When you want to play a gig, do you book your own shows, or does someone take on the job for you? Why have you decided to play it the way you do? If you book for yourself, are you looking for an agent, or are you happy to keep on doing the leg work yourself? Share your stories about how you handle gig booking.
Share Your StoriesKeep it in House when booking
- I have booked myself for 30 years and wouldn't have it any other way. I play where and when I want. With an agent you will be sent whenever and wherever they need you. Agents frequently have venues they must fill and many of them are undesirable. Over the years I've weeded out the low payers and the less enjoyable venues and hang onto those I prefer playing. Also there are places "to be seen". More cosmopolitan, upscale venues where you are approached for private parties, other clubs and weddings which produce more of the same. Mind you it ain't easy and it takes almost daily attention. Maintaining promo materials and more importantly an email list of friends and fans who support your shows. Networking during the breaks and collecting more emails. Maintaining a website (tripod.com and my space)and business cards(vistaprint) to hand out when people ask. It may not be the big time but I generate $400-$500 a week with the thing I'm most passionate about and drink free beer while I do it.
- —mitchmorrill
