How To: Book Gigs as a Musician or Artist
Booking gigs is a vital ingredient of success for any musician or DJ aiming to build an audience and make their mark on the music industry, but it’s both an art and a science. And it’s one that you need to approach in the right way if you want to earn money, and maybe even make a living, from playing your music.
In some ways, it’s a case of practice makes perfect; it might take some time before you build the confidence needed to book shows as an artist. The occasional misstep is almost inevitable, but that’s ok as long as you learn from them.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to reach new audiences, understanding how to secure live performances is a vital part of any career in music. Below, we’ve compiled a few tips that are helpful to know before you try to book your next gig.
1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Before you book your first gig, ask yourself: am I really ready for this? Performing live is about more than just mastering your instrument, although that’s a big part of it. You’ll need to make sure you have a well-rehearsed set and a solid stage presence.
That means being able to build a rapport with the audience, or deal with hecklers, and handle any technical difficulties that might arise in stride. It also covers things like what you’re going to wear and which gear you plan to bring along.
As eager as you might be to perform, we’d never recommend paying to play. There might, however, be instances in which you’d consider playing for free – such as a Battle of the Bands or an open mic night – to practice without so much pressure.
2. Think Global, Start Local
There’s a Chinese proverb that says: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” As it goes, that’s not a bad way to think about your gig journey. Start by researching small venues, bars, and open mic nights in your area.
Smaller stages offer the perfect opportunity to test out your performance, understand which of your songs resonate best, and gather feedback from punters. Just be prepared for the eventuality that you could end up playing for only a few people.
But attending local events holds value beyond just honing your craft because it gives you an opportunity to network with other artists for future collabs, build relationships with promoters, and get to know the type of venue that works best for you.
3. Build a Social Media Presence
If you’re working in music today, you probably know the drill: if you don’t already have artist profiles on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok…get them ASAP. They’re perfect for sharing upcoming concert dates, new releases, etc.
In the context of booking gigs, venues will pay attention if you have a strong online presence of engaged fans – be sure to highlight examples of that enthusiasm when you pitch yourself to venues. As time goes by, you can start thinking about ways to tap into (and boost) your fan base by offering things like dedicated presale tickets.
4. Contacting Venue Owners and Bookers
Here’s where this whole process can start to get a bit scary. Although you might be hesitant to reach out to venues, booking agents, or promoters, they always want to hear from great musicians. Just be professional, concise, and sell yourself well.
Consider creating a press kit that includes details like set durations, your stage setup, and your availability. Including links to videos from past performances is also a good idea, if you have them. And a personalised message can go a long way!
One last thought: do your research on venues and promoters to check they align with your vibe before you pitch. A heavy metal club is unlikely to book a country pop duo…unless, perhaps, they’re doing something really special.
5. Utilise Networking Platforms
While there isn’t exactly a Bumble for musicians and potential gigs – although there’s an idea! – there are platforms you can use to find opportunities to play live. Websites like GoToBeat and Sonicbids allow you to advertise your availability and facilitate booking performances, especially at a grassroots level.
(And, of course, there’s un:hurd for connecting with industry professionals, offering feedback through curators, and tracking how your promotional efforts are doing.)
The process of booking gigs as an artist is one that can be time-consuming but, ultimately, very rewarding. Start small and create buzz locally, rather than trying to do too much too soon, to stand a better chance of maintaining steady growth. Sam Fender, who got his start playing in local pubs, is a great example of this.
As you gain confidence, build a fan base, and pick up the lingo, you can start to target bigger venues or try to score supporting slots on national tours. You’ll be piling into a van and playing in front of tens of thousands of people before you know it!
Ready to take the stage?
Head back to the un:hurd app for more expert guidance and tools to support everything from pitching your latest release to planning future live shows.
Not an un:hurd user yet?
Join thousands of independent artists who are using un:hurd to streamline their music marketing and maximise their impact. Sign up today!
