How to get concerts as a musician: 5 tips for finding live performance opportunities
Booking concerts can seem challenging at the start of your music career, but with the right strategy, you can begin to get noticed and find live performance opportunities. Many emerging artists find themselves stuck in a vicious circle: they need an audience to get concerts, but to get an audience, they need concerts. However, overcoming this obstacle is possible with effective planning and knowledge of the right channels. Here are 5 practical tips to help you find concerts and grow your music career.
1. Prepare to Perform Live: Practice and Create an Engaging Set
If you want your concerts to be a success, you need to be ready to deliver a flawless performance. Start by preparing a set that makes you feel confident and ready to step on stage. Spend time perfecting your musical skills, stage presence, and ability to engage with the audience. Remember, the audience is paying to see your performance, so make sure it’s memorable. Your look, stage setup, and audience interaction are all crucial elements. Also, avoid playing for free unless it's for a charity event. Make sure you are paid for your work.
2. Start Looking for Local Concerts: Perform at Small Venues and Build Your Network
Don’t expect to sell out big venues at the beginning of your career. Start with smaller venues where you can test your live performance. Play at local bars, small concert halls, or open mic nights in your city. This will allow you to gain experience, get feedback from the audience, and see which songs work best. Also, interact with other local bands and artists to create networking opportunities. Joint concerts with other artists are a great way to expand your audience.
3. Build a Strong Social Media Presence: Grow Your Audience Online
Today, social media is essential for promoting your music and attracting the attention of promoters and venues. Create an active presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where you can share your performances, concert dates, and upcoming projects. Booker agents look for artists with a solid fan base, so use your social media to show that you have a following that will come to your live shows. Also, interact with your followers and other artists to build a supportive network that helps you grow.
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4. Contact Venue Owners and Promoters: Present Your Project Professionally
Once you have a solid performance, it’s time to start contacting venues and event promoters. Research venues that might suit your musical style and reach out to them with a clear and concise proposal. Personalize each message and show genuine interest in the venue. Provide useful details like the length of your set, equipment needed, and your availability. It’s also essential to have an electronic press kit with information about your band, professional photos, and a promotional video. Don’t forget to follow up on communications and visit the venues in person when possible.
Read also How to Create the Perfect Electronic Press Kit (EPK) for Musicians
5. Use Musician Networking Platforms: Expand Your Performance Opportunities
Musician networking platforms are a powerful tool for finding concerts. Websites like Matchfy, Linkaband and LiveTonight allow you to connect with other artists, promoters, and event organizers. These platforms also offer the chance to post your announcement to find concerts, or even get involved in private events, which are often well-paid. Additionally, you can find opening act opportunities to perform alongside established bands, further expanding your audience.
Conclusion
Finding concerts as a musician requires dedication, strategy, and a bit of patience. The key is to start with smaller opportunities, build your online presence and professionalism, and keep looking for new opportunities through the right channels. Platforms like Matchfy can be a great resource for connecting with event organizers and promoting your music. With time, hard work, and the right connections, concerts will become more frequent, and your music career will take off.