If you want a record deal the answer is to develop a mindset that naturally attracts people to what you're doing as well as an understanding of how the music business game is played.

As you develop as a person, your music career will develop with you. Sounds crazy, but it's true, and I've seen it time and time again, with thousands of acts that I've worked with, from garage bands, to the guys selling out arenas.

Of course, part of developing includes making mistakes along the way. Check out these ten common music business mistakes, and ways to avoid them...

10. Being too difficult (or too nice)
First of all, let’s get this clear... Just because you wrote a few good songs and recorded them, it doesn’t mean the world revolves around you. Lots of people write and record good songs, so get in line.

Contrary to what the online rumor mill or media would have you believe, people in the music business are involved because they love music, and they’re not making enough to deal with jerks. And they won’t deal with jerks. If you’re a pain, they’re just go to the next guy, who also writes good songs, but has a better attitude.

With that said, don’t be too nice. You don’t have to say yes to everything. Pick your battles. If there is something you really feel strongly about, don’t settle for anything less.

Bottom line: Keep your ego in check and behave with courtesy and respect. At the same time, don't let anyone treat with you anything less.

9. Trying to convince people of anything...
You play music, and people have strong opinions about music. Either people get what you’re doing or they don’t.

So, some reviewer, booking agent, or manager doesn't like your new album. Let it go! Don't try to convince him he'll like it better after a second listen. He won't. And the more you press him to give your music another shot, the more he’ll remember how annoying you were. This means he’ll be far less open to ever listening to you again.

There are a lot of people who won't "hear it" when you approach them. So what? Move on. There are plenty of other people in this business who can help you. Go find the people who do "hear it" and put your energy into building good relationships with them instead.

8. Looking for industry approval
There was a time when the "industry" had a lot more pull when it came to breaking an artist, getting them distributed, and everything else. This is a new time, so we're playing with different rules now.

Distribution is easy. Every day, more and more albums and songs are being sold online, physically and digitally. Recording music is easier than ever. You are not limited by a lack of options for getting something recorded that sounds professional.

But more importantly, once you get a recording together, you don't need the industry to tell you your music is worthy. The consumers, the people who buy music, are really the only opinions that matter. And when you have the love of the consumers, the industry will come around.

The thing is, in the music industry, technology has changed faster than mindset. Stop believing you are at the mercy of any record label executive. You're not. Connect directly with your fans on your terms. The feedback, loyalty and money you receive from them will be far more gratifying than you spending your time beating your head against a wall trying to figure out a way to get an approving nod from a record label.

7. Not building strong relationships with fans
People aren't stupid. They know when they're being marketed to. They know when you're looking to sell them something.

Do they mind? No.

In fact, if you have a good relationship with your fans, they won't mind being marketed to, and if you do it well, they look forward to being marketed to. However, they have to know you care. Building relationships with fans take time. You have to show them you care.

Do things like:
• Give them a few free songs to download.
• Have message board on your website and build a community there.
• Do a "fan appreciation" show.
• Record a holiday album or an EP that you give out exclusively to members of your fan club.

Show them in special ways that you not only care, but that you're willing to go the extra mile to show your appreciation. In turn, they will buy your music, travel to see you play, call radio stations on your behalf, and promote you all over the web.

Every day – no matter if you're busy recording, on the road, or at home worrying about how you're going to find the money to make your project happen – do something (no matter how small the gesture is) to reach out to your fans.

6. Not "getting" how the fan/artist relationship works
You’re the leader and your fans do the following. You make the offer, they choose whether or not to accept.

Take charge, record the music, play the shows, print the t-shirts, and let them have the options of buying your album, coming to see you, or getting something to wear.

The average person has enough leadership duties to deal with in his or her own day. People are looking for somebody else to take control, so take control and let them ride along for a little while.

5. Laying Everything on the Table...
You're a rock star. You’re living the dream. Keep up that fantasy. Don't tell people how broke you are, that you're still living with your mother, or anything else that breaks the image of you fans have in their minds.

