So you want to start gigging as a music artist? Congratulations! It's an exciting time to be a musician, with more opportunities than ever to get your music heard and seen. But it's also a competitive time, so it's important to make sure you're doing everything you can to get ahead.
In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about getting started gigging as a music artist. We'll discuss how to find gigs, how to prepare for your gigs, and how to make the most of your live performances.
The first step to getting started gigging is to find gigs. There are a number of ways to do this, including:
Contact local venues and promoters. This is the most direct way to find gigs. Simply call or email local venues and promoters and let them know you're a musician looking for a gig.
Check online listings. There are a number of websites that list live music gigs, such as GigMasters, Bandsintown, and Songkick.
Attend open mics. Open mics are a great way to network with other musicians and get your music heard.
Enter contests and competitions. There are a number of contests and competitions that offer cash prizes and/or gigs as prizes.
Once you've found some gigs, it's time to start preparing for them. This includes:
Rehearsing your material. Make sure you know your songs inside and out before you hit the stage.
Practicing your stage presence. This is just as important as rehearsing your music. Work on your stage banter and make sure you're comfortable performing in front of an audience.
Building a set list. Your set list should be a mix of your best songs, as well as some new material that you're excited to share with your audience.
Getting the right gear. Make sure you have all the gear you need to sound your best, including a good instrument, a good amp, and a good microphone.
When you're on stage, make the most of your opportunity to connect with your audience. Here are a few tips:
Be yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not. Your audience will be able to tell if you're not being genuine.
Interact with the audience. Talk to them, make eye contact, and smile.
Have fun! If you're not having fun, your audience won't either.
Getting started gigging as a music artist can be a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun. By following the tips in this blog post, you'll be well on your way to success.
Here are a few additional tips to help you get started gigging as a music artist:
Be patient. It takes time to build a following and get booked for gigs. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately.
Be persistent. Keep contacting venues and promoters, even if you don't hear back right away. The more people you reach out to, the more likely you are to find gigs.
Be professional. When you're booking gigs, be sure to follow up promptly and be respectful of the venue's time. This will show that you're serious about your music and that you're a reliable performer.
Have fun! Gigging is a great way to share your music with the world and to connect with other musicians. So relax, enjoy yourself, and let your passion shine through.