What to do next??

[Doug102938@aol.com]

Hi Guys, Ok my band just finished a 5 song CD here in tampa and I wanted to get some feedback on it and opinions on what to do with it. Promo pack what to include? who to talk to? where to meet people? basically the next steps a growing new band should take.. please go to my site below and listen and tell me what you think. thanks alot

 

[launchpad67a]

Hey Doug,
Great tunes man! Great recording too, I really enjoyed this music. You guys have strong enough music in my mind. There is a future somewhere for you.
Promo-Pack should include a Great picture (black&white), a biography (1 page), a cd (5 songs are plenty), and a video (live performance).

Put all these things in a slick looking box or folder/envelope, and include "contact info" in the form of a business card or printed right on the outside of the pack. Print the "band logo" on the outside also!
As for the video it's nice to tape a whole set and then edit the video to include 30 second bits of songs. No record rep wants to watch or listen to anything longer than they have to. So cram a lot of great stuff into a short video. If they like it, they will watch the whole video and listen to the entire cd.
Remember, Image is everything nowdays. I can't stress enough to work on this just as much as the music. You have to be "marketable", this is ALL that matters!!

Next, create a huge following in your home town and sell a *$%# load of cd's. Get the local radio to play your music. Talk to anyone in the entertainment/broadcast/studio/TV/ business, and see if they know "someone" in the record industry.
If you meet enough people and sell yourself, you might just find the right person. It's Not an easy job, it can take a lot of legwork.
You might just luck out and it will come easier than this, who knows. Your music is very solid, I think you have a shot!!

Good luck man,

Mike

 

[Doug102938@aol.com]

Thanks Mike for the comments. I forgot to mention that I'm the singer/rhythem guitar/ song writer, I will definatly get on that.. I have tried my hardest to talk to radio stations and try daily no one is responsive, I guess you have to know someone who knows someone. alot of the rock stations around here have local music shows and play alot of garbage but wont even talk to me, maybe I should just go there and stalk them. Building a following with no cooperation from ANYONE I have talked to is difficult, even venues/bars/clubs around here wont answer calls or call back. But I will keep at it. Nice to know at least somebody appreciates the quality of the stuff. Any more advice from you other folks?

 

[Rod Gervais]

Find a reputable agent in your area.

There are tons of venues who won't deal with you - but when an agent (they do regular business with) walks in and says you're great - they'll listen.

Same thing with radio play - many times having someone they know make the connection for you is worth it's weight in gold.

IMHO - it's worth the percentage you pay........

Rod

 

[launchpad67a]

Rod is correct. I use an agent and get many of the best gigs in Vegas...a hard task for anyone! He takes 10-15%, but with an agent you can charge more so it all works out.
Also like I said, a great promo-pack will go a long way too. Just talking to club/bar owners doesn't usually do the job, anyone can talk themselves up..But only a few can live up to their word!

I do recommend an agent. Talk to some of the guys in the "best bands" in your area, find out who their agent is and call him. Send him a pack and have him come to watch you play.
I know this might sound strange to you but, you might want to incorporate some "cover songs" into your show (if you don't already). Not too many clubs are "all original", so a good list of covers will for sure land you some gigs. Once your in, you can play whatever you want! It's all about "getting in the door".

Mike

 

[Doug102938@aol.com]

Thanks for the comments again guys. Yes I will look for an agent. I have an entertainment attorney but hes to busy and doesn't specialize in this particualar area so he is referring me to someone else. yes we do do covers. We do a interesting and cool version of Elanor Rigby (sp?) by the Beatles as well as various other rock covers we are working on branching out on that too. But I never even get to that stage with these places they give you instructions on the site and you follow them but never talk to anyone. some places are different and easier but others that should be easy as they are pretty low scale for some reason arn't(just my little rant about these places). But I will be more aggresive and diligent. Any suggestions on how to promote for gigs to get new people to come to build a fan base? If anyone has anything to add keep it coming. thanks