One of the reasons people like music is because they have the opportunity to live vicariously through the people they are listening to. When you are on stage, they're up there with you. When you're on the road in your tour bus, they're riding shotgun. Don't take that away.

Give them insight into your life and what it's like in your world, but always remember, you're not just selling music – you're also selling a persona.

4. Thinking the key to success is just musical talent, money, or looks
Yes, if we're talking about pop music, MTV, or the major label system, a certain amount of a contrived "image" probably helps sell records.

Obviously, money helps things. And it's always good if you can play and sing.

But "image" without marketing won’t get you on MTV. Good songs without marketing won’t get you on the radio. You can play well, have money, and look like a model, but if you don't have the marketing to back you up, none of it matters.

You know what? If you don’t have a good, solid marketing plan in place, everything else doesn't matter so much.

3. Giving up power
Keep control as long as you can. Yes, a label deal will give you opportunity that being an indie won't. And a professional manager has connections that you don't.

But when you sign with these guys, you're handing over your career to somebody else. Nobody cares as much about your career than you do. When you and your talent are the most important commodity you have to offer, do not give up your power easily and without a damn good reason.

Your music is worth something. You are worth something. Think of your career as being "virtual real estate" which, if marketed correctly, will pay dividends for years to come. So, treat it like that.

2. Jumping at every opportunity
You don't have to say yes to everything. In fact, sometimes, saying no to something can be more beneficial to your career than saying yes.

Why do you say yes to things? Take a look at your standards and make sure they’re high enough. As an example, just because a club has a PA system, it doesn't mean that it's worth playing there. There are some gigs that just aren't worth playing. There are some connections that just aren't worth developing.

When you say yes to something, especially something that takes your time, you're likely saying no to a host of other things by default. Leave yourself open to saying yes to the opportunities that really matter.

Trust your own judgment. If something doesn't feel right and you want to say no, it's okay. At that moment, you may worry you're passing up a great opportunity and will be missing out. The reality is better opportunities (that are a better fit for you) will come if you are open and ready for them.

1. Not getting help
You don't know everything. This business has been around for a long time – long before you were involved.

Read books, get advice from people who work in the industry and keep studying every aspect of the industry. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You can bypass a lot of the problems you're likely to run into simply by asking people who have already been in, and dealt with, the situations you find yourself in.

Remember this: Time is worth more than money. You can always earn more money, but you have a limited amount of time. Don't waste your time. If you don't know something, or need specific help, don't be afraid to pay somebody to help you deal with whatever obstacle you face. Don't let anything stop you from having all the knowledge and know-how you need to have the success you aspire to have.
 
 
 
 

Top 10 Signs It's Time to Fire a Band Member
 

No one wants to have to do it, but there may come a point when a single member of the band really  is holding everyone back.  It isn’t a decision to be made lightly, but if it is really keeping you from seeing your potential, you need to make your decision with your head, not your heart.  How do you know if it’s time to fire a band member?  Here are some signs to look out for:

1.    They aren’t making it to practice/rehearsal

Being in a band requires a certain commitment of time and energy.  Regular rehearsal is the lifeblood of any hungry young band, and if someone isn’t willing to take the time to be there, it doesn’t matter how talented they are (or think they are).  It is simply not going to work.  A successful band has an element of business to it, and holding regularly scheduled practices that everyone is expected to attend is just good business.  It ensures that you’re ready to kick ass at your shows and it gives the band time to gel and work out the kinks in their performance and relationship.  This is a  totally non-negotiable issue.  No practice, no play.

2.    They are easily combustible.

Everybody has problems.  That doesn’t mean it is ok to blow up and freak out on other people regularly.  If everyone in the band feels like they have to tiptoe around one person because they don’t want to deal with the ensuing drama that is sure to occur if they get upset—then it’s time for that person to take some time for themselves and work their issues out.  Just like a family, a band is dependent on each member making a positive contribution.  

