Tips and Suggestions For Getting Solo Acoustic Gigs

In this video I will share tips and suggestions for getting solo acoustic gigs. It can be hard to get your acoustic solo career off the ground when you are not known in the community. This video will give you some practical an actionable things to do to get you gigging and making money as a solo acoustic act!
00:00 Intro
00:19 Why Solo Gigs Are So Great
00:55 My Career As A Solo Musician
01:30 The Challenge
02:30 Your Brand/Niche
03:35 Open Mics and Opportunity
04:45 Be Courteous
05:30 Music Venues In General
05:58 Amass Video Material of Yourself
07:10 Family and Friends Events
07:35 Video and Social Media
08:13 Downside of Sending Unsolicited Emails
09:15 Have Promo Materials with You
09:41 Charity/Community Events
10:40 Go Live
11:26 Online Professional Services
13:25 Conclusion

[@Santaheckler]

When you get to a certain level, consider getting a booking agent or two. Be ready to play 100-200(+) gigs a year! Totally worth it.

[@FrankPersico]

Great advice. Thank you

[@RonBaker456]

Just discovered you today, Frank. Thanks for taking the time. As a fellow solo acoustic guy I absolutely hate marketing myself. It is the hardest part for me. What normal person brags on themselves and doesn't cringe a little. LOL Thanks again and keep on rockin.

[@FrankPersico]

I was the same way. But think of it as a business and try to separate yourself from “yourself” lol. You don’t have to brag necessarily but know what you bring to the table and don’t be shy about making relationships and offering up your service:)

[@gene-b]

Excellent advice, Dude... Very helpful. Thanks for your time and trouble putting that together.

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure!

[@FASFatherandSon]

Such great advice

[@FrankPersico]

Hope it helps you!

[@aprildamski8365]

Thank you for this information. Very helpful!

[@FrankPersico]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billyr1]

Great insight, thank you! I am in the process of building up my catalogue of music and I can 't wait to start gigging. Thank you for this video!

[@FrankPersico]

dude thats awesome.. Good for you. I wish you the best.

[@leannbarker2051]

Thank you so much. You advice is helpful.

[@FrankPersico]

You are so welcome!

[@donmcelohiney8112]

thank you, this a great video with a lot of helpful information. I learned a lot.

[@FrankPersico]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment :)

[@Patrick-ryan-collins]

I really appreciate what you say about some of those volunteer gigs especially the types of volunteer gigs you mentioned❤

[@FrankPersico]

I'm so glad!

[@kelly2558]

Frank, I really appreciate the suggestions and advice. I’m planning out moving forward with a solo vocal/ acoustic career and I’m getting to know a couple open mic venues as well as regular performers and I’m feeling more comfortable every time. This video is just what I needed to encounter at this point in time. Thank you for sharing such integral information and your philosophy on doing it right for the right reasons. I’m looking forward to future video.

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure:) good luck to you

[@johnsnow9232]

Excellent video

[@FrankPersico]

Thank you

[@jamesleigh900]

Great advice

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much

[@paulgeorgia8013]

Hi Frank, I’m new to the channel, but I want to thank you for all of the excellent information about solo gigging. I spent most of my life as a drummer, but recently decided to embark on a solo acoustic path up here in Connecticut. Your advice is really helpful

[@FrankPersico]

That’s great to hear and I appreciate it. Thanks for commenting

[@billregan1981]

I like your thoughts about putting your music and good vibes out there. What goes around comes around,..it’s not always about gettin paid.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the comment. I agree. When it comes time to do your work you have to keep it positive

[@jameswilcox763]

Thanks Frank for all the great advice. My wife and I perform as a duo in Florida and are having a blast. Modeling what you suggest has kept us happily busy. I laugh as some of your advice because it’s so true, yet not necessarily so commonly followed! Cheers

[@FrankPersico]

Rock on! Thanks for commenting. Hope you continue to be busy!!

[@nomandad2000]

Great advice, all of it! Subscribed. Keep it up! Suggestions for future vids I would enjoy hearing your take on: -dialing in your sound (where and how in the signal chain do you EQ? How to adjust EQ settings to different rooms, etc) -How to increase tips -Choosing your material -How to make your acoustic guitar sound great -how to embellish songs without just playing first position cowboy chords Rock on!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the post... i will keep those subjects in mind for future vids. definitely have a look around my channel as i have touched on some of those on some level in other vids. have a great day!

[@nomandad2000]

@@FrankPersicowow, I did check it out! Indeed you do! Cool channel, thank you

[@barryflemingmusic]

I really appreciate your thoughts, they've come at a good time for me. I've been frequenting an open mic and getting to know the staff and some of the other performancers, and it's been a great experience for me. My wonderful wife has been videoing my sets. I don't know for sure what the future holds, but it might be gigs. For now I'm having a blast!

