Booking Gigs & Live Performances
Booking Gigs & Live Performances: How to Get Paid to Do What You Love 🎶💰
Live Music = Real Money (If You Know How to Get the Right Gigs) 🎟️
Let’s be real—playing live is one of the BEST ways to make money as an artist. Unlike streaming, where you’re making fractions of a cent per play, live performances let you:
✅ Make REAL money upfront (guaranteed payments)
✅ Grow your fanbase (convert casual listeners into die-hard supporters)
✅ Sell merch, tickets, & music directly
✅ Network with industry insiders & book bigger shows
But the real question is—how do you actually get booked and start making money from live gigs? Let’s break it down. 🚀
Step 1: Build a Performable Setlist & Know Your Value 🎶
Before you even start reaching out for gigs, you need a strong, polished setlist.
💡 Ask Yourself:
🎵 Do I have at least 30-60 minutes of solid material?
🎵 Can I confidently perform live (vocals, instruments, stage presence)?
🎵 Do I have different setlist options (acoustic, full band, DJ sets, etc.)?
👀 Know Your Value:
- If you’re a new artist, you might start with unpaid gigs (for exposure)—but don’t stay there too long.
- Once you gain some traction, set your performance rate based on the venue size, audience, and experience level.
🔥 Pro Tip: Always have a “tiered” pricing structure for different types of gigs (small bars, festivals, private events, corporate shows, etc.).
Step 2: Find & Contact Venues That Fit Your Style 🎤
Not every gig is a good fit. The key is finding venues that match your vibe & audience.
🔍 Where to Find Gigs:
✅ Local Bars, Clubs, & Coffee Shops (Great for building experience)
✅ Live Music Venues & Theaters (Higher pay, bigger crowds)
✅ Festivals & Events (Massive exposure + good ) ✅ **Private Parties & Weddings** (Best money-makers 💰) ✅ **Corporate Events & College Gigs** (Easy + networking)
📌 How to Reach Out & Book the Gig:
1️⃣ Find the right contact person (venue owner, booking manager, or event promoter).
2️⃣ Send a professional email or DM (keep it short & direct).
3️⃣ Include your best live performance videos (if you don’t have any, record one NOW).
4️⃣ Provide your availability & rates (but stay flexible).
5️⃣ Follow up if they don’t respond (persistence wins).
🔥 Example Email Template:
Subject: Booking Inquiry – [Your Artist Name]
Hi [Venue Manager’s Name],
I’m [Your Name], an artist/band from [Your City]. I love what you’re doing at [Venue Name] and would love the opportunity to perform!
🎵 Genre: [Your Genre]
🎤 Similar Artists: [Think of well-known acts similar to you]
📹 Live Performance Link: [YouTube, Instagram, or Website]
I’m available [Dates You’re Available] and can bring [Your Expected Audience Size] fans. Let me know if we can set something up!
Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
💡 Pro Tip: Venues want artists who can bring a crowd—if you can prove that you attract fans, they’re more likely to book you.
Step 3: Promote the Gig & Get People to Show Up 📣
Once you’re booked, your job isn’t over—you need to pack the venue.
📌 How to Promote Your Gig Like a Pro:
🔥 Create eye-catching flyers & videos for social media.
🔥 Use Instagram, TikTok & Facebook Events to spread the word.
🔥 Send out email & text reminders to your fans.
🔥 Partner with local influencers & blogs to promote the show.
🔥 Run a ticket giveaway to boost engagement.
💡 Pro Tip: Work with the venue to get co-promotion—they want a full house just as much as you do.
Step 4: Crush Your Live Performance & Get Invited Back 🚀
🎤 A killer live show = more opportunities. Venues love professional, high-energy artists who engage the crowd.
🔥 How to Dominate the Stage:
✅ Rehearse like crazy—your performance should be TIGHT.
✅ Engage with the crowd—make them feel part of the show.
✅ Sell merch & connect with fans after the show—this is how you turn one-time listeners into lifelong supporters.
✅ Thank the venue staff & promoter—building good relationships = more gigs.
💡 Pro Tip: Film your best performances to use as promo material for future gigs.
Step 5: Turn One Gig Into Multiple Paid Opportunities 💰
If you play your cards right, one gig can open doors to MANY others.
📌 How to Get More Gigs From One Performance:
🎵 Network with other bands & artists—they might invite you to open for them.
🎵 Get audience emails & social media follows—these fans will come to your next show.
🎵 Ask the venue to book you again—if you brought a crowd, they’ll want you back.
🎵 Offer an exclusive “after-show” experience (VIP meet-and-greet, merch discounts, etc.).
🔥 Biggest Money Move: Once you’re in demand, start raising your performance fees. Never be afraid to charge what you’re worth.
Final Thought: Booking Gigs = More Than Just Music—It’s a Business
Live performances are one of the most powerful ways to build your career, grow your fanbase, and make real money. But the key is treating it like a business—not just a side hustle.
💡 Quick Recap:
✅ Build a solid live set before you start booking.
✅ Find the right venues & reach out with a strong pitch.
✅ Promote the gig hard—don’t rely on the venue alone.
✅ Deliver an unforgettable performance to get rebooked.
✅ Use every gig to build new opportunities.
💥 The best artists aren’t waiting around for gigs—they’re out there creating opportunities. Get out, get booked, and start getting paid for your music. 🎤🔥