3.    They refuse to support the decisions of the whole group.  

Hey, it’s great if you have strong vision and a lot of creative energy, but if everything always has to be one person’s way, then things are going to get very uncomfortable very quickly.  Every member should be able to contribute in ways that makes them feel good and excited about what you’re all doing.  Every member should be able to say how they feel and express their style.  If one person is making it all about them, or if they are a control freak who insists that they know what’s best at all times, then it’s not a band.  It’s a dictatorship.

4.    They don’t buy in to the whole vision of the band and music.

Every band has a vision for their music.  The collective talent of the members creates a unique and beautiful blend that comes across in a single style which defines them.  Because of that, it’s important that every person in the band feels like they can stand behind the music you’re playing.  If even one member of the band doesn’t feel like they can support the overall musical vision of the band, then you’re not getting 100% of their creative energy, and it’s going to affect your success.  Sometimes it is as simple as a mismatch between one person’s style and the rest of the band.  Sometimes it may be something deeper.  Whatever it is needs to be addressed.  Until everyone gets on the same page, you’re not going anywhere.

5.    They refuse to try to improve themselves.

Even the most successful musicians in the world can’t sit back on their laurels and coast through their careers.  Being an artist requires constant attention to your craft.  That means practice, trying new things, learning techniques, knowing the business, and being open to new creative ideas.  If someone has an attitude that they don’t need to improve themselves, or if they are just plain lazy, they aren’t ready to move forward with your band.  

6.    They have a problem with drugs and booze.

This can be a difficult issue, because you don’t want to hurt someone when they’re at a low point.  On the other hand, you don’t want them to think they can go on destroying themselves and taking your band down with them.  It’s worth talking to them if they seem to be developing a habit that is out of control, expressing your concern, and giving them some information and resources on how to handle things.  If they refuse to listen, or if it’s beyond anything you think you can handle, it’s time for a serious ultimatum.  For some, using drugs and alcohol can be part of the musical culture, and sometimes it is hard to know where to draw the line, but if you see someone’s habit affecting their art, their relationships, and their health, it’s time to get serious. 

7.    They are hyper-critical of one or more members.

Every band wants to be the best they can be, and it’s really important to have honest self-criticism from both inside and outside the band.  But if someone is fixated on every single tiny mistake or error that is made, they are not being helpful.  Constant criticism is a good hint that someone is dissatisfied overall with what they are doing.  It may be time for that person to move on and they might not know how to express it to the band—or they may not even realize it themselves.  But you can’t let someone be a constant drain on the energy of your group just because they themselves are dissatisfied.  It’s time to sit down and talk to them about what’s happening, and whether or not they need to go somewhere else to be happy.

8.    You find out they’re talking smack about one or all of the members to other people.

Everyone needs to vent once in a while.  Bands are like any other relationships.  Sometimes there’s conflict and sometimes you need to just talk to a trusted friend and get some perspective.  But if one of the members of the band is out airing dirty laundry all over town, it’s time to have a “family meeting” and find out what’s going on.  Creative energy is best expressed in an environment of trust and confidence.  When a band gets together to create music, they’re baring their souls to one another.  If one member of the band is untrustworthy and can’t talk to the other members about a problem they have with them, then the creative energy is not going to flow.  A person who refuses to communicate with the band but is talking all over town is a liability.

9.    They refuse to pull their weight.

In the beginning, every member of the band has to wear multiple hats.  Everyone is collectively responsible for publicity, sharing expenses, and being present and honest during practice.  There’s no free ride, and no one is too good to hang up flyers or pick up a case of t-shirts.  If someone doesn’t want to roll up their sleeves and pitch in, tell them to go be a slacker in someone else’s band.

10.    They are always trying to borrow—money, instruments, drugs, etc.

Even if one member of the band has more than the others, it’s never ok to mooch.  If you can’t buy your own beers, it’s not ok to ask everyone else to cover you.  Same goes for rent, guitar strings, weed, hair gel and toilet paper.  Some people might view their band as a family, but you know something?  It’s still not okay to mooch of your family, either.   
 
