How to Get Booked in Bars - How it REALLY works

[@throckmortensnivel2850]

Here's the way it usually works. You do exactly as suggested in this video, which is good advice, then you get a call from a bar to fill in a particular date, which you accept. Shortly after you hang up the phone, another bar calls with an invitation for the same date, which, being a person of integrity, you turn down, even if it is a better gig. Then, three days before you are to play the gig you booked, they call and tell you they double booked that gig, and sorry, but you're not needed. Or worse, you actually show up to play the gig and the other band is already set up. Which often leads bands to double book themselves, then take the gig they'd rather do, and call off the other (drummer died, or what-have-you for an excuse). Which leads to bar owners doing more double booking themselves, and so on. Every bar wants great bands to come and play, but they also all want other bars to be the proving grounds. One more thing. If you get a gig close to home, work your family, friends, and neighbors. Convince them they have to come out to hear you. Having a reasonably full house helps. Good luck! You'll need it.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Stuff like that happens, but usually because of poor communication. It's best to verify with the venue close to the date. Thanks!

[@ChrisHardyWorld]

Finally, some good advice! I always tell every venue I contact that I can do last-minute gigs and I've scored MANY gigs this way.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

That has been my experience, too. Thanks, Chris!

[@Fiddle_guy]

Oh yeah! "I can be there in X minutes!" Made me some cash. And you engraciate yourself because you saved their bacon.

[@tlb2732]

One of your videos appeared in my KZbin feed today. I watched it and every point you made was spot on. Then more of your videos started appearing. I found them all to be in line with my experiences as a performing musician for 43 years. Also, your content brought back many fond memories of so many wonderful experiences through the years and of what a wonderful, life long gift parents give their children when they foster and support an interest in live music. On your subject in this video, here are a few of my tips based on experience regarding how to get your band established gigging in clubs. I'm listing them in order of importance. 1. Have enough songs, well rehearsed, tight, and time verified, to fill the hours the club owner needs you to fill, plus 4 or 5 more songs. Musicians usually play faster when they're nervous and when the show goes well and they're having fun. Don't learn a dozen songs and think you can wing it by dragging out solos, repeating choruses, and talking between songs. You won't get repeat gigs doing that. And a gig is a show, not a practice session at a new location. 2. Be polite and efficient when introducing yourself for the first time. Don't waste the club owners time. Be confident in yourselves, but not cocky. Be prepared upon arrival with a good 2 minute cell phone recording consisting of 20 seconds worth of your best 6 songs of varying styles. Ask if it would be ok to email this file to the business to be listened to at the owner's convenience. And 2 minutes is enough to show him what he can expect. Let the owner know you are interested in any cancellation dates and have your contact information ready to pass on. And don't show up in pajamas or sweatpants and ask for a gig. You won't get one. Respect the integrity of the establishment you want to do business with. Look and act professional. 3. Be prepared to show up early to allow time for load in, setup, and for any problems or malfunctions that occur. They will occur. Start the show on time and in tune. Don't dally between songs and bore the audience. Engage the audience, get them involved, but keep the music coming. Arrange a number of your songs so that you can go out of one directly into the other without stopping. This is very effective at the start of each set. 4. Do your utmost to never cancel a gig. A fishing trip with friends on the same date you've already accepted a gig IS NOT an acceptable excuse to cancel. Cancel your first gig at a venue, you won't get another one. 5. Don't get drunk or high during the show. You'll be getting paid for a sober, professional performance, not an embarrassing sloppy mess. 6. Scout other accomplished bands and note the good and the not so good aspects of their gigs. Apply what you learn from them to make your band better. 7. Conduct yourself in such a way that club owners, other musicians, club customers, music store owners, sound technicians, and everyone else you come into contact with in your musical journey leaves with a positive impression of you and the belief that you can be trusted and relied upon. Do these things, and you will get bookings and repeat dates. You'll get off on a good footing. Good luck!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Great tips, Tony! Thanks so much!

[@aprildamski8365]

Great advice! Thank you very much!

