So, You Wanna Play In A Band

So, you wanna be in a band. You play an instrument well, you sing, you are ready to rock. For many, playing in a band is a return to something you loved. Maybe you were a musician in college, or had that singer songwriter tour post graduation. Somehow, it got lost with life, marriage, family, home, and bills. But now, you're ready- willing and able. Let's do this!

Your Band.

Who are you playing with? Peeps from the neighborhood? A Craig's list ad? That bass player from school that sought you out? Maybe you have auditioned for a touring group... Whatever crew you have found yourself with- these are now your people. The quality of play, the experience, the vetting, their look(s), their commitment, availability, and brand is your brand. And, while most musicians tend to think they are "the talent" in their band- look around you. You are the best and worst of each of your crew. It's not about you. Some things to consider;

* Get on page with what you are all playing. Style, genre, tribute, original

* Get on page with where you all want to be playing... Stages, venues, clubs, casino's, corporate, festivals....

* Get on page with who are the talents that are comparable talents in your region- are you up to par? What does your band have to do to be up to par? Go to shows

Where you rehearse, for how long and with goals are all important things to agree about before anything else.... If you cant agree on these basics, it may not be meant to be... I say this with love. Can band mates prepare prior to band rehearsal and be prepared? Is this all new material or a refresh of familiar songs? Have you decided on original arrangement, radio version, or live concert arrangement? What key signature? Make sure these details are ironed out- to save time and energy!

So the Band is Ready to play.... Now What?

The band is ready, you sound great. Now what? So begins the administrative side of your band efforts. This is where you may want to designate a band mate to be the " facebook" person, the "website" person and or the person that answers and manages your band E-mail. These are essential beginnings to your recognition as a band. Band name, band members, the style or genre of your music, and as it forms- your schedule. Eventually, this is where you will post video's pictures, and updates. And, if your a touring band, an updated EPK ( Electronic Press Kit).

How much music do you have? To play your local bars and clubs, they usually expect 4 hours or a 9-1 schedule. Bars usually require you bring everything- EVERYTHING. The manpower of setting up and running your own PA and engineering is part of the joy of playing bars. Enjoy. Sometimes cover bands split a 4 hour shift at a bar with another band- but dont expect the venue to coordinate for you. Bring the show option to them. And, let them know you can share some equipment, such as drum- backline and bass rig for easy transitions

As an " era" or tribute you will be expected to bring a 90 minute showcase with a 120 minute option. These stages, locations are usually plug and play- and the PA and or backline is ready and waiting on you-with a professional engineer . Other places you may want to play:

* open for national at larger venues: you must have an epk to submit!

* Fairs and festivals: depending on your bands reputation and status you can apply for the smaller, medium or main stage at these events. Note* submissions are often 1-2 quarters before the event takes place.

* City Concert Series- a summer time favorite. Most cities have their HR department manage this. This works in your favor if you are just a local band. Most HR folks at the city dont know the difference between the local bar band and a national tribute tour. Again, 3-6 months early submissions

Casino's- 4 hour and 5 hour sets. Usually R & B or Cover.. Tributes double their set. This is hard work- and very competitive. Getting in these queues means fulfilling a very specific puzzle piece.

Casino and Corporate Events- 90-120 minute sets- special event- produced and managed by event specialists.

Marathons and Races: these can be great fun, big stages and big crowds. Find out who the actual entertainment company hiring is.

SUBMISSIONS

You have your band, you have your web site and pix and video- and you are working to get " gigs". How do you really go about this anyway? Are you working locally only? ( same county or city) Regionally? ( your county to state zone) Limited Nationally? ( ie: western regions) or setting up a National Tour?

Local submissions often means bars and clubs where a manager or bartender take care of the band schedule. Very often this is done quarterly. This means they usually pencil in bands all at once, so plan ahead- and go in when the bartender is not serving 30 patrons.

Regional stages include venues and event stages that may hold 400+ patrons. They usually have a plan for their needs- and you are a mere puzzle piece. If your band is not on POL STAR as a headlining band- be prepared to ask to be an opener or support for a show you feel would be a " good fit" for the patrons.

Many Venues/ Stages such as House of Blues type places are run by LIVE NATION and large corporations. The national tours are booked by their management. It is a good thing to get connected with the " big boys" and be on their radar as support or opener at these events. Then, there are local producers often given a night here or there to " fill". These local producers will usually get a gaggle of bands to play a theme night of sorts. BE CAUTIOUS. The lure of playing a great stage can be overshadowed by a greedy promoter asking you to pay for free. A good reply is often, " if you are working for free, we will consider.... otherwise, no thank you".

Venue Stages that hold 400, 600, 800, 1200 carry great tours- and you can get on these shows by working through the venue buyer with your epk submission. After you have played for a talent that you loved or is a good fit- consider submitting to them directly! Let them know you are available and very willing to support their show. tour when in a specific local or region. Leave your card- and follow up with an e-mail. Sometimes, it's a great door to more. If they dont reply- do not stalk them.

Festivals, Fairs, Event Stages ( seasonal) . Submit for these in very specific time windows. Go to the web site look and or call to get the submission windows and requirements. These are worthy events- but they book a 3-6 months ahead.

What are your requirements for taking a gig?

The universal question. What makes a gig worthy? In the beginning- you are getting your footing, your vetting, and feeling out what your band can do. Figuring out your ability to upgrade your professionalism, and your show. If you are already a vetted package, you are determining your travel schedule, and just how much you want to work. A great checklist for any band are the these three considerations.

1) Emotional......Does this event put you on a stage that you are going to get an emotional charge or social validation from? Will it feel good to play there?

2) Social..... ( Biz social) .....Does this event offer you a relationship with a buyer or venue/ stage that is linked to other possibility? Is this a queue your band seeks to be part of?

3) Financial. Does this event compensate what you are worth, or offer a stipend that respects your status in the locale or region?

Getting two out of three of these is usually enough to consider a event. Be very transparent with your band mates on why you want to accept a gig date- and what opportunities you beehive it entails. Music should be fun, offer new working relationships, and compensate a market value. Think about whether you are taking one, two or three of these considerations.

So you want to be in a band.....Time to go for it!

Get started! Look out for more from BandMammaJamma on EPK's, touring, schedules, compensation, contracts, schedules and more.