RTP-area local music and culture

[skilletx AT nc.rr.com (skillet)]

blewis_13 AT hotmail.com (Brandon) wrote in message 
news:<14882fb2.0404230656.482accfd AT posting.google.com>...
> There are many mysterious aspects of operating an independent band
> that are open to a wide variety of solutions - so many that it really
> makes it interesting.  A lot of these seem to be of the "chicken and
> egg" type of problem.
> 
> The mystery at hand for my band right now is booking a small tour - 1
> or 2 weeks.  I was wondering if anyone on the list might share some of
> their experiences in setting up short tours.  I'd be interested in
> hearing about what works and what doesn't:
> 
> - trading gigs with bands
> - getting a booking agent
> - lying your ass off (just kidding)
> - begging
> - working your ass off
> - showing up at random clubs with your gear
> 
> If you check around some local band's websites, there are quite a few
> that have figured out something. I'm sure there's no secret, but it
> might make for a good topic.
> 
> Brandon


Lying works like a champ. Hell, it's the music industry we're talking
about. When in Rome....
Trading gigs--this can work well or bite you in the ass. You help
someone get a decent gig in your hometown and they pay you back with a
show at a chinese buffet. It happens.
Booking agent -- unless you've really got something to offer the clubs
(decent fanbase, a new release available in that town etc.)they're not
going to pay a guarantee and there's nothing for the agent to take
his/her 10% out of and therefore no real reason for them to work for
you. Unless you've found someone to help out of the goodness of their
heart, I'd say just do it yourself. It sucks but you gain a lot of
valuable experience.
Begging -- just another term for booking
Working your ass off -- that's it in a nutshell.

It's really a matter of a lot of phone calls(generally not returned) a
lot of email (ditto) and a lot of postage. I like the "buckshot" style
of booking. Try every club in town for the same night and you'll
probably hit one of 'em. Clubs tend to book anywhere from 1 month to 4
months in advance depending on their reputation so keep that in mind.
Tell the club you'll be able to get press (see "lying" above) in town
and that the local station is playing your stuff (lying again, unless
of course they really are). You're selling yourself so don't be afraid
to pump it up a little.
There are a 1000 ways to book shows and everybody will tell you
something different. Regardless, you gotta work your ass off and it
generally sucks. Good luck.
Skillet