 
 

10 People to Surround Your Band With
 

No man—or band—is an island.  The success of any musician is the cumulative effort of many people.  As you set out to become a legend, there are ten people you want to surround yourself and your band with.   Whether you hire these folks, or simply find them and build a mentoring relationship with them—they have the expertise you need to get where you want to be:  on top.

1. Stylist

Stylists aren’t just for corporate bands.  Someone who is an expert in style and public opinion can give you an objective view about how other people see you.  Talk to a stylist about your overall sound and the vision of your band and get some feedback about ways you can express that with your on-stage appearance.  

2. Graphic Designer

A graphic designer is going to be able to help you design your “brand”.  That can include everything from your website design, to your t-shirt graphics and your album cover.  These are items that make a huge impression on people long before they have a chance to hear your music.  Most graphic designers appreciate it when you bring them solid ideas and examples of things that inspire you.  The more direction you can give them, the easier it will be for them to provide you with a finished product you’ll love.

3. Recording Techs

Live music and recorded music are two entirely different animals.  You may have a great live sound, but if you’re going to make any money off your music, it needs to be recorded—and recorded well.  Your MP3s can be placed on your website and circulated around the globe, so you want them to be the best possible representation of your band.  Add to that the fact that recording time is so expensive, and mistakes can cost you time and money.  It’s easy to see how important it is to find people who know their way around a mixing board.  

If you can, ask other bands who they have helping them with the technical aspects of their recording.  Or, you may place an ad and interview people who will help you in your session.  Even if you use studio staff—don’t go in blindly and expect perfection in only a couple hours.  Try to meet with the technical staff before you record and give them some idea what your expectations are.  You may also want to hang out on some music industry message boards and get informed on techniques and terminology so that you can communicate what you really want when you get in to the studio.

4. Other Bands

Don’t look at other bands as competition.  Each group is unique and has something different to offer.  Each band has its own personality.  You can co-exist peacefully with bands and find they are your best allies as you try to establish yourself.  No one else knows what you are going through like another up-and-coming band.  If you can find musicians who have more experience than you or who have already achieved success, try to form a mentoring relationship with them and let them help you through the landmines that take down so many young bands.

5. Groupies

No, I’m not talking about Tawny Kitaen.  I’m talking about Classic Groupies—girls (and even guys) who are loyal fans.  These are people who will be at every show, wear your t-shirt until it falls apart, and tell everyone they meet how great you are.  These people will develop in to an entourage—they create a party wherever they go—even if it is just waiting in line to buy your tickets.  They are an asset, and a time-honored tradition on the road to success.

6. Web Guru

The internet is where you’re going to be marketing yourself for the rest of the century, so you might as well get comfy there.  No one expects you to be a geek, but you should definitely have an in with a geek to can help you establish yourself online.  A web guru is going to be well-versed in web design and implementation, have technical skills for generating web traffic and search-engine optimization, and an eye on anything new that you can latch on to and use.  Not only do you want a professional website, but you want to appear web savvy; which means using online tools and giving your fans access to those tools, too.

7.  Business Advisor

Most musicians are terrible businesspeople.  That makes having a business advisor all the more important.  Whether you hire someone, or simply have a trusted friend with a business background give you some pointers, it is absolutely essential to have someone with a business mind help you make the most of your money.  That means managing any income you have from gigs, album sales, or merchandise.  It means planning a budget for the band, and knowing where and how to invest wisely.

8. Club owners

People that own clubs can give you great opportunities to perform live—but they can also give you added perspective and the experience that comes from seeing musicians perform on a regular basis.  A club owner, if they befriend you, can provide you with all kinds of information including warnings of pitfalls they’ve seen bring other bands down.  They know their own club or bar better than anyone else and they can tell you how to optimize your performance’s sound and appearance.  They can tell you which nights are the best to book, and what kind of crowd to expect.  They have their finger on the pulse of the music scene from a business perspective and can give you highly specialized information to make the most of your shows.

