gigs
How to Book More Gigs as an Indie Artist in 2024
Booking gigs as an indie artist can feel like a full-time hustle. You send emails, make calls, hit up venues on social media, and sometimes… crickets. The landscape has changed a lot, but the good news is that indie artists have more tools and opportunities than ever before to land gigs and grow their live performance schedules. The key is to get smart about your strategy, build relationships, and understand what venues (and fans) are looking for.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into how to book more gigs in 2024, whether you're looking to play local shows, hit the road for a tour, or land festival slots. We’ll cover everything from networking and pitching to building a strong online presence and leveraging your current fanbase. Let’s get started.
Why Gigs Matter for Indie Artists
Before we jump into the strategies, it’s important to remember why playing live is so crucial for indie artists:
- Fan Connection: Gigs are where you get to connect with your audience in a way that streaming can’t replicate. It’s your chance to create unforgettable experiences and build a loyal following.
- Income Source: With streaming revenue often being small for indie artists, gigs are one of the best ways to make money. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to sell merch.
- Exposure: Playing live is one of the best ways to get your name out there. Even small gigs can lead to bigger opportunities through word-of-mouth or networking with other artists and industry pros.
Now that we’ve got the why down, let’s dive into how you can book more gigs in 2024.
1. Build Relationships with Venues and Promoters
Booking gigs starts with relationships. Venues and promoters often get bombarded with requests from artists, so standing out can be tough. But if you can build genuine, long-term relationships, you’ll find that doors will open more easily.
Here’s how to get started:
- Be a Regular at Local Venues: If you want to play at a venue, start by supporting it. Attend shows, meet the staff, and get to know the booking agents. Introduce yourself as an artist but don’t make the hard sell right away. Be a familiar face, and when the time comes to pitch yourself, they’ll already know who you are.
- Network with Other Bands: One of the easiest ways to book more gigs is by connecting with other local bands. Offer to open for them, or propose a gig swap where you support them at one of their shows and they do the same for you. Opening for bands with bigger followings can help you reach new fans and gain credibility.
- Connect with Promoters and Booking Agents: Promoters are key players in the gig ecosystem. Follow them on social media, attend events they organize, and engage with their posts. When you’re ready to pitch yourself, they’ll already be familiar with you.
Pro Tip: Always be respectful of the venue or promoter’s time. Make sure you follow their booking guidelines, and if they ask you to wait or send more information later, do so without being pushy.
2. Perfect Your Pitch
When you’re reaching out to venues or promoters, your pitch can make or break your chances of landing a gig. A good pitch is short, professional, and highlights why you are a great fit for their event or venue.
Here’s how to craft the perfect pitch:
- Personalize It: Venues and promoters can spot a copy-paste email a mile away. Always address your email to the right person, mention the specific venue or event, and show that you’ve done your homework.
- Include a Strong Introduction: Your first sentence should quickly introduce who you are, the style of music you play, and why you’re reaching out. Example: “Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name], a [genre] artist based in [city]. I’m reaching out because I think my music would be a great fit for [venue or event] and I’d love to perform there.”
- Share Your Highlights: Include a brief section on your experience—mention notable past gigs, your fanbase size, or any achievements (like releases, press, or collaborations). Don’t go overboard with details, but give them a reason to pay attention to you.
- Link to Your Music: Make it easy for the person reading your email to listen to your music. Include links to your Spotify, SoundCloud, or YouTube, as well as any live performance videos if you have them. A short, well-edited live video can often be the deciding factor for whether you get the gig.
- Provide a Call-to-Action: End your email with a clear call-to-action. Example: “I’d love to discuss any available dates you have coming up and how we can make this work. Looking forward to hearing from you!”
3. Build Your Online Presence
These days, a strong online presence is often just as important as your live performance skills when it comes to booking gigs. Venues and promoters want to see that you have a growing fanbase, active engagement, and a professional image.
Here’s how to enhance your online presence:
- Social Media: Stay active on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Share videos of your performances, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on your gigs. Venues will check your social media to see how you engage with fans and how you promote your shows.
- Your Website: A professional website is essential for showcasing your music and experience. Include a gig page that lists all your upcoming shows, a bio, and an EPK (Electronic Press Kit) that makes it easy for venues and promoters to learn about you.
- EPK (Electronic Press Kit): Your EPK is your online resume. Include high-quality photos, a bio, links to your music, and live performance videos. It should also feature any press coverage, reviews, or testimonials you’ve received from past performances.
- Live Performance Videos: A live video can give promoters a sense of what you’re like on stage. If you don’t have any yet, get some footage from your next gig—even if it’s a small show. These videos can be the tipping point in getting booked.
4. Tap Into the Power of Fan Engagement
Your fanbase is your biggest asset when it comes to booking gigs. Venues want to know that you can bring in a crowd, and nothing proves that better than your fan engagement.
Here’s how to leverage your fans to book more shows:
- Grow Your Email List: While social media is great, email lists give you a more direct line to your fans. Use your email list to announce shows, promote ticket sales, and encourage fans to share your gigs with friends.
- Encourage Fans to Request You: Some venues and festivals pay attention to fan requests when deciding which artists to book. Encourage your fans to tag venues in your posts or message the venue to let them know they want to see you perform.
- Build Hype for Every Gig: Promote every show like it’s the biggest one of your life. Create countdowns, post flyers, make stories, and tag the venue. If you can demonstrate that you know how to promote a show and get fans excited, venues will be more likely to book you again (and again).
5. Play Open Mics, Showcases, and Support Slots
If you’re just starting out or trying to break into a new scene, sometimes the best way to get gigs is by playing open mics, showcases, or support slots. These gigs may not pay much (or at all), but they can lead to bigger opportunities down the line.
- Open Mics: These are great for networking and getting a foot in the door with local venues. Play a few open mics, impress the venue, and then approach the booker about landing a full gig.
- Showcases: Industry showcases often feature several artists and can be a great way to get noticed by promoters, agents, and managers. If you’re trying to break into bigger markets, these can be valuable stepping stones.
- Support Slots: Reach out to local or regional bands who are a few steps ahead of you and offer to open for them. Support slots allow you to play in front of bigger crowds and connect with fans who might not know you yet.
6. Get Creative with Your Gigs
Think beyond traditional venues. The more creative you get with your gig ideas, the more opportunities you’ll find to perform.
Here are some non-traditional gig ideas:
- House Concerts: These intimate shows can be a great way to connect with fans on a personal level. Plus, they often pay better than bar gigs because fans are directly supporting you.
- Pop-Up Performances: Consider playing in unusual places—think art galleries, coffee shops, record stores, or even busking in high-traffic areas. These gigs can draw attention and help you stand out from the crowd.
- Private Events: Playing at weddings, corporate events, or private parties might not sound rock ‘n’ roll, but they can be lucrative and help you reach new audiences.
- Festivals: Apply to play at local and regional festivals. Even smaller festivals can be great exposure and lead to networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Final Thoughts: Booking More Gigs in 2024
Booking gigs as an indie artist takes a mix of persistence, networking, and savvy self-promotion. The more relationships you build, the more professional
