Stop Waiting for Gigs: The Indie Artist's Guide to Landing Gigs

Breaking into the live performance scene as an independent artist can be scary at times. Multiple venues and groups that you need to try to fit into. Once you understand where to look and how to fit yourself into the scene, it paves your path to playing more gigs. Finding gigs is a mix of strategy and persistence. You need to constantly be selling yourself and what you represent as an artist to be seen and able to perform live. 

Building an Online Presence 

Before reaching out to anyone regarding a gig, make sure you have some sort of online platform. You need something to show them. Venues and promoters almost always will resort to your online presence before even thinking about booking you. 

Focus on the following: 

• Updated and clean social media page

• Performance Clips 

• Bio 

• Links to music

• EPK (Electronic Press Kit)

• Website 

Use social media as a portfolio for yourself as an artist. Use it to your advantage so that venues can be more attracted to you as a performer and book you at their next gig. 

Starting Local and Consistent

Your local music scene is the best way to start. Whether it means you know someone from town who works there, or people just see you as a familiar face from around town. Showing up to open mics constantly just to make yourself more familiar with the people in your scene. From there, you make connections, and you can start performing.

Reach Out Directly to Venues 

Don't overthink it. You may need to just ask your local venue how to get a spot on the performance schedule. Many venues and bars are always looking for live performers to keep the engagement and liveliness in the place going. Research venues that fit your vibe and send them a short description of who you are and why you want to perform there. Send them over your EPK while you're at it, too. This is you selling yourself. You will now be on their mind, and next time they're looking for someone to play with, they may think of you.

Collaborate with Other Artists 

One of the fastest ways to get on stage is through collaboration. Try to partner with another artist who is already booking gigs. It opens you up to performing with them and others discovering you as an artist to build a following. It helps you with performance experience before going solo as well. Going through the motions with someone by your side for the first time performing live makes it feel less intimidating. 

Gig Finding Apps/Websites

There are multiple apps musicians turn to when finding gigs. Platforms like GigSalad, BandMix, Sonicbids, and ReverbNation aren’t just apps; they’re tools to put you in front of real opportunities. Instead of waiting for someone to discover you, apply to gigs daily, message event organizers, and treat it like part of your routine. You want to be as visible and proactive as possible. 

Let Us Do The Work For You

You don't have to do it alone! That's where The MIC Music Group comes in. We handle the outreach so you can focus on the music. Through our booking outreach service, we use our network and industry leverage to help you land gigs and grow your presence. Interested? Email us at stef@themicmg.com to get started!

LONG STORY SHORT: Finding gigs as an independent artist can be hard, but you have to be willing to put in the legwork. Always be selling yourself to anyone, just in case. You never know what opportunities can come of just being nice to someone!