Call the destination, and ask for directions
Most of us don’t know what to do next. We know where we want to be, but we don’t know how to get there.
The solution is incredibly simple and effective:
Work backwards. Just contact someone who’s there, and ask how to get there.
If you want to be in Rolling Stone magazine, call their main office in New York City. When the receptionist answers, say “Editorial, please.” Ask someone in the editorial department which publicists they recommend. Then call each publicist, and ask how to become their client.
If you want to play a concert at the biggest club in town, show up on a weekday afternoon. Bring a box of pastries to the person that does the booking, and ask for just five minutes of their advice. Ask them what criteria must be met in order for them to take a chance on a new act. Ask what booking agents they recommend, or if they recommend using one at all. Keep your meeting as short as possible. Get the crucial info, then leave them alone until you’re playing their club some day.
Call the destination, and ask for directions.
You’ll get there much faster than walking without a map, hoping you arrive someday.
You are spot on Derek. Be bold... not obnoxious.
Barry
Lonzo: sorry I don't know how to answer that. You now play keyboards, and how can you turn that into a profit? A hundred ways depending on a thousand things.
Become the final destination!
Just a thought about this working backwards:
When I was on the road and playing with my band, it was very hard in the beginning to book the larger/more prestigious venues. The gatekeepers were usually overwhelmed and too busy to consider an act they did not know well.
There are many factors that helped change this situation. Here is one.
It’s something that happened in the “what goes around comes around” department.
So for years we did mostly charity events, freebies, and “good for exposure” gigs. I can’t think of one local or national charity event that we did not participate in if we were able.
After a while I was so involved in the actual fundraising and community service productions, that I inadvertently started becoming one of the organizers, one of those gatekeepers.
Fast-forward ten years. Now I run two arts/entertainment organizations, and among other things, am responsible for booking some awesome venues. It’s a very different mindset when you are looking for the act to hire, instead of being the act trying to get booked.
It’s a great position to be in. However now that I’m aware of all the different factors that go into production of musical events, I can see why it’s so hard for even well known acts to get booked.
What I’ve learned:
Whether it’s a festival, club, or concert, look at the purpose, mission statement, etc. of the event and organization you want to be hired by. And try to find out how and if you can possibly be of help to them.
We look at hundreds of bands every season. And it’s a daunting task to match our budget, audience, and mission, with the right act.
I can’t tell you how many times we hire a lesser-known, helpful act over an unhelpful, well-known act. And really be careful who is representing you. Sometimes a difficult, or greedy agent can sour a deal quickly.
Be willing to adjust your requirements to help facilitate the event.
If you are fair, honest, true to your word, and approach bookers with mutual benefit in mind, you’ll be far ahead of the game.
I still actively play shows and solicit for new venues all the time. But now I see things from quite a different perspective. I am much more selective about where I offer my services. And I only offer to play shows where I truly believe that I am a good fit.
Not only did I work backwards, I became the final destination. Kind of ;-)
PS It’s really weird and enlightening to be trying to get a booking for my act while simultaneously being solicited by several bands each day for the concerts I book.
I'd like to thank you for every article you write. Take this for an overall 'thank you', please.
Brian
It is very nice idea!
That's what I should do.
Everytime when I lost my way, I used to ask
people at my destination to teach me the way to get there.
I remembered it.
Thank you.
Once again, amazing advice; simple day to day things that we do, applied to helping advance our careers.
doesn't believe i'm a musician!? dude, listen to my track, i'm outraged right now., by your candueur. outraged!
that's outrageous!
http://www.youtube.com/minusian2011/&look-for-gone_walkabout: ps_i'm_back)now!0@###ios)
Wise
'Begin with the end in mind' Stephen Covey - 7 Habits
Tracing this particular slice wisdom back in time you can go a long way!
'If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable' Seneca the younger 4AD-65AD
Likely Seneca was building on much older advice as well I suspect :)
Man, priceless advice!! What's the most bold thing you asked a perfect stranger Derek?
This article reminds me of an advice my da used to give:
Build a bridge.
Thanks for the article, Derek. Always a fan.
As for bringing cookies' and comment #5, bringing knowledge of what is wanted, (purpose, mission) the tie-in is being considerate and nice.
My boss once surprised me by saying I was the only one who asked for holidays by bringing my calendar into her office and asking for suitable dates. (With a suggested date already in mind)
Turns out everyone else just announced dates to her. Some would even purchase aircraft tickets before announcing—never do that, it gets expensive. Turns out I was earning brownie points just by doing what was common sense—but only to me.
Reverse engineering at its best!