Frustration

[Michael O'Regan]

I'm finding it impossible to get gigs because nobody knows who I am and I'm finding it impossible to attract management/promotion because I can't get gigs.
Any ideas?
I've done the folk club thing as floor spots but for a full gig they all say they would need to see "how I handle a crowd" - which is rather amusing as some of these places have had a "crowd" of 10 people!!!
My youtube stuff and songs are popular - they're not mega sellers but they are listened to and commented upon favourably.
It gets a little frustrating when I record a new song, sometimes with a full producer/ studio setup, sometimes at home, put it out on youtube, iTunes, Amazon, etc and have no way of going out to promote it.
Am I missing something? I just feel like I've reached the end of the line with what I can do without some management with connections.
I'd appreciate ANY advice.

[Capt Hair]

You ever consider doing a live streamed concert? That way, you can reach the people that are watching your videos around the world. No offense or anything, but folkish type of music doesn't have the biggest following in the world, especially finding places to play and people locally that are willing to come and out see you. In your case I'd think it best to stick in the digital world.

I'm not talking just sticking a camera up in a garage or bedroom either. Rig up a full set, DIY lighting, etc. Make it a full production. Promote it through your youtube page and other online media and offer discounted music downloads for those watching.

[Michael O'Regan]

Hi
Thanks that's an interesting idea. The thing is that my music is not just folk - I probably should have described it as Acoustic rather than folk. The last two records were recorded with a full band. I need to get some gigs as a solo acoustic artist in order to get into the scene at all here in the UK. Otherwise I'm having trouble getting a band together - everyone wants to know what gigs I've got, who are my contacts, how much will they earn, etc.
I'll certainly look into your idea but, as I've said, I feel like I'm at a bit of a standstill.
Mick

[Capt Hair]

Only other suggestion would be to get some local artists together and do a local show case of some sort just to get yourself some exposure.

[Greg_L]

I'm finding it impossible to get gigs because nobody knows who I am and I'm finding it impossible to attract management/promotion because I can't get gigs.
Any ideas?
.

Sure. Play better and/or write better songs. Simple.

[Michael O'Regan]

Sure. Play better and/or write better songs. Simple.

I'll give it a go.

[CFox]

I'm finding it impossible to get gigs because nobody knows who I am and I'm finding it impossible to attract management/promotion because I can't get gigs.
Any ideas?
I've done the folk club thing as floor spots but for a full gig they all say they would need to see "how I handle a crowd" - which is rather amusing as some of these places have had a "crowd" of 10 people!!!
My youtube stuff and songs are popular - they're not mega sellers but they are listened to and commented upon favourably.
It gets a little frustrating when I record a new song, sometimes with a full producer/ studio setup, sometimes at home, put it out on youtube, iTunes, Amazon, etc and have no way of going out to promote it.
Am I missing something? I just feel like I've reached the end of the line with what I can do without some management with connections.
I'd appreciate ANY advice.

My advice is be realistic. Assess what you have to offer and what the market wants and can sustain. People are no longer captive to the live scene - so many competiting distractions so what they do end up paying for has to be good.
Checked out your youtube channel. Mick, you have on average 200 views. That is in yt terms very low. Nothing to measure success on.

[Michael O'Regan]

Checked out your youtube channel. Mick, you have on average 200 views. That is in yt terms very low. Nothing to measure success on.

I'm well aware of what my yt average represents. I wasn't bragging and I'm not trying to imply any merit or success at all.
I'm just looking for gigs.
Thanks for your comments though.

[aaronaycox]

Fans, fans, fans. The more you make yourself known and available the better off you are. ReverbNation.com, SoundCloud.com, Local arts websites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Club owners are looking to fill a room with your listeners. These days it's hard to find a place to play and become known, you have to create yourself, more or less.

If a club owner listens to your work and then sees 100,000 other people are looking and listening as well that owner / manager will be more likely to ask you to play a set or three.

[Michael O'Regan]

Thanks everyone.