7 Reasons You’re Not Getting The Music Gigs You Want

? 2022 Vinny Ribas

You may have a world of talent, but are still not getting any great gigs. If that sounds familiar, here are some of the reasons that might be happening:

1. You have poor marketing materials - Your website, pictures, EPK and other marketing materials should immediately make a buyer think, 'I have GOT to hire these guys!’? If it doesn’t, other artists chasing the same gigs will outshine you every time.?
2. You have promo video challenges - You have a either no promo video or bad one. Having a video that 1) doesn't show what you live show looks like, or 2) shows you in a different venue than you’re pursuing are critical mistakes. Your promo video(s) should be professional-looking, have good sound, be recorded live if possible showing the crowd reaction, show you in the kind of venues you’re pursuing, show a bit of your banter between songs and have your contact information on it.
3. You’re pursuing the wrong gigs - Most artist fail at booking because they are chasing the wrong gigs. For example, if you don’t have a following, only pursue gigs where they already have a packed room and just need a great entertainer.?If you shine in an intimate setting but not in a larger venue, stick with the smaller gigs.
4. You’re charging the wrong amount - ?Venue’s don’t want to waste their time or energy talking to? artists who are not informed and/or realistic in their pricing. It’s critical that you do your homework to know what each venue’s pay range is.
5. Weak sales approach - Booking is sales. If you’re not good at sales, including negotiating and closing, you’re going to lose out. It wouldn’t hurt to learn some basic sales techniques.
6. Bad reputation - If you have a reputation for showing up late, being difficult to work with, not being tight etc., you are not going to get the premium gigs. Word travels fast and venue owners & managers talk to each other. Be sure to get quotes or references from the venues you do well in, and avoid any kind of negative situation that will reflect poorly on you.
7. You’re not asking - If you’re not making enough phone calls and sending enough EPKs out, you’ll never fill your calendar. Sales is a numbers game. It may take 10 calls (including follow-ups) to book one great gig. So if you want or need 8 every month, you may need to make 80 calls.??

It’s true there are far more acts than there are available opportunities. But they are not all extremely high quality. Remember, every venue needs and is constantly looking for great entertainment. That means that, to be successful, you must find a way to get their attention and then stand out as a ‘must hire’.