Category: Misc.

An Arizona Band’s Guide to Booking Shows at Clubs in & Around Phoenix

By michaelgavin
updated 5 months ago

Making it in the music industry is a feat that is surely second-to-none in today’s topsy turvy world. While this does not necessarily mean that you can not make it, or that there is no hope, it does mean that you have to hit the ground running with full force and keep your chin up high. It means that you will experience plenty of let down that will coincide with your successes. But for the avid protagonist there are ways to get that band of yours booked at so many different venues you might find yourself wondering, “Am I ever going to get a weekend off without playing a show?” I have successfully managed and booked hundreds of shows for different bands, and thrown them too. Here is the formula I have always used, and it works to perfection. If you are seeking to get your band booked at clubs in Phoenix, this guide will tell everything that you ever needed to know.

Step One: Shoot Some Photos

The first thing that you will need to do if you are to get booked for shows and spread the word about your band is to create some photos so you can adequately demonstrate your image and marketing appeal. You can usually do this yourself for free if you have a decent camera, or you can find photographers that will shoot nice photos for pretty cheap, it’s your choice. You will need these photos for your website and MySpace page and they are essential to you getting your band booked.

Step Three: Create MySpace Page & Network

This is absolutely essential to you getting your band booked. Since many newer bands lack the resources to get a website up due to the immense cost, you can make your own website of sorts on MySpace and it is totally free. Make sure to add your photos and your demo tracks. Take the time to write up a good bio that expresses what your vision is as a band, a brief history and where you are trying to take your music. Always make sure that you reference the MySpace URL when you are posting ads online seeking to get booked for shows.

Step Five: Post Free Online Ads & Respond to Posted Ads

This is a very important part of you getting your band booked for shows in Phoenix. Use the links provided under “Free Promotional Websites” which offer all of the very best free online classifieds. Next post ads that you are seeking shows and make sure to include your MySpace URL, some images and your contact information as well as some brief information about your band. You will want to post in these sites roughly once per week. Trust me this formula works to perfection. Be patient, and wait for the responses to come rolling in, they will after a short while.

Step Two: Record Demo Tracks

This is the hard part for most bands because many are operating on a shoestring budget. However, this does not mean that it can not be done. You can buy some cheap microphones and use digital recording gear to crank out a free demo, or you can book studio time at a local studio and you can all chip in to pay for it. Find a studio that offers package deals on demos (Phase Four Studios under “Musician Resources & Sites” offers these.) You can also scan online ads (see “Free Promotional Websites”) to find studios that offer great rates and packages. Typically a $250-400 budget will do the trick; that’s about $50-100 per member.

Step Four: Research & Contact Venues

This step is critical in you getting booked at any venue, period. I have included some of the best venues in the Phoenix area (see “Great Phoenix Venues to Contact”) so that you can easily know who to contact and how to contact them, and where they are located. All of the venues that I have included are venues that I have played on numerous occasions. They are very open to booking new bands, and typically they will give you a decent time slot. They do expect a draw so be honest. If you only bring 20 people let them know. They may decide to put you on an early slot, but you are just starting out. You will have to make some compromises to get things rolling for your band.

Step Six: Drop off Demos at Venues & Network

When trying to get booked at venues in Phoenix you have to take a more hands-on aggressive approach. Sometimes this means that you must personally network with the live music venues themselves. Create a few copies of your demo and make sure that they have all of the contact information included with them; a business card will do wonders. Now use my “Great Phoenix Venues to Contact” and personally head to each venue and ask for the manager. Let them know who you are and what you are trying to do. Always be very social and nice, even if they are not. Give them your demo and let them know you are very interested in booking shows at their venue.

Step Seven: Follow Through

Once you have contacted the venues, dropped off demos and responded to ads, allow about a week to pass before you follow through. This entails calling back all of the clubs that you previously contacted to see if they have any show openings. Even if they have not gotten back to you yet, it does not mean that they do not want to book your band. Clubs are busy and things can tend to get put aside and forgotten about. Do not take it to heart. Rather, be persistent and fearless but nice at the same time. Keep calling around, you might be surprised at how many places actually end up booking a show for your band.

Step Eight: Keep Hammering Away

Finally, persistence equals your ultimate success. Do some research and find as many clubs as you can. Keep following this formula. It may take some time to really start working for your band. The end result however will be a full event roster and a way for you to start getting your music out for the world to hear. After that the rest is up to you guys. Again, stay focused, keep trying, hammer away till the hammer is about to break. Do this and you will always have plenty of shows to play.