4 min read
5 ways you can get gigs as a musician in 2024
Need help getting gigs as a musician? Here are our top 5 tips to help you fill up those calendar slots.
Band, singer, or solo musician, it seems like everyone’s wondering how to get more gigs as a musician for a multitude of reasons. Blame it on changing preferences, easier access to recorded tunes, or just about everyone picking up a musical hobby during the pandemic lockdowns.
Let alone making it big; it is getting harder even to book the occasional local gigs as a musician. So we've compiled a list of our top tips to help musicians like you break through the dry patch and make it start rainin’ gigs!
How to get gigs as a musician in 2024
Dedicated practice, persistence, and these top three tips will surely help you book gigs no matter what music niche you're passionate about!
(Every artist wonders how to get gigs as a musician at some point in their musical journey)
1. Perfect that tune!
Perfecting your craft is the best way to stay inspired and guarantee more gigs. So use that free time to help you get as close to perfection as possible.
Here at SoundBrenner, we believe in the artists that make music come alive. So, we've designed the Core 2 Vibrating Metronome to help make your practices more efficient.
Like you, this smartwatch and wearable metronome is a musical all-rounder with features including a stopwatch, tuner, and DB meter. So invest in one now to improve rhythm and timekeeping, and stay on schedule when that calendar gets jam-packed with performances!
2. Strengthen your networking game.
Networking with other artists is a great way to get gigs as a musician.
You can expand your network by participating in musical events, and professional events, and by joining online forums such as Facebook groups.
Another great way to gain free publicity and get gigs as a musician (fingers crossed!) is by participating in local competitions and sing-offs.
Tip: Check out this guide tolearn more about networking.
3. Collaborate to get exposure and gigs.
Consider going out of your comfort zone and joining hands with artists to create mutually beneficial partnerships. Not only will it increase your exposure to a new audience, but it's also a surefire way to gain experience and network.
Your local radio station can be a collaboration opportunity with great potential to help you book events and gigs. You never know when someone from the audience might need a musician like you for a gig or event!
Tip: Check out this guide to learn to collaborate with other artists.
4. Join a tour
If gigs are hard to come by in your locality, consider part-time touring with a fellow band or even solo. Use your network and the internet to browse and line up gigs nearby where your talent might be more appreciated.
You can even replace a musician that had to drop out of a planned tour and gain touring experience with an established musician or band.
Tip: Check out this guide on how to open for a touring band.
5. Fire up your EPK
Build up your EPK by adding a list of versatile and exciting gigs you've performed. Show it off to local businesses to increase your chances of landing gigs.
Knowing when, where, and how to showcase your EPK is just as important.
Keep your social media accounts updated. Display demo videos and your latest work on as many platforms as possible to showcase your EPK.
Tip: Check out this guide on how to create a solid EPK.