9. Friends and Family

Your friends and family are the people who believe in you more than anyone else.  They are going to stick by you through ups and downs, successes and discouragements.  They are a ready-made army of marketers who will tell the world how great you are with total conviction.  Don’t alienate yourself from these folks.   Let them put your name out there, and let them share in the victory when you get recognition.

10. Radio DJs and Press People

These guys have the ability to promote you in ways you cannot imagine.  Most radio stations have featured staff picks on their shows, and radio DJs and music journalists also keep blogs on their company websites.  If they make it to your show and like it, they’re going to tell thousands of people.  Take the initiative and seek out DJs on stations that play music similar to yours and press people who cover music in your area.  Send them CDs and invite them to your shows.  Offer to give them an interview for their blogs and ask them to share their experience with you. 
 
 

Top 10 Ways to Get More Money from a Gig

You are an artist, it's true.  But just because you’re an artist doesn’t mean you don’t need to get paid.  Money makes a lot of things possible, including time in a recording studio, new and better instruments, and paying your rent so you don’t have to live in a cardboard box and burn your guitar for warmth.  There’s nothing wrong with making money from your shows, and if you’re smart you’ll try to optimize that earning power.  You don’t have to be a marketing genius or a public relations guru—just think outside the box and make the most of what you already have going for you.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth.

Just because you want the gig doesn’t mean you have to beg for it.  If you’ve got experience performing, and you regularly draw a crowd, your venue stands to benefit as much—if not more—than you do from the show.  So don’t let them tell you that you’re not worth paying as much as a “bigger name”.  It is also a good idea to go in and tell them exactly what you’re doing to generate a buzz about the show.  If they can see that you’re working to get a crowd in, they’ll be a lot more willing to pay you a good rate.

2. Don’t run up a huge bar tab.  

Take a lesson from the Blues Brothers.  If you’re buying your own drinks at the show, it’s going to eat in to your bottom line.  You don’t want to end up owing them money for playing a show.  A couple beers to keep you loose isn’t a big deal, but when you start buying round after round of top shelf drinks you’re going to rack up quite a bill.  Not to mention that it’s going to affect your performance.  You might not think it’s a problem…but then, neither does Amy Winehouse.  Stay on top of your game while you’re on stage.  There’s plenty of time to party after the show.

3. Sell T-shirts, bumper stickers and CDs at the show.

A small investment in your own marketing merchandise can help generate income.  Make sure whatever you’re selling is cool in design and functionality.  You can’t go wrong with T-shirts, as long as they don’t look cheesy.  Don’t try to sell them for $40 each. You’re not Pink Floyd (yet).  The kids that are going to your show aren’t loaded, but they’ll gladly buy and wear your shirt around if it’s affordable and looks good.  That’s free advertising.  Stickers and other inexpensive items can also bring in some extra money.  Remember, you’re not trying to get rich off this stuff—just clear a little profit and get your name out there.

4. The Tip Jar

It never hurts to set it out there.  And even if you only get a few bucks, it’s a few bucks more than you had before.  Make sure that you sincerely thank the audience for their tips before you close the show.

5. Generate a buzz to ensure a big crowd.

If you’re getting part of the cover, you want to do everything in your power to get people in the door.  That means going out and hitting the streets for weeks before the show, printing flyers and cards, asking friends and family to spread the word, and using your contacts to get people to the show.  Even if there’s no cover, the more people at your show, the more opportunity you have to sell your CD’s and T-shirts and get tips.  Don’t leave it to chance—work hard to get people to the show and it’ll pay off in more ways than one.

6. Make sure your venue will attract people who will like your music.

If you’re an acoustic singer/songwriter, don’t try to play at a club that is known for head banging.  It sounds simple enough, but there’s something to be said for playing up to the regulars that are used to going to the venue where you’re playing.   Go to a few shows at the same venue beforehand and hang out.  See who’s there and talk to some people about your upcoming show.  People that are already at the venue are more likely to come back than people who’ve never been there before—even if they know who you are.

7. Look for different types of venues—not just the same old bar scene.

There are lots of places you can play to earn a few bucks.  Big corporations often throw parties a couple times a year to celebrate holidays or sales performance.  Schools have festivals and events.  There are endless places where you can attract a crowd and sell your CD’s.  Think outside the box!

8. Make sure you have a website and blog—and a mailing list to remind people where they can see you!

This is such an important piece of getting recognition and money.  Make sure people know how to find you online.  Every piece of advertising or marketing you do should have your website address on it.  Keep your site updated regularly and post information about upcoming shows.  When your shows are over be sure to immediately post pictures and videos.  Respond to inquiries from fans, prospective venues, and press.  You can also sell MP3’s of your songs or the entire CD on your website to generate income.  There are literally endless possibilities, and with today’s web tools, it is easier and easier for anyone to create and manage their own website.  Most importantly, once you’re on the web, people from all over the world can find you and hear your music.  Think big, and make yourself available to an unlimited fan base.

9. Treat your booking professionally.  

Make sure you keep track of phone numbers, dates, and venue contacts.  This is going to ensure repeat bookings.  Until you make it big and have yourself a real business manager, you’re going to have to keep things organized.  Some people are naturally good at this, and some people, well…aren’t.  Bare minimum, get a big calendar and scribble phone numbers and important dates and times on it to keep track.  The more you treat your band like a business, the more money you’re going to make. 

10. Stick around after the show and work the room.

Don’t just pack your stuff and high tail it out of the club when you’re done playing.  Unless it’s closing time, spend a while chilling out with the crowd and talking to people.  When you’ve finished your show, you’ve got a little bit of ‘star quality’ that comes from having been the center of attention for the duration of the show.  When you take the time to walk around and thank people for coming, introduce yourself to people and tell them your CD is for sale, or hand them your card with your website on it, you are doing yourself an invaluable service.  Try this for three shows in a row, and I guarantee you’re going to see huge results.
 

Top 10 Ways to Get More People to Your Next Gig

For an up-and-coming band every gig is a vital step toward your success.  Your shows are where you get the chance to prove yourself.  They are your opportunity to do what you do best.  A good gig can also have a ripple effect, securing you a loyal fan base and ensuring good crowds at future shows.  So when you land a gig, the key is to make it count.  Hours of practice and rehearsal won’t matter unless you have a decent crowd that can go back and tell their friends how great you are.  Your mission is not only to kick ass on stage—but to convince other people to come and see you.  Sure, it would be nice to be able to just focus on your music and let someone else handle the promotions, but few unsigned bands have those kinds of resources.  It’s up to you to get people in the door. 

With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of ways you can make sure you have a full house at your next gig.     

1. Start early.   

Don’t wait until a week before your gig to start advertising.  As soon as you have a booking, sit down with the band and come up with a strategy for marketing the show to the public.  Remember, you’re competing with about a million other things someone can choose to do on a Saturday night—movies, other bands’ shows, parties, sporting events.  You want to get yourself on the calendar as soon as humanly possible, and give yourself plenty of time to remind people a few times before the show date.    

2. Posters, flyers, and cards.  

You have to have them.  There’s no excuse these days not to have cards, flyers, and posters. With the online digital printing websites you can upload your own art, or use their existing art to create marketing materials that are professional and eye-catching.   Remember, you’re competing with professional bands which have marketing departments and public relations people, so put some thought into it.  

One way you can get some great art done for little money is checking out high school and junior college art departments.  Some of these young artists would love the chance to do your design work and earn a little cash—and they’ll charge you a mere fraction of the amount that a professional graphic designer would.

However, even if you can only go the old-fashioned route of hand-drawing a flyer and photocopying it on eye-catching colored paper, do it.  

Make sure everyone in the band has stacks and that they’re giving them out, hanging them up, and making them available.  Leave them at the record store hang them on community bulletin boards at schools, coffee shops, bookstores and libraries.  

