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Posted by: Roko Jan 22 2008, 12:24 AM

I did not know where to put this because I didn't want to annoy people by putting it in a regular discussion thread. I am a kid, basically, and I have a band. However, I'm having a lot of trouble getting off the ground (i.e. playing shows...). Because I'm young, I can't play in bars, or clubs like other starter musicians, it's been really hard to get a gig. I was wondering if there were any GMCers that could give me advice on how to get started.

Posted by: Smells Jan 22 2008, 12:33 AM

hmm yea thats a toughy, well I think I`d start by recording a bit of a demo cd, so its something you can actually give to people so they can hear what your bands like and the kind of thing you play.

when I was at school (many years ago unfortunatly) we used a youth club hall and invited as many friends as possible to come and watch us, they had to pay a very small entrance fee to the Youth Club, so they where happy and we had an audience.

I would also maybe try contact some local organisatons to see if they have any functions etc going on, maybe daytime things, fairs etc that kind of thing ,you may be able to play at them?. other than that its pretty hard if your under age for bars and clubs etc

Posted by: MickeM Jan 22 2008, 12:33 AM

QUOTE (Roko @ Jan 22 2008, 12:24 AM)

Posted by: Smells Jan 22 2008, 12:35 AM

QUOTE (MickeM @ Jan 21 2008, 11:33 PM)

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=2573 an old thread with the same question. And hopefully you'll get even more answers now that the forum has grown

Posted by: Hisham Jan 22 2008, 12:38 AM

guy you have first to show your talents in the schools and in a privat partys because you still young and i am shure
you will have many chances in future to play in clubs and big places other wise just because you are playing in a band thats a big things for you because you are building the right way for your future music.keep going

Posted by: Bogdan Jan 22 2008, 01:04 AM

Try applying for demo band contests and high school gigs..Thats always a good start !
And be patient because at one moment (now) it may look difficult to get gigs etc but in a near future and when you get to know the right people it will be very easy and you will be gigging all the time..Just practice hard and stay focused on your goals and they will be fulfilled..

Posted by: Muris Jan 22 2008, 01:21 AM

I'm not sure of your age but if you really want to get in the bars
then use spare time until proper age to upgrade skills,your own and band's of course.

Along with that,as many said above,try applying for some school contest,record demo CD,
play at your friend's party,options are endless indeed.

Just play,gigs will come as natural thing,trust me,but PLAY.

Posted by: Stevie·Ray·Vaughn Jan 22 2008, 01:23 AM

Perhaps rent out a hall? I know that's what my band is doing. We went a hall for one night and invite everyone we know in town with a small entrance fee

Posted by: stratman33 Jan 22 2008, 01:52 AM

It would help to know EXACTLY how young you are

Posted by: SLASH91 Jan 22 2008, 01:58 AM

Like every one else has said, just really promote your band. Try to record a demo, rent a hall, play at parties, whatever.

Posted by: Milenkovic Ivan Jan 22 2008, 02:00 AM

Take your time man, gigs will come, and if you really practice and play hard, you will be playing bigger gigs that you could ever think of

Posted by: Muris Jan 22 2008, 02:07 AM

QUOTE (Stevie·Ray·Vaughn @ Jan 22 2008, 01:23 AM)

Perhaps rent out a hall? I know that's what my band is doing. We went a hall for one night and invite everyone we know in town with a small entrance fee

Posted by: Stevie·Ray·Vaughn Jan 22 2008, 02:16 AM

QUOTE (Muris @ Jan 22 2008, 01:07 AM)

Now that IS a good idea

Posted by: Alucard Jan 22 2008, 03:42 PM

Yeah, like stratman said it's kind of hard to give you specific advice unless we know your exact age. If your in junior high or middle school, a lot of schools have talent competition or social events where you could play at, if nothing else to get some stage experience. If your in high school, you could try signing up for a battle of the bands competition, either sponsered by the high school or a community center. Remember, at your age, stage experience is what you need most! Good luck

Posted by: Goliath Jan 22 2008, 09:06 PM

If you were an enterprising youth, you would solicit musicians in similar situations as yours. Make them pay part of a stake to rent a performance hall w/ you, lets say it's $200 to rent a hall and you get 2 bands to sign on with you. Your band pays $100, theirs each pay $50. You charge 5$ a head to get into the place (or 4$). You give each of the other bands 1$ off of each entry, then give your band 2$, and if you charged 5$, pocket that extra dollar yourself, since afterall, you put the sweat equity into getting this thing set up and you might need some new strings.