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Post by bassplayer4life on Jul 3, 2009 21:57:28 GMT -8
Does anyone know of some venues around town that will welcome bands that are just starting out? We've tried a few places and with no portfolio and hardly any recomendations to go on were just short of getting laughed at. Know of some places?  |
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Post by deluca on Jul 9, 2009 7:59:10 GMT -8
I suppose it depends on the size/genre of your band a little bit, but our first show was at the Java Cafe in Citrus Heights. They don't care who you are at all, you just tell them what genre you are (I know they take anything from Rap to Metal to Alternative etc) and how many people you can get to come watch (that's their main concern).
They might try and book you on the same night as someone else, or they might ask you to find another band to play with you, which is what we did. It's extremely easy to get booked, however, they didn't let us sound check!!!! So be prepared to work around that somehow... we didn't, and it was a let down in that sense.
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Post by bassplayer4life on Jul 10, 2009 11:20:12 GMT -8
Alright, well look into it. Thanks
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Post by wormdrive66 on Jul 10, 2009 11:40:36 GMT -8
On The Y, Java Lounge, Java Cafe, Ugly's, Club Retro, Luigis Fun Garden, R5 Records, Vega's. These places are all good for starting bands. but like the previous poster stated it depends alot on what genre your band is. most of the places i have listed are more Metal/Punk/Hard Rock friendly.
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Post by questor on Jul 10, 2009 14:03:28 GMT -8
Sure, we all have to start somewhere.
Nevertheless, you also have to watch out for some of these places that take advantage of newcomers. Yes, we all have to pay our dues. Question is, how many more times?
I've done many gigs for free and will continue to do them. I've also told some people I'm not playing for free at some places. Some club owners say, "Before we hire you on a permanent basis, we need to hear you for at least an hour." Okay, then come to your competitors' place and hear us. (They've made an artform of getting nightly free entertainment.)
I bring this up because I really hate that some people who do have the passion to play get abused. And then those who play for less undercut everybody else including themselves, making it even more impossible for musicians who spend time and dedication to earn appropriately.
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Post by bassplayer4life on Jul 10, 2009 23:41:38 GMT -8
Ya, now that ive been looking around ive noticed the fact that it seems all to often muscians are getting stiffed. It really sucks for bands that do it as a full time job. After all the music buisness is just that, a BUISNESS ( as well as the opportunity to share our work with others).
As to the original post, we play originals with classic/hard rock influences, if that helps.
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Post by crystali on Aug 13, 2009 9:20:40 GMT -8
 Hi You can find venues that will "use" you..but I suggest your focus should be on getting a good demo recording and photos for a promo package..then developing a myspace page. The main way a free gig will help is if you have a lot of friends that will come to your show.. then they'll probably offer you a paid gig. Otherwise, the venue gets free music, other musicians are hurt, and it doesn't help you much. Sadly, it's all about "how much money can you draw"..unless your goal is to have fun with friends playing music..and that's okay too.  We recently did a spec gig with a great new blues act and between his friends and family and our promo we packed the venue and made $325 each. Lots of work but..Not a bad paycheck. To acheive that, though..you need strong organization, good promo skills and a good contract with the cooperation and honesty of the venue.. and of course, an exciting, entertaining, professional act. Most venues and acts don't have marketing skills and it takes "teamwork" to be successful. God bless, John crystal image
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Post by rossduclair on Aug 14, 2009 13:34:54 GMT -8
I really agree with John, Crystal Image. I don't mind doing a "freebe" on an off night to audition with a club owner, but (!) I think it really hurts working bands to compete with bands that play for free.
I've been stiffed in many creative ways by club owners and the only payback for them is to share your story with other musicians so they don't get taken advantage by that club.
This web site is just the right place for that type of information, but do it respectfully and honestly.
Get the idea that your band is a business and as such must have a business attitude; and, you have an obligation to make your product (the perforance) as beneficial to your client (the club) as possible.
Ross du Clair
bass
Issues 22
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