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Are
You Overlooking
Live Show
Opportunities?
Expand Your Definition of a Live Performance
by Bob
Baker -
The
Buzz Factor, Posted
October 2004
Back to The
Academy
Let me ask you ... What has to happen for a person to be
converted into being a fan of your music? There are a number
of possible answers, but at the most basic level, one thing
has to happen: The person must hear your music.
And there are only so many ways someone can hear your
music: on the radio or on television, on the Internet, in a
dance club or a retail store, from a friend on a home or car
stereo or ... during a live performance.
Let's focus on that last one, because even with all of the
advancements in technology, live performance continues to
be one of the best ways to connect with fans, sell CDs and
prosper as an artist.
Hopefully, your marketing plans include a heaping helping of
live shows. But what type of live shows do you plan? The
problem is, many musicians get stuck in live performance
ruts and fail to think outside the box. For instance, most
rock bands flock like lemmings to nightclubs. Most acoustic
singer-songwriters obsess over coffee shops and folk venues.
That's fine, but they end the thought process there -- and
then complain that there aren't enough gig slots for all of
the acts who want to play.
The solution: Redefine your live performance goals. And ask
yourself the right questions. If you only ask, "How can I
book more shows at clubs?" you'll rarely look outside that
possibility. But if you ask, "How can I reach more of my
ideal fans through live performances?" then your list of
potential venues is suddenly wide open.
Where can you play in front of more potential fans? If
nightclubs is one answer, great -- continue to pursue that.
But what about community festivals, neighborhood block
parties, grand openings, rallies, auto shows, craft fairs,
the finishing line of a city marathon, a public beach on a
sunny day ... anywhere that large groups of people gather
is fair game.
Sure, not every option will have the logistics for a sound
system, a stage, etc. But any glimmer of an idea along these
lines is worth looking into. And I guarantee you, the number
of other acts competing for a spot at one of these offbeat
events will be much less than the number you find at the
traditional live music venues.
So ... expand your definition of a live performance, ask
yourself empowering questions, and open your mind to the
many new ways you have to reach fans through live
performances.
----
Reprinted with
permission from Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor, featuring
free marketing and self-promotion ideas for songwriters,
musicians and bands on a budget. Visit
www.TheBuzzFactor.com for details.
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