[@FrankPersico]

I’m very happy to hear that! It is great to be part of a musical community. One of the open mic spots that I used to go to has shut down and I do miss it. I wish you the best I hope some of my content helps

[@russellbreiter4142]

I love your videos. I keep watching them. They are great. I have a question for you. Do you use Vocal harmonizes or backing tracks. Thank you so much.

[@FrankPersico]

Cool I’m glad you like them. Feel free to share the links. I personally do not currently use one but I have thought about it. The only pedal I use at every gig is my ditto x4.

[@russellbreiter4142]

@@FrankPersico thank you so much. The harmonize it does work well but there’s been some negative comments about it so I’m checking to see what I did. Thank you so much.

[@richardsilvester8245]

Nursing homes are great places to gig - I do it everyday! For the last 10 years the rock n roll stuff from fifties to seventies is as well received as it is in the pubs - not the case when I started out. Great channel by the way, glad I stumbled on it - just subscribed :)

[@FrankPersico]

Very interesting to see how the people in the nursing homes aren’t listening to music that’s too old any more lol: Does that mean we are getting older!?!? ;)

[@allengoyne]

I play nursing homes too, with my wife. We do a lot of Everly Brothers songs, and covers from the 60s that were influenced by them. Mama's and Papas, Simon & Garfunkel etc all looked to the boys. And the seniors were listening to these songs back when they were making their life memories of having kids, marriage, jobs all the things that need to be reminded of as memory fails. Music brings memories back. I see it all the time. It's beautiful work.

[@RussellSturgill-hs7qm]

First glance...thought you were a bizarre mixture of mr. Rogers, and Chet Atkins...but you have good advice....Good man!

[@FrankPersico]

That’s hysterical.

[@vishaldarnal4235]

I am a solo artist myself from India...got through your videos..they are really helpful and inspiring .. Keep up the good work bro👍

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much. Best of luck to you

[@vishaldarnal4235]

@@FrankPersico Thanks 🙏

[@JosephCaravellaJr]

He speaks truth

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks brotha

[@chrisgoodenough1374]

Open mics are a great way to get used to playing in front of a live audience. One drawback is that anything goes as far as level of talent yet the reception and applause is often very generous. there are plenty of people who can’t carry a tune, but think they are awesome based on the reaction of the audience. What baffles me is even after watching their own videos they are booking gigs.

[@FrankPersico]

Very true. Thanks for the input

[@coolramone]

👍👍

[@FrankPersico]

Right back at ya👍😎

[@jacobsmithjr]

Been doing it for over 20 years. For 10 years I did it 5 to 6 nights a week. Gigmaster and Gig salad is good if you're just starting out.

[@FrankPersico]

I’ve been a long time gigmaster member as well. Served me well but I have found it way less effective the last few years. I’m glad I’m not just starting out again lol

[@russellbreiter4142]

Love your videos. I am from New York as well but now living in Florida. The big trend here is that the venues hire a booking agent. This is someone who might be a musician there already or a someone n the music community. You talk to the venue and they give you his number or email. Open mic nights for me just me mean more competition. I ran an open mic night it was amazing I met so many people so there is upside to it. For mw The key is finding places that have not had live music yet where you can get them to try it. Keep up with the videos I love them. Right now I'm doing mostly private parties.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the response. I actually thought about moving to Florida but once NY opened for business again my gigs came back so I’m on pause. Yes private gigs are the best!!

[@russellbreiter4142]

Florida is great for private events . The restaurants are tough to get into but it's the same in New York lol. All the best Frank@@FrankPersico

[@FrankPersico]

same to you.. btw what area of Florida are you in?@@russellbreiter4142

[@russellbreiter4142]

I'm in Port Saint Lucie but truthfully perform quite a bit in Delray and Fort Lauderdale.@@FrankPersico -

[@FrankPersico]

nice.. i have friends that just moved there@@russellbreiter4142

[@jeffwickermusic134]

😎👍🎸

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks brotha

[@JosephCaravellaJr]

EPK = Electronic press kit. Include a video with samples of 5 popular songs you play. Mp3 player with sound samples of your best stuff Interview a few fans & club owners who love you & make a rave reel where folks rave about you Photos Price Contact details list any or all bookers you utilize Have fun

[@FrankPersico]

Great advice! Thanks

[@zachswiftmusic]

I searched "how to get acoustic gigs in Los Angeles" and it brought me here. Wasn't disappointed.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing I will check it out

[@donmcelohiney8112]

What is the best social media to get on to sell your self?

