Band Websites, Agents, And Managers

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Get your Band Out of the Garage and Into a Gig

Part III: Band Websites, Booking Agents, Managers, and Sound Technicians

Website promotion can be a valuable tool for your band or act. If your band is serious about playing gigs and shows and does not have a website, it may be time to get one started. Many local internet providers offer free web space with some of their email packages. Many people have free web space under their email plan and don’t even know about it. Also, if your web savvy, try building a website with Microsoft Front Page (Discontinued, but Microsoft now supports Expression Web) or Dreamweaver. They are fairly simple to use and the website design themes are great for start up and established bands alike. Some DIY web templates are available from I3d Themes (see links below). If you website savvy these templates are professional looking and have great video instructions. I3D has great customer service for any questions on their templates. We use I3D for all of our websites including this one. You may have to purchase server space from a provider to build a website. Shop around for a good price on the internet.

Host your Web site with IPOWER! They have great rates and website creation tools built into the price of your server. Once you have your website, add your URL web address to local band website listings. Do an internet search in your city for keywords like bands, band websites, band listings, or any specific keywords to your band. Email the site and have your URL web address added. Email any concert calendars or events calendars in your area to have you show dates added. You would be surprised at what you’ll find in your area.

Sometimes band members are musicians and nothing more. If that’s the case in your band, try looking for a band manager. Many times someone you know, like a parent or friend, may take an interest in your project. See if they would be interested in booking your band. A lot of time a parent or someone close to the band will help out for free. If your not so lucky, try looking for a manager who has contacts in the industry. Make sure this person knows the direction of your band and does not get to meddlesome or cause problems in your music project. Try these steps before approaching someone who expects a percentage of your band rewards.

Booking agents can be another valuable resource to get your band some gigs. Most booking agents charge a fee for there service, so be aware of that. Fees can range from 10% or more. Do some research on the internet or local yellow pages to find booking agents in your area. Look up Entertainment Bureaus in your phone book. Also, you may want to check the Better Business Bureau website www.bbb.gov to make sure the booking company is reputable. Sometimes it can be difficult to get more popular booking agents to deal with new talent, so shop around and see if they will deal with your band.

As your act becomes more established you may need the services of a sound technician. Many venues have their own PA or sound systems and may charge for the use of this service. Find this information out ahead of time. Other times you will have to bring your own sound system or hire someone to bring their equipment and run sound. Be aware that running sound can be expensive. So, if there is a way to run sound in house it may be a good idea to try that first. Remember, a good sound guy can mean the difference between a good and bad performance. Your band could play a great gig, but if the audience is hearing feedback through the performance, the show could be very difficult for the audience to stay or enjoy. Please make sure to do a good quality sound check before every performance.

Once your band gets out and plays live gigs all the work involved will be worth it. The band will see where is stands rather quickly and the members can adjust as time goes along. It’s not always easy to get out of the starting blocks in the music business, but with hard work and persistence your band can get out of the garage and into a gig.

For more information on how to get gigs, press kit and demo tips, band resources, and website promotion visit the Media Web Source website at http://www.mediawebsource.com. This site is a valuable resource for start up and established bands everywhere.

Article written by:

Media Web Source
http://www.mediawebsource.com