Music Biz Insights From The Trenches.

How To Sellout Your Live Gigs

Question – I’ve never put on or played a gig before and I’m trying to figure out how to pack out a room?

Answer -Not a simple straightforward answer because there are so may publicity and marketing avenues to explore however lets assume we are dealing with a shoestring budget.

First thing is first, golden rule number one – never ever play or book a room for your band that you don’t think you can fill out – even if that means finding a room that only holds fifty people.

The general rule of thumb is that it’s much easier to create a vibe and atmosphere in a tiny room that full as opposed to a larger room that’s half empty.

This is really the key to creating a good vibe and perception that your band is going places. Sometimes it’s even better to play in rooms that you are so sure you can pack out that you might actually have to turn people away.

This might seem a little weird on first though, but this is how you are then able to start spinning stories and get people talking about your shows.

Above and beyond this main idea the following are some more ideas to help sell out live gigs -

• Try and get some editorial or a write up in your local entertainment guides

• Try to give the gig a name and a theme – this helps in getting more media attention and public interest

• Book other bands to play with you that are committed to telling all their friends to come aswell

• Book other bands that already have a following aswell – even if they end up headlining, so long as you get to play

• Tell all your friends to come and maybe offer them a discount on the door fee to incentive them to come

• Print flyers and distribute in local record stores, book shops, street poles and anywhere else you can publicize the show

• Social networking – Facebook, Twitter, Myspace – say no more J

• Try to contact your local radio station and get a plug for the show – not always easy but definitely worth a shot

• Put up posters on your local record store

These are a handful of some very basic, easy to do promotional activities to help sell out gigs.

Each point is a whole world in itself, however if you slowly chip away at becoming more familiar with each promotional avenue you will eventually become much more experienced overall and will be sure to sell out your shows.

Once you feel that your band is at a stage where you can really pull a crowd, then you’d start looking at paid advertising, however while your still starting out, it’s important to think a little creatively and within the realms of cheap and easy options.

However, never forget rule number one – Never book or play rooms you cannot pack out in the first place!

If you follow this simple piece of advice, you’ll always be sure to sell out all your gigs in the future.