[@FrankPersico]

I would have to say for promoting locally it would be Facebook/instagram

[@AHenley122]

Where can we hear you at a Gig? (but I am in Michigan)

[@FrankPersico]

Hey there. I only play in NY:( I may do an online event in the future … interesting idea

[@peternuss8682]

My biggest issue is I'm not shooting my own videos. So it's on a we'll give you a chance gigs in a competitive market.

[@FrankPersico]

There are some pretty fairly inexpensive options where you could start filming fairly easily: maybe I will do a how to video ?

[@JoMarquez]

For a moment I thought you said Frank Serpico

[@FrankPersico]

Story of my life. Lol always happens

[@JoMarquez]

@@FrankPersico older guys like me will always look up when we hear that name lol Great videos btw I’m enjoying all of them.

[@FrankPersico]

@@JoMarquez thanks so much. i am glad

[@mickyj8412]

Amazing stuff! I need some advice. I recently played a gig with my good friend and it was our first in years. Its a great local spot and want to do another gig in there however I'm not sure if I can ask. My correspondence has been firstly through email then WhatsApp which they had suggested would be better for them and I'm not exactly sure who I had been talking with as this place has 3 owners. From my first contact it was through email and it was a general email asking if they had slots free for an acoustic duo and they had written back asking for videos and I had recorded 3 videos with my friend and sent them off. I had written another email probably a week later as I heard nothing back and because I was desperate I told them I can showcase a particular song if they wanted and offered 45 minute free session to see how we worked with the venue. Thats when they said they didn't get to see the videos and asked to send them on WhatsApp. I did and they gave me a date. There hadn't been any other back and forth about anything other than sound equipment chat. Nothing about payment. Anyway, on the day we set up and played the 2 hour gig which went pretty well for our first in like 8 years. I went up to order a drink and the bar man asked me what did they owe us so i assumed they asked for our usual rate and told him and he said no prpblem and paid us and we split it in half. Next day, I get a message on WhatsApp saying he heard it went well but we were overpaid as I said we would do a free session and see how we got on but they were going to give me €100 as good gesture. I initially said okay I meant no disprespect or anything I just was asked how much and I told the guy at the bar. It had taken me 2 weeks to pay the money back as I had to wait for money from my actual job to cover the money because I didn't feel right asking my friend for some money back. Anyway I had remembered I offered 45 minutes but we played 2 hours so i asked if he was willing to meet me at €150 for 1 hour as 45 minutes would be free from my email. He said okay and to drop it in the bar in an envelope which I did. So my question is, do you think I'm in the bad booms now and shouldn't contact them for another gig? Sorry this is so longwinded! I would love to play there again but not sure if the guy was pissed off. Its annoying because friends and our spouses came to see us and we brought customers to them who stayed until closing which was like 1 in the morning. I felt getting paid was only fair as its a drop in what they made that night.

[@FrankPersico]

Hey thanks for the comment. A few things I would say from reading this. Make sure before you show up to a gig that you have agreed on what the rate is going to be so that there is no confusion. If they don't answer you then insist that you need to know this information in order for you to show up. They will answer and if they don't that pretty much tells you that you are dealing with people that either don't respect you enough to get back to you or are just not really handling their end very well. I try not to deal with places like that if I can. That being said I would not assume that you are in bad with them. They are probably just busy dealing with the day to day of running a bar and often times we are just not a priority to them. Thats ok as long as you understand that and set your boundaries and pay agreements. Also you made a good faith gesture to pay them back the money and to play for free as well so they really have nothing to be disgruntled about. Try not to assume the worst and turn it against yourself:).

[@mickyj8412]

@@FrankPersico appreciate the quick response, wisdom, and encouraging words! Restored a bit of confidence in me! You're awesome

[@FrankPersico]

@@mickyj8412 yeah dude. Don’t take it personally. Just keep thinking about what it is you want. If you want another gig there just keep gently reaching out to them. Maybe go in and visit the place as a customer as well etc.

[@mickyj8412]

@@FrankPersico good call! Appreciate it

[@BumPetty]

More? How about my first gig!

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha maybe a new video is in order

[@BumPetty]

@@FrankPersico if I may be completely honest I feel like I have every bit of talent that you have and then some so the fact that I'm not gigging is a f****** atrocity. And every time I see somebody gigging that I know I'm better than them it also drives me f****** nuts. Life is a game of being fake and who is fake the best gets the opportunity to show off whatever f****** skills they have. Has nothing to do with how good you are. Taylor Swift is a billionaire and she should have never went past open mic