Getting Gigs and How to Keep Them

Booking gigs does not have to feel like screaming into the void. Sending emails that get no response and posting your work, hoping someone bites, has been normalized to some degree as just how things go these days. Landing the gig is tough, but keeping them and getting invited back is an entirely different skillset.

Be findable

People can’t reach out to you if they can’t find you or quickly understand what you do. You need an online presence, but you don’t need a fully developed website. Making it stupidly easy to find you and get in touch is half the battle. A short bio with two to three performance clips, your location, and your contact info is enough. Making social media feel authentic is a difficult task, but letting your identity come from the content you post rather than a pitch in your bio takes back some autonomy.

Start local

Venues that expect and promote the local scene and newcomers are often the most welcoming and the most forgiving. These could be local open mics, cafes, bars, house shows, artist showcases, student centers and university gigs, or community centers. Not only are these the most accessible, but they also provide opportunities to connect with other local artists, fans, and venues.

The value of the local scene is often the most overlooked. More often than not, local people want to support local art and music; give them a chance to support you by becoming a part of the fabric of your local music scene.

Build relationships

Along similar lines, you can’t operate in a vacuum. Try to build your network from your local music community and be present. Hang out at the venues you want to play, support other artists’ shows and content, and stay after your set instead of slipping out immediately. Better yet, don’t treat gigs like transactions—you’re stepping into and becoming a part of a neighborhood.

Plus, the sound guy has more pull than you’d expect.

Be simple and professional

When contacting a venue or agents, your message should be short, sweet, and check three boxes: tell them who you are, what you play, and point them to a place where they can hear you. You don’t have to be cold, but you don’t have to be over-the-top either. Keep it simple and don’t be discouraged by a non-reply or a rejection—just keep moving.

Show up early

Getting gigs is about being trusted. Keeping gigs is about being easy to work with.

To keep the gig and be asked back: show up early, be as self-sufficient as possible, and be kind.

These seem like simple instructions, but you may be surprised. Showing up early should be a given; being respectful of the venue’s time by being prepared and organized for sound check is one way to get off on the right foot. You can look like a pro by having your own equipment, including any cables, tuners, spare picks, or power adapters you may need. If you aren’t sure what to bring, communicate with the venue in advance and ask! All in all, be kind to the staff, the audience, and the space.

Respect the room you’re in

A dive bar at 11 pm is not the same as a cafe at 2 pm. Knowing the difference—and knowing how to adapt—can help you get rebooked.

Being in touch with what the audience is expecting out of your performance, whether they want to listen, dance, or be interactive, not only can calm your own nerves but also puts you in a good place with the venue. Read the room and adjust your set based on how you feel and how the audience reacts to your presence. A venue will almost always invite back a musician who made the room feel good.

Promote the show like you were the headliner

Even if it’s a small gig, even if it’s unpaid, even if you’re one of six artists playing, hype it. Venues notice who brings people in, and this goes back to the idea of being part of a neighborhood. Support the people who support you, especially those who don’t know you yet.

Try posting about the show when it’s announced, post the week of, post a story the day of, and make sure to tag the venue and other performers. You’re showing you care about the gig as much as the venue does.

Be gracious and memorable

Audiences remember how you make them feel. Playing well is just one part of performing. The small things matter: introduce yourself briefly, thank the venue and staff early and often, make eye contact, and smile. People don’t remember every note you play, but they will remember the connection you make.

Follow up

After the show, sending a simple thank-you message means a lot. It invites you to stay in their sphere and become a part of the ecosystem.

Treat each gig like the one that leads to the next one. The live music world moves through whispers and word of mouth. Be the person that people want to whisper about.

Getting gigs is about clarity, while keeping gigs is about character. If people can hear you easily, book you easily, and work with you easily, you’ll get more gigs than you expect. And if you treat every bar corner, stage, cafe, and backyard with respect and kindness, you’ll build a reputation that carries you further.