[@kirkbolas4985]

I’ve been gigging off and on for about 40 years. Your advice is solid and I can verify this from my own experiences in playing everything from blue collar beer bars to high end nightclubs (the kind where they’ll let in one person and tell the next to take a hike…all based on their looks, how they’re dressed and how they conduct themselves at the entrance…btw, these gigs traditionally paid the best). The one thing that I was told by my mentor, back in the day, is that a band is a business and when there is any contact with the venue management, whether it’s the first introduction or relating to one’s band 50th gig at the venue, one must… •Conduct themselves professionally. •Be dressed appropriately (one’s stage getup is not necessarily appropriate but business casual attire is generally considered acceptable). •One must be well groomed, e.g., bathed, hair combed/brushed, clean shaven or facial hair neatly trimmed, etc. If the band rep is a woman, then the U&C grooming measures apply. • One must be sober. Trying to conduct business when one is heavily hung over, wreaking of alcohol or patchouli oil to cover up the smell of cannabis is not professional and will get one not receiving phone calls asking the band to play. •There should be one designated band member who is considered the “business/band manager” and all contacts, whether it be about negotiations, bookings/scheduling, various & sundry issues, etc. should be done through this band member. With all the bands that a venue deals with, it’s more productive if the venue representative only has to remember one name and face for one’s band.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks, Kirk!

[@steveparmley]

Standard good advice. Some places actually want full songs and not just your high points, making sure you really are good and didn't just get lucky with part of a song or two. So that goes back to your original point of being prepared! Thanks for the vid.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks, Steve!

[@confetti21]

This is exactly what happened with our band. Couldn't get a gig and then got a call at 3pm about a cancellation and we were on stage by 9pm. It wasn't our best due to the lack of time to prepare but I think we learned a lot from that expierience. Great advice!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks!

[@mohtmusic]

Forgot to mention they will book you on Mondays to see how you do and then slowly move you towards busy days.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

In Florida, Monday gigs are very uncommon, but your point is still valid. Thanks!

[@mohtmusic]

So what do you think the bar owners problem is? Why would he want to book me on mon. Actually he didn't even ask for live vid or any of my music . Just show up an play type of thing. @@theworkingmusician8842

[@theworkingmusician8842]

I guess it depends on the venue and how busy they are. I've seen that done often on Wednesdays when they might have "open mic" night.

[@dannyjamerson7158]

Its nice to get straight forward useful advice for a change...I have a 3 piece blue /rock outfit and our drummer does the bookings and is good at it.ive always had a hard time with it but hearing your advice gives me hope. Some day I may have to handle so I really enjoyed this video!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

I'm glad it was helpful. Booking your band doesn't need to be difficult, if you understand it from the venue's point of view. Thanks, Danny!

[@levicull626]

He’s back!!!! Yay!!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Yessir!

[@billdundas164]

I’ve been gigging for more than 40 years and I’ve tried all the things you’re suggesting in the past (strictly because I thought of them myself by trial and error). But I’ve never found a particular formula that works consistently. In my local area, almost every live music venue has a stable of regular musicians who depend on the income they earn strictly from music. So openings are few and far between and, at any given time, there are several times as many musicians trying to get booked as the number of available gigs.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

I can see how that can happen, if a particular locale is saturated with good musicians, but not many venues. That just means, if you want to keep gigging, you might have to spread out geographically or relocate. I know, easier said than done. But that might be the reality. Thanks, Bill!

[@johnhorning2506]

Great video, I appreciate your thoughts and experience and some of the comments from others.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks for watching, John, and have a great weekend!

[@stillwateracoustic]

this exact scenario is happening for me right now - pub just sent me a bunch of dates to select once per month in 2025 We filled in once a few months back when they had a cancelation. This is sound advice

[@theworkingmusician8842]

That's great! 😀

[@russellbreiter4142]

Thank you for this wonderful video. Where I live here in South Florida many of the venues now leave the booking to usually one of the musicians who plays there regularly or someone they know who knows the music community. It's difficult to get in unless you can get in contact with that person and become friendly. Been very challenging

[@theworkingmusician8842]

There are a few places like that here, too, where one of the venue's regular musicians coordinates all the live music. Like you said, be friendly, and then be available when they need you. Thanks, Russell!

