I see so many musicians looking for the pot of gold playing high paying gigs when they first start out. Doesn't work that way. You may have written a boatload of songs and jammed together in a garage, basement or a private party for a 100 bucks. But thinking you'll hit the big time automatically is a fantasy. As well you may play with musicians who are very accomplished yet aren't getting regular gigs locally or regionally. Learning how to get clubs to notice your act is one of the keys to building a following.
I always tell bands not to concentrate on the money and focus on giving clubs and their fans some kind of value for free. Just because you're a great musician and your band is jamming to nobody but friends, or in your basement doesn't provide any artistic or entertainment value but for a few people--hence--no money will come your way.
Getting out there with your band and sharing your music with other musicians and fans, is what will create an eventual income for your band. The best way to deliver artistic value to entertain a crowd is going out to local blues jams. Yes, playing for free. This way you can get your original material out to a crowd, and your band can start delivering value to people who appreciate blues. Try to get as much free (gig) work as you can and concentrate on good material, working your "chops" in the clubs and how to entertain to a crowd. Play at clubs that cater to your type of music. Don't try to get work at clubs that do not cater to your music. It's okay to jam at clubs with different music to stretch your chops although.
After you start going to jams regularly and start to get known; ask the manager who books acts about opening up for local acts for free. To be a little creative ask local businesses about playing during promotions. This is another great way to get noticed. Yes, this is still for free. After opening for bands locally, ask the manager about opening for national acts coming through town. Now, you can start asking for money. This may take at least a year to build a following. At this point start playing your own gigs.
By doing what I've said above clubs and business people will see your band is serious and start paying your band some good money. Find a way to get your material into music fans hands by handing out free CD's at your own gigs, and ones where you open up for other bands. Do your own media as well. Get a student journalist who is fan of blues or whatever music you play, to interview you regularly, and slap those interviews on a blog that your band sets up, and in a college paper. You can also get free publicity through college radio. This is a great way to get a free source of PR.
If you decide to make CD's, do a run of about 100, not 300 to 1,000. You want to see what kind of an impact your music makes in small increments. Don't waste your money with large runs of CD's. You can also register your band as a business and share in any song-writing royalties, gig income, and write off part of your music business expenses such as gear, CD's, internet or transportation and professional costs.
Make it easy for your band and play for free, and create PR that's free as well before spending all your hard earned income from your regular jobs. That's why building a base locally and hand out free CD's at gigs is important. Spread it out over 6 months, handing out CD's that is.
This is a good approach at gigs to give out at least 2 free CD's and have MP3's on your blog fans can download for free. Don't worry about trying to get people to pay for single tracks off your blog. Unless you're a big act, forget it. Make it easy for club managers, agents and especially fans to listen to your music on line or at gigs. Even have Q & A sessions at your gigs where fans can ask the band questions.
Giving fans free access is vital to success as musicians, not just making money. Also, targeting the right music fans is important. Don't start giving out free CD's to your mom or the guy down the street if they don't like your music. The same applies to clubs; don't send or give CD's and promo-packs to clubs that do not have blues, jazz, hip-hop or what ever type of music your act plays.
Ask questions to club managers like do you have a jam or open mike night. As well ask them if they are looking for bands to open up for others, even for free. Put polls or surveys on your blog asking fans what they would like you to do for fans, the type of album they want you to come out with. Music fans are smarter than you think. Take suggestions, and you can even get ideas from other musicians for new tracks on an upcoming CD, but do it your way and implement it into your tracks.
New elements of your band's style come from so many places. Just be willing to learn and play with other musicians. If you can't bring yourself to playing for free locally while you build a fan base and your repertoire--you'll have a hard time attracting club work and a fan base. It's the law of attraction, baby!
Playing for free can be very beneficial for your band to build chops, and learn the nuts and bolts of the music business. If you truly love being a musician you'll do what's needed to be a great one in the music business.
Mark Grove CGP
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