Question 1

How do I book my first gig?

Accepted Answer

Start local. Email or visit small venues, cafes, and bars with your EPK (electronic press kit) — a one-page bio, a couple of live recordings or videos, a high-quality photo, and your social links. Most beginner bands start with open mics, then showcases, then paid weekend slots.

Question 2

How much should a band get paid for a gig?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your city, draw, and the venue. Local bar gigs often pay $200-500 for newer bands, $500-1500 for established acts, and more for headliners. Always clarify whether the payment is a flat guarantee, a door split, or both — get it in writing.

Question 3

How do I contact venues to book shows?

Accepted Answer

Find the venue's booking email (usually on their website or social media) and send a short, professional pitch: who you are, your draw, links to music, a recent live video, and a few preferred dates. Follow up once a week later if you don't hear back.

Question 4

What's a guarantee vs. a door split?

Accepted Answer

A guarantee is a fixed amount the venue pays you regardless of attendance. A door split is a percentage of ticket or cover-charge revenue, usually 60-80% to the band. Many deals combine both: a smaller guarantee plus a door split above a certain threshold.

Question 5

How far in advance should I book gigs?

Accepted Answer

For local shows, 4-8 weeks ahead is normal. For festival applications, 6-12 months ahead is typical. Popular venues and big cities book up fast, so the further ahead you can reach out, the better your chances of getting your preferred dates.

Question 6

How do I write a press kit for booking?

Accepted Answer

Keep it to one page plus links. Include a short bio (3-4 sentences), a hi-res photo, 2-3 live video links or audio samples, your social stats, notable past gigs, and contact info. PDF format is standard — most bookers won't open Google Docs.

Question 7

Should we play for free?

Accepted Answer

Occasionally yes (a benefit, a good cause, a strategic high-visibility show) but never as a default. Playing for free devalues your band, the local scene, and other bands. If a venue won't pay, ask for a guarantee on a future show, a door split, or free food and drink at minimum.

Question 8

How do we negotiate gig payment?

Accepted Answer

Know your minimum first — what you'd accept to play. Research local rates. Ask what the venue typically pays. Make a clear ask: 'We'd love to play for $X or a 70/30 door split, whichever is greater.' Be ready to walk away. Polite, professional, firm.

Question 9

How do I handle a canceled gig?

Accepted Answer

Get the cancellation in writing (email is fine). Clarify whether any portion of the guarantee is still owed. Most venues will pay a kill fee (often 50% of the guarantee) if they cancel within a certain window. Don't burn bridges — gig cancellations happen, and you'll work with that venue again.

Question 10

What is a band rider?

Accepted Answer

A rider is a list of requirements you send the venue ahead of the gig: technical needs (mics, monitors, channels), hospitality (food, drinks, parking), and any special requests. Keep it short and reasonable. A basic rider signals professionalism and helps the show run smoothly.

Question 11

How do I book a tour?

Accepted Answer

Start by mapping a route of cities you can drive between. Research venues in each city — clubs, cafes, house shows, DIY spaces. Reach out 2-3 months ahead. Book weekends, leave weekdays for travel. Start with short 3-5 day runs before attempting longer tours.

Question 12

How do I get a gig at a festival?

Accepted Answer

Most festivals have an application process on their website, usually 6-12 months before the event. Apply early, follow the format exactly, and include your best live video. Local festivals and showcases are easier entry points than the big ones. Network at other festivals to meet bookers.

Question 13

How do we promote a gig?

Accepted Answer

Announce it 4-6 weeks ahead on every channel you have. Post consistently: a save-the-date, a video, a behind-the-scenes clip, a ticket link, a countdown. Ask the venue to share it. Tag the other bands on the bill. Email your list. A focused 2-week push before the show usually moves the most tickets.

Question 14

What's the best way to network with venue bookers?

Accepted Answer

Go to shows. Introduce yourself in person. Be a good guest — arrive on time, be polite to staff, follow the rules. Follow bookers on social media and engage genuinely with their posts. Most bookings go to bands the booker already knows and likes.

Question 15

How do we get our first out-of-town gig?

Accepted Answer

Trade shows with a band from another city. They'll open for you at your home venue, you'll open for them in theirs. Both bands get a new audience. It also gives you a built-in reason to contact out-of-town bookers — you're bringing local draw with you.

Booking & Gigs FAQs

Booking & Gigs FAQs

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