[@1ShotMike]

Great information, straight to the point! Thanks.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thank you, Mike!

[@LionandGlenn]

This was so helpful. I have a saxophone quartet and I am so glad I saw this video so I would not have just tried to sell gigs

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Cool! I played alto sax in high school, and was in a quartet, too. :)

[@brettallgood6541]

The promo type video, that's what I'll take from this as something I learned. New Subscriber, I see this is older... I'm a student and a musician so these ideas are perfect for me to see. The opportunities to get going have me in the rehearsal daily, primarily a solo acoustic idea just to build content for an EPK and website. I'll have band ideas just because bands are what is still very popular. songwriters also take heed: originals aren't what most venues will even hire for. Networking with other musicians is the ticket however. In a digital age, computer skills will separate you from the herd.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks, Brett!

[@djfingersflores]

This was very helpful brother, thank you for the knowledge . BOOM !

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Have a great week!

[@mojoemurphy]

Just discovered your channel, good stuff!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thank you! I'm glad that you are here. 😀

[@GeraldSmallbear]

6:40 massively depends on location. I found this out the hard way after meticulously preparing my cover set only to be told by everyone, literally everyone, to do originals before they'd even heard the covers. And then lauded for doing so. There is zero market for covers where I currently live. People sneak them in at open mics but even that's frowned on. Because of this I've completely changed focus.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks, Gerald!

[@Chilajuana]

Awesome tutorial!!!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks, Jeff!

[@user-co4xl7wx3q]

This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you for the advice.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks for watching, and have a great week!

[@BookedAndBlessedWithHollie]

Great video with useful tips

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks, Hollie, and have a great week!

[@BruceLande]

New sub appreciating your insight. Saving ti to come back and watch in more detail. Have you on notification so will be back often, Keep posting.🤠😎👋👋👍🎸Always listening to the end.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks, Bruce!

[@eyeballroomer]

That’s crazy I did this exact thing earlier and this this pops up. I guess I came up with a g pod plan.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

That's KZbin for ya. Thanks!

[@ukulele-covergirl]

This was very helpful. I like the Montage idea. Thank you. ~ 🌺

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Have a great week!

[@ukulele-covergirl]

@@theworkingmusician8842 Thanks! You too! ~ 🌺

[@ninteyninenightmares1564]

Great advice! And you are right on the money.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks, and have a great weekend!

[@edwinwise6751]

I recently played a tourist driven tap room restaurant as a dance driven solo act . Been out of that world for years and was put off by playing for people were primarily there to eat and chat and a huge staff that were mostly hanging around . I felt like I was on the partridge family playing one their gigs . My advice, don’t go on till 9 or later otherwise it turns into dinner theater

[@theworkingmusician8842]

That's true. Dinnertime is dinnertime. Often, the venue wants you there as background music. The fun usually starts later. Thanks, Edwin!

[@aprildamski8365]

Thank you for this video! Very helpful and informative.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks, April!

[@ClassicJukeboxBand]

Please keep making videos, I have made a few myself. Good stuff! I just realized something... I have EXACTLY half as many subscribers as you do...as of this post, I have 445 and you have 890...my subscription put you at 890!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Will do, and thank you!

[@ClassicJukeboxBand]

@@theworkingmusician8842 I'm going to ask you some questions, so if you have the time, maybe you could comment.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Sure thing.

[@ClassicJukeboxBand]

@@theworkingmusician8842 BTW, thanks for this video. I'm going to try this and see how well it works. Also, for other ways of booking shows, which works best? Calling on the phone, going to see the bookers in person, email, getting to know people at the establishment or hanging out there? I was wondering in your experience Brian if these are good ideas, or not? Of course I'm doing everything to make our show professional and fun. Thanks, love the channel.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Keep in mind that the booking manager is busy running a bar or restaurant, so expecting him/her to stop and talk to you in detail about anything is unrealistic. Email is good for a first contact, as I described in the video. Phone calls are probably not so good. Hanging out in person can work, but don't pester them. Just mention that you're interested in playing there, and hand them your business card or other contact medium. Patience is key. Good luck!

