10 Easy Steps: How to Rock a Gig!
Rockin’ out to Beyoncé in your shower? Wondering if you’ve got what it takes? Here are 10 easy steps to bring your talent to the world.
1. Choose a location: The first step in your success is singing in public for the first time. Think of the local venues you’ve heard of that host live bands or open-mic nights. Choose a place that you feel comfortable in. Typically, a coffee shop is a great place to perform if you are just starting off.
2. Book the Gig: Now that you’ve chosen your locale, it’s time to contact the owner or the event coordinator. You can use their email or phone number, but it’s always better to meet in person. Make sure to look presentable and enter with confidence. Let them know you’re interested in performing and tell them about any past performing experience. If it’s a yes, set up a time, date, and potential payment. When you are a new artist performing at a small venue like a coffee shop, you will most likely only receive a coffee/food item and tips.
3. Make a set list: Great! Now that you’ve got the gig, it’s time to make a set list. How many songs do you know? Make a list of 10 of your best songs. Can you play your own music? If so, great! If not, no worries. Call up a musical friend to help you out, or purchase some karaoke tracks off of iTunes.
4. Practice: This is the most important step. Make sure you practice! Go over each song, every day, until the show. If you’re well prepared, when you are in the moment (and most likely a little nervous), your vocals/instrument won’t let you down. Tim Snider, musical performer for fifty years and lead guitarist for Keltic Knot says, “Rehearsals usually last between two and three hours. We work out vocal and instrumental parts.” Take it from a pro: practice!
5. Advertise on social media: Now, tell all of your friends. Go on social media and let everyone know the date, time and venue so you can get a crowd. Another good promotional strategy says Snider, is to hang posters in strategic places in your local area.
6. Pick an outfit: Now, whatever your style is, find something you feel comfortable in and rock it.
7. Pack up: The night before your performance, pack up everything you need for the next night’s concert. Quick packing list: PA equipment (if you have it), instruments, lots of water, and a list of your songs.
8. Pre-Show Set-Up: If you have any fun, special, or quirky performing rituals, this is the time! Snider says, “I always stop and get a coke Zero.” When you arrive at the venue, if you have your own equipment, ask where to set-up and start assembling. If the venue has its own equipment, ask how their set-up works. It is also very important to arrive early so you have time to get set-up and settled. Don’t forget to do a sound check, too!
9. Jam!!!: Now it’s time for the best part! MUSIC! Show them what you’ve got!
10. Post-show Shout Out: The last and final step is to send out good vibes after the show. Thank your crowd for coming out and supporting. Then, that night or the next day, post on social media a big thank you to your audience, your venue, and maybe even add some pictures/videos.
Now you are ready to become a superstar! Can’t wait ‘til your album drops!
