Did we all forget how to promote shows?

[audioendorphin]

Over the past few years I have noticed a huge lack of local show and band promoting. The bands and the promoting companies are not doing there job. Just creating a flyer and putting your show dates on your myspace page won't cut it. Although these are steps that need to be taken....you must take some further steps! Get out on the streets with those flyers. Attend shows that you are not playing in. Mingle with the people and inform them of who you are (if they don't know you already) and let them know when and where you will be playing. Have some merch ready (business cards, stickers, posters, flyers, etc). MOST OF ALL...don't play 4 or 5 shows a month in your local town. Give yourself a chance to promote. The local venues will appreciate this and you wont tire out your fans. If you want to play 4 or 5 times a month (or more) then get outside of your city. This will only help you expand your fan base and get a chance to meet new bands and check out new venues. Promoting is a full time job. If you can't take this on within your band then get a street team of some sort. Some of your fans will be more than happy to help you promote. Just make them feel special by giving them insider info, merch, free demos, etc.
If you don't know what a press kit is you better educate yourself and quick. Lets bring the professionalism back to the local scene and support those who support you. Thats all.
Message from Gor of FallRise. www.myspace.com/fallriserock ;D

[rand]

I do my best to promote shows, whether they're my gigs or friends. Most is done, word of mouth or e-mail. I also promote by being out and about at the jams and blues society events. I gotta rant about C.L. as someone was trying to find out and get directions for a jam up near Placerville on Tuesdays. I assumed they were refering to Val's Lucky Dog Saloon in Shingle Springs. I don't normally post anything on Craigs List; but in trying to promote Val's ,I posted dirrections to the venue to help this person find the jam. What followed were a few RE: in response to my post that were just childish and from someone else other than the poor guy trying to find a local open jam that i was trying to help, not to go without mentioning it was a great jam, top notch musicians,and a great host that Val is. Well all the smack stayed on and my post was flagged. This has happened before on C.L. with my promotion and gratitude towards another great venue ( Louie's) W.T.F. ? I check out C. L. from time to time. but I doubt that I will post anything on that site anymore as it seems it only gives material to some asshat to talk smack

[tj]

Is it me or has CL lost all relevance for serious musicians? Just seems like a place to troll and look for a fight to pick...even if it does not make any sense. I keep waiting for it to get better...but it never does.

(Sorry for the slight topic hi-jack.)