How to Book Your First Show

Before You Start Booking

Make sure you're ready:

• Have a live-ready set (at least 30 minutes of music you can perform confidently)
• Have music online (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
• Have basic promo materials (2-3 good photos, a bio, social media links)
• Have practiced performing (even if it's just for friends or at open mics)

Finding the Right Venue

For your first show, look for:

• Small capacity (50-150 people) so it doesn't feel empty
• Artist-friendly venues that book emerging acts
• Your genre — don't play a metal show at a jazz club
• Local — start in your own city

How to Pitch a Venue

Email the talent buyer (not the general email). Keep it short:

• Who you are (1 sentence)
• What you sound like (genre + 1-2 comparison artists)
• Why this venue (show you've researched them)
• Your streaming/social numbers (keep it honest)
• Links to music and live video
• Available dates

Deal Types

• Door deal: You get a percentage of ticket sales (common for new artists)
• Guarantee: A flat fee regardless of attendance (better, but harder to get)
• Versus deal: The higher of a guarantee OR a percentage of the door
• Pay to play: You buy tickets and sell them yourself (avoid this)

Show Day Tips

• Arrive early for sound check
• Bring a guest list of people you personally invited
• Have a merch table (even just stickers and a tip jar)
• Collect emails (QR code to a signup form)
• Record the show (video content for social media)
• Stay for other artists (networking + good karma)

After the Show

• Thank the venue and promoter
• Follow up with new contacts
• Post content from the show
• Track: how many people came, how much merch sold, what worked
• Book the next one while the momentum is fresh