Quick Tip: Swap a Gig

Monday September 29, 2008

Breaking into your own local music scene is one thing, but how can you start taking your show to other towns if you don't have the backing of a record label or an agent doing bookings for you? No matter how packed your shows are in your town, if you haven't been getting some media attention or radio play, it can be hard to plead your case to a promoter in another town who knows they're going to have to work extra hard to get people to come out and see you. There is a way around the situation, however - a good old fashioned gig swap.

To swap shows, all you have to do is track down some musicians in the town in which you want to play who are likely to have fans that will be into your music and who have following in their cities comparable to what you have in yours. Then, they book a show for you both to play in their town and you return the favor. Since you each know the good venues, promoters, nights to play and promo outlets in your area, you don't have to worry about ending up in a strange town with the worst gig ever. Plus, you each have a built in audience ready to go.

Learn more about swapping shows, and if you want to put out an appeal for like minded musicians who are up for a swap, pay a visit to the forum and let everyone know what you're looking for and what you have to offer.