Question

Asundor · Post by **Asundor** » Thursday Oct 12, 2006

Does anyone know any cool bars that will book you with out a demo. We are wanting to start playing alot of new places. If anyone can help us out let me no thanks.

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Thursday Oct 12, 2006

Many clubs book without needing a demo if you have guaranteed drawing potential.

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Friday Oct 13, 2006

Be flexible with the pay if you're not drawing a larger crowd and you'll also find some clubs willing to book without a demo. Honestly, it's been my experience that any club can go either way on the demo issue. It depends a lot on how you present yourself and your band. If you come off as an asshole, a club might want a demo from you even if they don't ask for demos from any of the other bands that might play there.

There used to be a venue listing on this board somewhere. I suggest you look at that and start making some calls. Also, check the venue list on the pamusician site. It's a start.

Asundor · Post by **Asundor** » Friday Oct 13, 2006

Thanks for the info

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Friday Oct 13, 2006

Honestly, I don't think I've ever booked a gig off of a demo. I've dropped them off here and there over the years, but most bookings have sprung from a mixture of positive words from others in the trade and good, old fashioned salesmanship.

I think the best "demo" you can give a club owner or manager is to open for established bands and show them exactly what you have to offer. What we and many bands do on stage is far different from what you would hear on a demo.

r:>)

Asundor · Post by **Asundor** » Friday Oct 13, 2006

Thats true Rob, thanks everyone for the info.

skipisode · Post by **skipisode** » Friday Oct 13, 2006

There is also the issue of a "live demo" vs. a "studio demo". Obviously,
a studio demo is typically going to be of higher quality. However, I've heard plenty of great sounding studio demos and the band sounds completely different live. Word of mouth goes along way, and as Rob
stated salesmanship is also important. If you know existing bands playing
at venues you are interested in, see if they can put in a good word for you
as well (as long as you get along well with them!). We all know competition is tough these days for gigs, but we Rockpagers do need to help each other out when possible. Also, check to see what type/style of music the place prefers before approaching the venue. Promoting falsely can hurt you as well as any other band who may be assisting you to market yourself. Rule of thumb, honesty and willingness to work with a
venue can go a long way! Demos do give you a better professional
impression, so they are ultimately worth investing in. Good luck!

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Friday Oct 13, 2006

Sidestep did a club demo at Audible Images in about 5 hours that paid for itself within the week it was produced... TJKelly booked us $3000 worth of gigs in a few days. I was a non-believer up to that point.
It cost us a few hundred, but if I could get that kind of return on investment in my stock portfolio, I'd have a hot secretary typing this for me.------->JMS

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Friday Oct 13, 2006

songsmith wrote:Sidestep did a club demo at Audible Images in about 5 hours that paid for itself within the week it was produced... TJKelly booked us $3000 worth of gigs in a few days. I was a non-believer up to that point.
It cost us a few hundred, but if I could get that kind of return on investment in my stock portfolio, I'd have a hot secretary typing this for me.------->JMS

Funny, I was just going to mention that! That helped us get our foot in the door in areas where we didn't have any name recognition or word of mouth.

On the other hand, you can do just fine without a demo. We never had a studio demo in Hair Force One, but got great bookings through persistance, reputation, and uniqueness. If your concept isn't significantly different from the other bands looking for gigs in your area, a demo might give you a leg up.