[@CraigBostick]

Great info!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks, Craig!

[@Lincoln_the_official]

What about for djs in bars

[@theworkingmusician8842]

That would depend the types of venues in your town. Where I live, there aren't any bars that have revolving DJ's or large EDM dance halls. Most have live music, and if there is a DJ, he's a permanent fixture of the venue. It's probably very difficult to make much money as a bar DJ unless you can draw a crowd bigger than a live band or the bar manager's automated playlist. If you're looking to make more than an hourly wage at it, focus on doing weddings and events. 🙂

[@hydraulics]

We weasel our way in... its a struggle. Then we kill. We pack it. One night i counted 35 beer kegs going through the back door. Thats $6k in beer profit. We got $350. And they ghosted us and went back to the friend of the owners band that everyone is sick of. They suck and never practice

[@theworkingmusician8842]

The solution: Pack the house at their competition!

[@hydraulics]

@@theworkingmusician8842 ❤️

[@charlottecooper5434]

I love your videos!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Happy that you are here!

[@martinstojanovic2123]

Thanks for the video 👏👍. How would you promote the live music event as a bar owner?

[@fabriziogatti9369]

can i still play live gigs in bars if i'm still a minor?

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Typically no. But depending on your state laws, maybe if you are over 18, or if you are accompanied by your parent or guardian.

[@NikosKatsikanis]

subbed before even watching

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thank you, Nikos!

[@jeffkercheval4010]

Sound advice!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks, Jeff!

[@leftyweidner2258]

Great Video! I like your channel and the awesome ideas you're sharing. Hey. Here's a thought. If you're new and don't have a live video, consider playing a couple of open mics. Maybe bring a buddy to shoot videos?

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Yes. That's a great way to get a promo video, even if you just mount an iPhone near the stage. Thanks!

[@jeffcowhick]

Website looks great and I have much respect for you! I really love your original music Brian, stellar!! However, I was wondering how to promote myself and only promote my original music with licensing contracts for marketing and advertising videos, etc.? That's what I am trying to do and I haven't been able to make a dime. Playing out isn't good for me?

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Welcome to the vast ocean of musicians, all of whom are trying to do exactly the same thing online. If you're trying to make real money as an independent artist, then I think there two avenues. 1) You can play live shows. 2) You can build an online following for your original music. I think it is best to pursue both because they complement each other, but both require much time and effort. I will make more videos about this. Thanks, Jeff, and best of luck!

[@KiraPlaysGuitar]

Jeff I know there are libraries that you can upload your music too for use for advertising, film, etc., I haven't actually used any of these but they seem like the first place to start if you haven't already!

[@KiraPlaysGuitar]

But as far as I know, it's just a matter of uploading your music, and then hoping a potential client happens to stumble across it and decide they want it. *I don't actually know*

[@charlesgates4387]

Well, it hasn't changed much. I will say that there are bars that book week by week or month by month. Yep, covers are important but you can sneak some originals in there. Patrons love to participate and feel like they're part of the music. Also, if you can draw people to your show, owners will love you.

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

Ok, what if your following gets tired of hearing your songs? Even if you keep learning new songs, they get old quick to!! Now what???; it's like a majic show, they see all your tricks then they are ready to move on!!!!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Burnout is a thing. Spread out geographically. Find new venues make your gig rotation larger. Thanks, Rick!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks, Charles!

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

@@theworkingmusician8842 but what if they want weekly performance??? I been doing that lately, now what I do???

[@theworkingmusician8842]

I've done that, too, and it's a good problem to have. But unless you are in a tourist location where the audience is different every night, burnout will happen. The venue managers don't always realize that. Maybe do a limited run of several weeks, but then take break and do some other gigs.

