Finding Your First Gig
By George O'Brien - Arizona Correspondent
This is a series of articles on building an Irish/Celtic band in Arizona. In Part 1, I discussed the questions: "Do You Really Want To Be A Professional Musician?" and "Do You Really Want To Do Irish Music?" In Part 2, I looked at "Can You Fill The Role Of Band Leader?", In Part 3 I asked "What Kind Of Irish/Celtic Band Do You Want To Build?" and "What Performance Style Should You Have?" In Part 4 I discussed "Who Should Be In The Band?" In Part 5 I discussed "What Is Your Repertoire?" In Part 6 I discussed "Do You Have Stage Presence?" In Part 7, I asked if you have the proper equipment to perform?
HOW WILL YOU FIND YOUR FIRST GIG?
It is not uncommon for a new band to pound on doors and not find anyone interesting in booking them. That is the fate of new bands. It is an old story. People booking bands at venues want experienced bands with an established following.
DEVELOP A DEMO CD OR TAPE - As early as possible, it is necessary to develop a "demo" tape or CD. This is usually only three or four pieces, but just enough to give the booking person an idea as to what the band can do. Do not try to make the "demo" sound perfect as long as it sounds reasonably close to what the band is doing.
Usually a startup band does not have the money to pay for studio time. Some bands have developed quality material doing a live recording at one of their gigs or rehearsals.
WHERE TO START
STARTUP GIGS - Unfortunately, new bands do not sound as good as experienced bands. There are invariably "kinks" to be worked out with the sound system, the performance style, and all the "unexpected" things that invariable happen the first time out. This is why I recommend seeking out a few non-paying gigs at libraries or coffee houses just to get experience as a band in front of a live audience. Benefits and fund raisers are also useful venues to get started and establish the band's name.
It is important that the gigs are set up so the band performs in the way it usually will play. A band that wants to do pub work or other work requiring amplified sound should set up for sound even if the venue could be handled acoustically. Showcases and "open mic" events should be judged on the basis of whether it has a full sound system or in some other way matches the bands requirements.
COFFEE HOUSE GIGS - Irish bands tend to get a very good response from coffee house audiences. Unfortunately, most of these gigs pay very little and there is an incredible amount of competition for the slots that do pay anything. However, even established bands like the Keltic Cowboys will do their share of coffeehouse gigs in order to work on new material, develop their mailing list, and sell CDs.
TARGET MIDWEEK GIGS FIRST - As a rule, new bands have a better chance at getting booked for mid week gigs at the start. Midweek pub gigs are closer to playing a coffee house gig in both the tone of the audience and the amount of pay. None the less, it can help get a foot in the door.
GET TO KNOW THE VENUE MANAGERS - Prospective pub band leaders find it to be useful to get to know the pub owners on a personal level. It is important to maintain a low key approach and not be too pushy. That way, when there is a last minute weekend cancellation, the band leader is in a position to suggest being given a chance.
TRADITIONAL MUSIC
Traditional players face a different set of challenges. The strongest opportunities for traditional music is probably in the schools, libraries, and social clubs.
SENIOR CENTERS Performing at "senior centers" might not sound enticing, but most performers tell me the response is great and the pay is often better than the coffee houses.
SCHOOLS Schools are especially interested in programs that combine performances with workshops. Some libraries have a budget for paying performers.
RV PARKSOne surprising option for Arizona performers are RV parks. Some of these parks do extensive music programs.
CITY PARKS DEPARTMENTS Many city governments run extensive music programs through their Parks and Recreation departments. The main thing to remember with these programs is that most of them are scheduled during the day. If you have players who are unavailable during the day, then it would be best to focus on other gigs.
HOOK UP WITH A DANCE SCHOOLIrish dancers perform to Irish music. Bands that play for dance rehearsals are usually the first ones called when the school does a live performance. They are also in a position to generate good word of mouth advertising.
When the band is first starting, it will be necessary to take almost anything to get started. Once established, they can afford to focus on the kind of work they are best suited for.
[This is the eighth in the series "On Building an Irish Band in Arizona".]
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