This is a bad idea. How should I go about doing it?

[VomitHatSteve]

So here's the plan. In about a year, I'm going to put together a band, pile into van, and spend the summer frantically touring. Currently, a few core members are writing and recording music and posting it to our website. Unfortunately, we live on opposite sides of the country, so we can't rehearse or gig in the interim.

Our previous band has a small fan base in the midwest. And this incarnation of the band is building some following via our internet contacts.

The question is this: how do we go about generating buzz and booking gigs for this plan?

 

[azraelswings]

Open Mics?

How many singers do you have? If you have more than one, you can start playing out open mic gigs all over the country and promoting a web presence. I suppose if you only have one you'd be limited to that person's area.

Can you record in the meantime? Then you could at least put something online.

 

[spy said one]

not all the advice may be applicable, but there are valuable tidbits. from my local paper's online blog by a local rockstar:

Dear Bandicoots,

What is the best way to go about self-booking a national or regional tour?

--Hunter

Dear Hunter: First things first, play more local shows. Counterintuitive, right? But playing with touring acts coming through Denver connects you with bands outside of Denver.

Furthermore, DO NOT randomly email bands on MySpace in the cities you hope to tour. We receive countless emails from bands around the country that need help booking shows in Denver. We’re happy enough to provide booking info to stranger bands that reach out (get them in touch with the right clubs, etc). Nothing screams lazy ahole like when some no-name screamo-core act from Anytown, USA, reaches out wanting to play three regional dates with Hot IQs. Even more galling, they expect us to book it, promote it, and then insist on playing second to last in the lineup.

Uh, yeah. Not cool.

Do your research! You must mesh well musically and philosophically with any band you want to trade shows with. When emailing potential clubs, know what type of bands they book, know exactly who to email about booking the show and what days appear to be open at the club.

And remember to be concise. Tell them the dates you’re looking for and that you’re working with [insert band name here] on promotion (assuming the band you’ve befriended has OK’d this, of course) and that you’re interested in playing multiple times at that club within the year. Make sure you mention that you’ll be happy to open the show, and then reach out to the other band (who you’ve presumably already met and played with in Denver) that you’re willing to lend any help leading up to the gig. Most importantly, offer the same hook-up the next time your new friends come through Denver -- and follow through.

But what if you haven’t met like-minded bands from around the country?

Don’t sweat it. See about jumping on open bills - shows with successful touring acts or locals in that scene that need one more band. Same rules apply -- make sure you'll make for a good fit. Tell the talent buyer you’re more than happy to open the show and play for whatever (this may mean playing for free, but who cares; you’re in it for the passion, right?). You can’t demand anything until you’re worth something.

Look for more touring tips in future columns. Good luck and get out there!

 

[VomitHatSteve]

Thanks for the advice.

Azrael Swings - We might have three vocalists in the end (one in Texas, one in New York, and one in Wisconsin). I'll definitely get in contact with them and bring up the idea. Yes, I am currently recording and posting it on our website. Although the band may undergo major changes (including name) before we cement our final lineup.

Spy Said One - good post. Could you link to that blog?

 

[spy said one]

the blog is located here. eli hasn't posted anything in a couple months, though. i'm not sure if he's planning to get back into it, but i hope he does.

 

[azraelswings]

Thanks for the advice.

Azrael Swings - We might have three vocalists in the end (one in Texas, one in New York, and one in Wisconsin). I'll definitely get in contact with them and bring up the idea. Yes, I am currently recording and posting it on our website. Although the band may undergo major changes (including name) before we cement our final lineup.

Spy Said One - good post. Could you link to that blog?

Good luck man. I've never read my handle with the space there, kinda funny.