Advice on organising gigs?

xLizardx · 08-25-2014, 06:16 PM

Hello, unfortunately my band has had to say goodbye to our other vocalist, due to some unacceptable behaviour on his part.

However, he was the person in our group who covered all of the organisational side of things. With him gone, I'm going to be assuming this role, however, whilst I have played at, and attended plenty of gigs before, I've never actually arranged any myself.

Therefore, I was wondering if there are any general tips and advice that any of you fine folk could give me, and also whether there's a list of terminology that it would be useful to learn [terms like load-in time, backline, etc].

I've had a bit of a look on google already of course, but a lot of the information seems to be quite non-specific, and more oriented towards people who are looking to become career event-promotors, as opposed to band members themselves.

I'm based in Britain, so things like colloquialisms and also any necessary permits/ legal considerations should be applicable to the UK.

I'd greatly appreciate any help or suggestions that you guys could provide!

Thanks for reading.

-Liz

xLizardx · 08-29-2014, 05:11 AM

Anyone? O.o

Plankton · 08-29-2014, 09:02 AM

I've only played gigs through promoters here in the U.S., but I do know that they usually fill out a contract similar to this:

https://www.docracy.com/5972/band-performance-contract

As far as promotion, create flyers, band logo's and such, and set something up on facebk, or other social media.

Terminology:

Load-In - Loading the equipment into the venue.
Load-Out - Unloading the equipment to your transportation.
Sound Tech - The person who will be in charge of the venues PA system (get to know, and be nice to this person).
The Door - All income collected for the "Cover Charge" (may not apply).

Basic tip: If you are mic'ing everyone to a PA, then make sure the drummer gets his own monitor, and similarly if you aren't mic'ing, and have no PA system (which would be the worst case scenario), then put all amps behind, or near the drummer. Just make sure the drummer can hear everything, and things should be tight. I've seen things fall apart real quick because the amplification was in front of the drummer, and the drummer couldn't hear anything but himself.

That's all can think of right now. Happy jammin!

Junction City · 09-01-2014, 12:11 PM

Get the entire band on the same page. Talk about procedure and expectations at rehearsal and make sure everyone not only has a job, but knows their job. Nothing causes friction in a band more than a couple people doing all of the hard work...

Moss · 09-01-2014, 04:07 PM

I play tons of gigs here in Colorado. Best way I have found is to show up at the place, introduce yourself to whoever books the shows. Drink some beer, chat a bit. Usually works well.

08-25-2014, 06:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
xLizardx Music Addict Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: UK Posts: 71	Advice on organising gigs? Hello, unfortunately my band has had to say goodbye to our other vocalist, due to some unacceptable behaviour on his part. However, he was the person in our group who covered all of the organisational side of things. With him gone, I'm going to be assuming this role, however, whilst I have played at, and attended plenty of gigs before, I've never actually arranged any myself. Therefore, I was wondering if there are any general tips and advice that any of you fine folk could give me, and also whether there's a list of terminology that it would be useful to learn [terms like load-in time, backline, etc]. I've had a bit of a look on google already of course, but a lot of the information seems to be quite non-specific, and more oriented towards people who are looking to become career event-promotors, as opposed to band members themselves. I'm based in Britain, so things like colloquialisms and also any necessary permits/ legal considerations should be applicable to the UK. I'd greatly appreciate any help or suggestions that you guys could provide! Thanks for reading. -Liz

08-29-2014, 09:02 AM	#3 (permalink)
Plankton Just Keep Swimming... Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: See signature... Posts: 7,766	I've only played gigs through promoters here in the U.S., but I do know that they usually fill out a contract similar to this: https://www.docracy.com/5972/band-performance-contract As far as promotion, create flyers, band logo's and such, and set something up on facebk, or other social media. Terminology: Load-In - Loading the equipment into the venue. Load-Out - Unloading the equipment to your transportation. Sound Tech - The person who will be in charge of the venues PA system (get to know, and be nice to this person). The Door - All income collected for the "Cover Charge" (may not apply). Basic tip: If you are mic'ing everyone to a PA, then make sure the drummer gets his own monitor, and similarly if you aren't mic'ing, and have no PA system (which would be the worst case scenario), then put all amps behind, or near the drummer. Just make sure the drummer can hear everything, and things should be tight. I've seen things fall apart real quick because the amplification was in front of the drummer, and the drummer couldn't hear anything but himself. That's all can think of right now. Happy jammin! __________________ See location...

08-29-2014, 05:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
xLizardx Music Addict Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: UK Posts: 71	Anyone? O.o

09-01-2014, 12:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
Junction City Groupie Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 3	Get the entire band on the same page. Talk about procedure and expectations at rehearsal and make sure everyone not only has a job, but knows their job. Nothing causes friction in a band more than a couple people doing all of the hard work...

09-01-2014, 04:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
Moss Scuttle Buttin' Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boulder Colorado Posts: 972	I play tons of gigs here in Colorado. Best way I have found is to show up at the place, introduce yourself to whoever books the shows. Drink some beer, chat a bit. Usually works well.