You're in a band and think your music's great but the neighbours disagree. How do go about moving into pubs and clubs and out of the garage?
Schools, colleges and youth clubs are a great place to start playing in front of a crowd, all be it a small one. It will give you a chance to learn how to perform and gain experience before you move on to play a bigger crowd. Once you feel comfortable and confident, you're ready to move on to playing at universities, pubs, clubs art centres and social clubs. Do your homework. See which venues would suit your music. Speak to landlords. If you're just starting out, speak to more established bands and see if you can play the warm up slot. At least then you don't have to worry about brining an audience with you.
An important thing to remember is that you do not need to pay in order to play. If a venue tries to charge you, walk away.
For a guide to venues check out
www.gig-guide.co.uk
www.musiciansunion.org.uk
Alternatively, have a look in Circuit Magazine. It reviews 10 different venues, the type of music they play and how they treat musicians.
A great way to get noticed is to play at festivals. There is a music industry convention called In The City which happens in September at different cities within the UK. Check out Music Week for information. It's a great way to network and make contacts.
A great way to get noticed is to play at festivals. There is a music industry convention called In The City which happens in September at different cities within the UK. Check out Music Week for information. It's a great way to network and make contacts
Managers and Agents
These are not necessary when you're just starting out. They cost money and often do nothing. You need to be an investment for them so wait until you're more established and have developed a following.
Once you've got to that stage, an agent can be of great benefit. A good agent will get you better gigs and bigger venues. Be careful though, an agent generally charges 20% of the booking fee.
Take a look at www.agents-uk.com - Uk Agents' Association
A Career in Writing Music
There is a huge demand for music, whether it be for film, TV, or video games. A good way to start is by working for a music library. You record complete albums which are then sent to agencies. If the music is played, you get paid and the music library takes a percentage. To work for a music library you need to send in a demo. If they like you, you will be invited for an interview. If you are successful, they will give a budget to record your album. Remember, don't copy music that's already out there. Be original!
If you do want to become a songwriter, it is important that you become a member of a performing rights organisation, www.prs.co.uk - Performing Rights Society
Also, check out:
www.britishacademy.com - British Academy of Composers and Songwriters
www.ascap.com - National Academy of Songwriters
www.sonwriters.org - Songwriters Guild of America
www.musesmuse.com - Songwriters' Newsletter
Useful Websites
www.afim.org - Association for Independent Music
www.musicindie.com - Association of Independent Music
www.aprs.co.uk - Association of Professional Recording Services
www.bmi.com - Broadcast Music Incorporated (American Site)
www.bpi.co.uk - British Phonographic Industry
www.copyright-info.org - Copyright advice and Anti - Piracy
www.mcps.co.uk - Mechanical Copyright Protection Society
www.benedict.com - Copyright
www.ifpi.org - International Federation of the Phonographic Industry
www.mobo.net - Music of Black origin
www.nmpa.org - National Music Publishers Association
www.pamra.org.uk - Performing Artists' Media Rights Association
www.plasa.org - Professional Lighting and Sound Association
www.princes-trust.org.uk - Funding information
www.prs.co.uk - Performing Rights Society
www.digibid.com - buy gear online
www.inthecity.co.uk - Musicians Trade Fair
www.midem.com - Musicians Trade Fair
www.mudhut.co.uk - Unsigned music site
www.musicianswalk.com - Musicians' Resources
www.music-media.co.uk - UK Industry Directory and Vacancies
www.demon.co.uk/studiobase - UK Studio Information
www.wipo.org - World Intellectual Property Organisation
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Careers in Music