[@Xxxxxrrr6464]

Big thanks

[@theworkingmusician8842]

You're welcome, and thank you!

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

Ive contacted dozens of bars and asked them if they are looking for new solo acts!! They never even ask for demo, i even offer it for donation/tips!! They never ever reply back, how they know im not better than what they have??

[@theworkingmusician8842]

You gotta keep at it. Many venues book up their calendar for the whole year in advance. But last-minute cancellations are common. Make yourself available, and eventually someone will need you. Thanks, Rick!

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

@@theworkingmusician8842 I played last week at tavern, customers requested me back, I played hour extra!! Got tips and owners never asked me back, I messaged them asking them to level with me if anything they didn't like,

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

@@theworkingmusician8842 I notice that alot of solo acts are not good,, poor vocals. I'm out sing foreigner and Styx and it's a higher level of singing, yet they book these other artists that are just one dimension in their vocal, I don't get it man, really don't,

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Impressive singing ability is only one factor. Song choice and the overall sound are most important. And an entertaining personality can make a big difference, especially in smaller venues where solo acts are common.

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

@@theworkingmusician8842 they don't seem to be that entertaining in personality, they just stay in one spot, and say few clishays things like how's everyone doing tonight yada yada

[@sidewaysrain7609]

Not a bar back in any establishment does the booking for entertainment! And be confident and assured ask if they have any openings in their band schedule don't ask to be filled in if someone cancels. Always put yourself first if someone cancels they will call you. And don't under charge!

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Good points. Usually, when they do call, we'll play the first time for whatever the venue offers. But, when they ask us back again, that's when we start charging OUR rate. Thanks!

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

Put together a video for them? What if they don't like that song or style??? Even if you killed it youll not get the gig!! So, what song do you send them???

[@TheOrigamiPeople]

I was just thinking of that myself and I have decided to do a medley….i.e. just a verse of a song and its chorus ,immediately go to another song ….have a list do about 10 bits of songs and that’s your video….no overdubs.Montage it’s called….the guy mentions it in the middle of his podcasts.

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

@@TheOrigamiPeople what if they don't care for the 10 songs? Even if you nail them??

[@theworkingmusician8842]

If you want to play in bars, I would suggest going to see some live acts in those same bars. That will give you an idea of what types of songs get the best crowd response. Best of luck, Rick!

[@juniordunkley2751]

Play in a bar man a play on Street yeah

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Thanks, Junior!

[@GardensoftheAncientsHerbal]

My issue is not me understanding this it’s the people I work with…..

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Getting everyone on the same page is one of the biggest challenges. But, if someone isn't happy with your efforts to get the band booked, they can always try it their way. Best of luck, Nate!

[@ljrock3877]

The term "good' musician does not apply to performing in bars.... Take a musician who is actually good, and actually CAN play....like Joe Satriani for example... If you send a bar clips of you playing Joe Satriani covers, which are awesome instrumental rock guitar, you won't be allowed to play there.... They will much rather put on an average vocalist doing stuff like Achy Breaky Heart for their clients to sing with and dance to......than put on a brilliant, master instrument player.... At least that is how it is where I am in South Africa.... Is it maybe different in USA?.... Less cliquey perhaps?

[@theworkingmusician8842]

People go to ticketed concerts to see great musicians like Joe Satriani. People go to bars to hang out with their friends, not necessarily to be wowed by musical virtuosity. But they do like live music. Thanks, LJ!

[@tomblaze2]

Korg Triton Crew

[@theworkingmusician8842]

The LE version. 😁

[@johngiovanni]

9:27 minutes to say “message them”

[@theworkingmusician8842]

You may have missed the main point, but thanks for your input, John.

[@undercrackers56]

Come over to the United Kingdom and put your ideas to the test.

[@theworkingmusician8842]

Already confirmed by other UK musicians. Thanks!

[@NikosKatsikanis]

@@theworkingmusician8842 starting to cold call on pub doors last week, no hits =yet