by: Christopher Knab
source: FourFront Media & Music-------------------------------------------------------
Live performance is arguably the most important aspect of a music artist's career. Because it is potentially a very glamorous and exciting experience, it is not uncommon for performers to forget that for the clubs and other live venues who book and showcase live music, it is a business, a very serious business, fraught with risk and considerable competition.
The following information on live performance should be studied carefully by every artist before they begin dealing with the club bookers, managers, promoters, and assorted other characters who make up the live performance industry.
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Getting StartedBefore you talk to bookers...
A good question to keep in mind whenever approaching a booker of a live venue is: "Why do clubs book certain artists, and not others?" In other words, are there certain things that clubs look for in the acts they book, and if so, what is the criteria to get a gig at a live venue? For starters, let it be known that the bottom line for a club owner is that they need to make a living at their profession, and the only way they can do that is to book acts that fill the club. So any artist wishing to get booked should do an inventory of their talents and accomplishments and make a list of impressive data to present to the bookers.
*The Promo Kit...
The Promotional Kit is the tool that contains the data on an act that a booker of live shows needs to see. The Promo Kit contains a cover letter, a Bio, a Photo, a selection of press clips, possibly a 'Fact Sheet', and of course a tape or CD of their artist's music.
*The music you submit...
A word about Demo tapes and CD's. When sending a tape, always be sure to put contact information on the tape label, AND the J-Card (as well as every other part of the Promo Kit). Only 3 or 4 of the best songs should be on the tape. Unlike tapes sent to radio station specialty shows, the Demo tape for a club can be a live recording, as opposed to a studio produced tape. If a CD is sent, mark 3 or 4 songs that best relate to the music the venue presents.
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Alternative venues...
What kind of live venues are there? Many. Besides clubs, there are taverns, bars, coffee houses, festivals, fairs, concert halls, schools, churches, and even book and record stores, as well as shopping malls. Keep in mind that when dealing with venues other than traditional club type gigs, there are still many business considerations to take into account, that may affect whether or not an artist is qualified to perform at the venue.
The first show Catch-22
Artists who are just beginning to perform live have a tough time getting those first shows. A certain 'Catch 22' type situation does exist. You can't get a gig unless you have gotten other gigs, and you can't get other gigs until you get that first gig. So be it. Everyone has to start somewhere, and many artists frustrated by this situation have simply rented a space, gotten a permit, and rented a sound system... and put on their own show. (At least then, they can say they have performed live before.
*Working with bookers...
It is the job of the live venue bookers to be up on what new acts are up and coming, and causing a stir in their own backyard. It is also their job to listen to the demo tapes included in the Promo Kits that come in the mail by the dozens every week. This brings up the issue of protocol. Yes, there is an etiquette to be followed in all areas of music marketing, and when it comes to dealing with bookers, that protocol calls for mailing the Promo Kit, waiting a week to ten days, and then calling the booker to follow-up on the kit. Believe it or not, politeness and respect are fairly uncommon virtues in the music business. It is strongly recommended that courtesies be extended when calling a venue. Make sure not to interrupt meetings. Ask the person if now is a good time for them to talk. If they request a call back, do so at the time requested.
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Not ready for prime time players...
Artists and bands who think they are ready for prime time may not be. It is a good idea to have at least 3 or 4 hours of prepared material that can be performed live. If an artist has only a half hour or an hour of songs, the clubs will most likely will not be interested in booking the act. Different clubs have different needs, and some offer special nights of the week for open mikes, or showcases for unproved acts. Be sure to check the booking policy of every venue.
*Play often...It is good policy to not be too picky about where to play. As long as the act is out in the scene, and they get their name listed on radio station concert calendars, and print media calendars, the more resistant venues may be more friendly toward the act because the bookers check out their competition. If an artist is out there playing gigs, the bookers will eventually take notice of them. That is part of their job too.
*Promote the show yourself...Once a venue books an band or artist, they add them to their schedule and include them in their press releases, calendars, posters and flyers. This does not mean that an artist should leave the promotion of the concert to the venues. On the contrary, artists should notify their fans with a mailing notice, print up their own posters and flyers, and promote their shows in any creative way they can think of.
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Performance Contracts*The music business is very fond of contracts. The record, publishing, merchandising, and management sides of the industry are contract crazy. In the performance arena, there are indeed contracts, but in the beginning they are more of the handshake or verbal variety, then signed contracts. When an act gets more established, they can rest assured that the written contract will be around. This does not mean that a beginning act should not try to get something in writing.
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Typical starting scenarios...The verbal contract between a club and an artist may simply be an agreement that the artist will perform on a certain date, at a certain time, for an agreed upon length of time, with what specific other act, and how much will be paid. Many venues require some kind of written confirmation of a verbal agreement made over the phone. This is to the advantage of the artist anyway, so it is strongly recommended to invite the situation.
*What's in a contract...
As an act gets more established, the performer will probably stop booking their own shows, and a manager and/or booking agent will take over the task. At this time the artist's attorney may write up a Performance Contract with the following points to be negotiated:
*The name of the venue hiring the act.
The name of the artist.
The date, place, and time of the performance.
The price of the tickets.
The fee paid to the artist.
How the artist is to be paid (fee system).
The length of the performance.
The type of billing the artist gets for the show on the marquee.
The order of appearance (if other artists are on the bill).
Food and other refreshment considerations.
