing
to work with you.
If no one in the group is able to do this, you may have to
enlist someone from the outside. A spouse, girlfriend,
boyfriend. Every
Christmas I send cards to the club contacts and also
the people at the
local newspapers, and I thank them for their help in the
past year. This not
only keeps "My bands" name upfront in their mind, but it
is a show of my
appreciation of what they have done to better my
career.
Is it just luck that our photo is in the "Entertainment
Section" 2 to 3 times more than other bands? No. <[>
Also, if a special feature was done, or an article, I
send a thank you card right away. This is not only good
business, but good
manners.
3) Your promo. Your promo is the first
impression, not only of the band, but also of
yourselves. Always include a bio on every band
member. What experience you
have, how long have you played, points of interest. Don't
make it to
"Busy" though. Figure, on average, you have less than a
minute to capture this
persons interest.
Any press release material on you or the group always
looks good. Include an 8 x 10 black and white photo,
also a color one if
you can. A schedule can also be included. This shows
that you are working
steady, and they like to see that.
A c.d. is a must, cassettes don't cut it anymore. Studio
time can be afforded is everyone pitches in. After all
this is a group effort, right? A video is optional.
4) Once you are able to get that first gig, show
up early, get everything
set up nice.
This means tape your cords, so no one is hurt in a
"horrible tripping over a cord accident". Strange things
happen when alcohol is involved, cover your rear. Also,
tape cords on stage. This looks clean and
professional.
Start 5 minutes early, if you can, clubs love this. When
you
take a 15 minute break, take a 15 minute break,or even
better,a 13 minute
break, not a 17 or 20. They will be watching.
Always act professional. Most musicians get a bad rap,
because of a few idiots. We NEVER drink when we are
gigging, some bands do. In my own personal opinion,
if
you want to drink, wait
until you are done. Contrary to popular belief, you do not
sing or play better
when you have had a couple..trust me. Go listen to
karioke some night if
you don't believe me.. It's not pretty. Be polite to the
help, and always
remind the crowd to tip the waitresses and bartenders.
Why? Because if you make it a point to look out for the
other people trying to make a living, like you
are, they are going to greatly appreciate your
acknowledgment of them, and
that means more tips. They are happy to have you
there, they will be in
your corner when it comes to hiring bands for future
gigs.
P.S. if someone tells you to turn it down, do it
immediately!! Do not argue or
complain, you are working for them, you are not in
charge.
I hope my years of frustration and mistakes will help
you to be more
successful in your musical career. And remember, the
most important
thing of all..... Have Fun!!