3. Get your family and friends involved.

These people can be your best allies as you start your career.  People that love you are your cheerleaders.  They are going to promote the hell out of your band even if they aren’t particularly interested in your style of music.  Maybe grandma won’t come to a show, but she knows a lot of people and can help spread the word.  She’s just the type of person who would relentlessly hand out your flyers to everyone and anyone, just because she loves you.  Take a stack of flyers to each of your friends and family, tell them how important it is for you to get people to your show, and ask them to spread the word.  Unless they still haven’t forgiven you for breaking their favorite crystal vase when you were eight-years-old, chances are they’ll be happy to be part of your success.

4. Use Myspace, Facebook, and other online social networking tools.

Technology is one of the most powerful tools you have.  If you are one of the last five people on earth without a MySpace or Facebook account, get one NOW.  Make sure you regularly update the pages with news and show dates, upload MP3’s or videos of your songs, and respond when people leave you a message.  Look for bands on MySpace with a similar style to yours and go through their “friends” lists—and invite those people to be your friends.  You can generate so much interest in your band with regular “farming” of these sites, even people who live in other cities and states can become fans and your impact can quickly go from being local to you having a national presence.

5. Create a press release. 

This sounds more complicated than it is.  Not just big names can create and circulate a press release.  Basically, it is a formal description of something current—like a show or a new CD release—that you can give to different media outlets.  Sending a press release doesn’t ensure that you will get publicity, but it will definitely get you noticed and the media folks in your town are going to pay attention to your professionalism.  Send your press release to entertainment papers; corporate, public, and college radio stations; bloggers and online communities that feature local events. 

Check out this site for a description of how to write a professional press release:  http://www.publicityinsider.com/release.asp

6. Tell everyone you know—and don’t know.  

This is not the time to be shy.  If you can get up in front of a crowd and pour your blood, sweat, and tears into your performance, you can strike up a conversation when you’re out getting coffee and tell people about your show.  Think of yourself as a really cool Jehovah’s Witness.  Have flyers in your pocket and be ready to hand them out any time any place.  A personal connection with someone, even for a couple minutes, is more compelling than a thousand flyers stuck to the side of a building.

7. Go to other shows and network.

Get out there and see other shows.  Hang out before and after and talk to people about your music.  The people you meet at a show are people you know are interested in seeing live performances.  Again, making a single personal connection is one of the most effective ways you can generate interest in your music.  You can be cool and still be friendly.  This is not the time to be stand-offish.  In the beginning you can’t just rely on your music to attract people, because in the beginning, no one has heard your music. They’re going to come to see you.

8. Offer to play a couple songs unplugged at an event to warm up the crowd.

In every city there are about a thousand things going on any given weekend.  There are plenty of opportunities to warm up the crowd at a charity, a school play, an art show, or any other number of events.  You don’t need to drag all the equipment out.  Go and play a couple songs acoustic.  Give away a couple CDs in a raffle at the event.  Ask if you can leave some flyers on the registration table so that when people come in they can grab one with their name tag or program.  There are endless possibilities for getting yourself in front of people and giving them a little taste of your music—plus, you might just get to support a worthwhile organization or event.  

9. Advertise a giveaway at the show.

People love free stuff.  It’s just a fact of life.  It doesn’t even have to be good free stuff, but if you advertise that you are giving something away, there is a much higher likelihood that more people will show up.  Give away a couple discs, a couple t-shirts.  If you have the cash, give away an iPod Shuffle ($49) or some gift certificates.  It is a small investment that will pay off in spades.  Make sure you let everyone know—on flyers, on MySpace, and by word of mouth—what you’re giving away and when.  

10. Open for an established band a couple weeks before the gig.

Be a part of your indie community.  Make friends and allies with other bands.  If you can open for another band a couple weeks before your gig, you are going to give people a chance to see you in action.  You’ll have a ready-made audience you can pitch your upcoming show to.  Hang out after your performance and work the room while you enjoy the main show and support your friends.

There are so many creative ways to promote your show, and these are just a few suggestions to get you going.  Remember, if you don’t promote yourself, no one else is going to.  Be fearless and let the world know who you are and where your next show is going to be!