Seattle Music News

Welcome to the Working Week pt.3 Okay, so far we've covered the part about the best way to submit a demo and all that but, what are the steps you should take when you do get a show? Well, first off lets start by saying that yes, every band in the world would choose to play on a solid weekend night the random Monday or Tuesday. So, the likelihood of starting out on a weekend is probably not too great (unless we go back to the whole “bribe” thing but, really lets stay away from that for now) and you know what? Sometimes playing those “off” nights can a) be great nights for developing your set and b) can also really help get a jump on getting closer to those ever desired weekend dates. Don't believe me? Check it out... So, it stands to reason from time to time that perhaps playing on a Monday or a Tuesday night isn't the easiest night to bring out attendance and because of that, it would seem that the expectations are lower for the night right? Well, this is where it works in your favor... I mean can you imagine how stoked the club/bar/booker would be if instead of the expected fifty or so patrons, there were one hundred? Trust me, you want to land on a booker's radar? Do something like that. I know it isn't the easiest thing to do as a band starting out and there's only so many times you can in the “come see my band” favor but, if you can pull this off, man it can jump you ahead so many steps. Plus, when those opening slots for touring bands or weekend dates come up, what booker isn't going to remember the band that brought in a whole bunch of drinking patrons on an off night and then want to see what they can do on a weekend? See, how that logic works out. I mean, it makes good sense right? Sure it does. Of course it does. And, while we're at it there's a few other things I've noticed that might be useful tips as well. I have seen a ton of promising bands get excited for a booking a show. Get the show booked and then somehow promptly forget to mention it to anyone they know or make any effort to bring people in. I'm pretty sure that's the opposite of what of we're all going for right? Now I know that sometimes you can promote like crazy and still have a show with a little less than the expected amount turn out... it happens from time to time. However, if you and your bandmates have gone through all the trouble of making posters (and making sure they get posted up around town, in stores, etc.) and doing a web campaign to promote the show, that effort isn't ever lost on bookers. We do take notice and appreciate it very much. I kid you not. Look I know sometimes this stuff isn't the easiest stuff to work with. I mean, on top of writing songs and then practicing those songs and maybe even recording those songs, it can definitely feel like a bit much for sure. And then to add in postering/promo efforts well, sure it takes time. But the time you put into it can reap some really positive rewards. And that's a good thing.