More gigdoggylicious quotes on gig swapping here and here. Mruff.
We find bands to share gigs by networking, so far it’s worked out. I am going to be doing some shows with a couple of bands who’ve gotten into NXNE and contacted us (so I’ll probably see them at the festival), as well as a band I personally just tripped across on myspace, loved their sound/style, will be going to check out their show this week, but more because I just love their sound and want to see them anyway. If that match up works out I’m sure we’ll do a few shows with them, including one out-of-towner, which would be great..
Myspace, facebook are excellent ways to at least preview the band and get a sense of their direction/attitude. But there’s no substitute for seeing the band play live, and on that note I totally agree with the live video option as a great tool/calling card. We’ll definitely try to get one happening ourselves at some point
SleepSix – www.sonicbids.com/SleepSix
First time I was half of an acoustic duo in Austin, we played a club there regularly and they booked us to open for another local band. They set up during our last break, and had some nice comments about us. We decided to do Neil Young’s “Old Man” for our last song, starting into the second verse I suddenly heard bass guitar…in key, perfect volume, turned around to look between lines (I did the lead vocal) and their bass `player grinned at me just as the drummer fell into place. We finished the song with bass and drums, it went well and sounded great, the crowd loved it. It ended up to be a really good night.
PaleoPete – www.bandmix.com/paleopete
Sharing shows is pretty common these days. Almost the norm. It’s a good strategy for a local band whose fans see them often. Get an established band to play the show with you, and open for them. That gets all your fans out at the same time, and the club loves the business..
The better question is “have you traded gigs?”
Trading gigs is getting pretty popular. We have had at least 3 bands ask us to do it. A band from out of town takes your gig, and you play their gig. It helps BOTH bands develop a fan base in each other’s states or cities. It gets you “touring” faster. As long as the venues are cool, which they usually are, it is a win-win-win for all three parties
Craig Maxim – www.myspace.com/southernmischiefband
To me, just as important as building a fan base and getting in good with club owners is getting in good with other bands. If other bands like you and your music, they will probably ask you to do shows with them off and on..
Sylvan Lane – http://www.myspace.com/sylvanlane)
Sharing gigs is almost the only way to get one someday. So it’s pretty much the only thing we do. I can’t remember performing a gig with just the Fleets. It’s kinda weird, geez. I mean when you’re an indie self-produced and managed band like us. When you get a bit bigger, then you can expect to perform on your own (even if there’s always a first act to open for you…). I guess it’s pretty much the same for you in Canada. At least, I hope ! Cause it’s a great way to meet bands, have great nights and great gigs.
The Fleets – myspace.com/thefleets
More band quotes on sharing shows and gig swapping here:
