I asked my Panel of Experts "What advice do you have for local bands about how they can increase their fan base and get shows at larger venues," and this is what they said:
1. Keep playing locally. Don't turn down free gigs, keep your fanbase up to date, play places other people won't.
2. Play as often as possible. Start an email list. Really it's that simple, obvious things. Make friends with the in-house talent buyers at venues. Try to get the opening slot at a big show. Play the poster room at the fillmore, etc.
3. Play less and make sure every show is good. A lot of bands take as many shows to get out there but the buzz of a cool local band that can draw on a Tuesday does travel amongst local bookers.
4. Start where ever you can and consisitently bring 40 people. Build the amount of people from that.
5. Don't play every week. Spread your shows out and creat a demand that way/ Keep playing the smaller venues until your draw builds so that when you do approach the larger vennues, you can say you have sold out the other rooms. Never lie about draw as we have ways of finding out. Don't book a show at one venue and then try to get a support slot at another venue. Shows should be at least a month or more apart so that each show can draw the most people.
6. Keep playing and get good.
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