HOW TO GET A GIG

 

You knew you would have to get your act out of your garage eventually. It’s an inevitable step in the development of any Kenyan rock band. Nothing can quite match the experience of playing in front of a crowd.  This is your chance to get through the mandatory stage fright. Gigs are also a way of making cash from your music and building a fan base. They are a perfect means of gauging which songs to keep in your rapporteur and what audiences like. Gigs also offer great motivation to improve your act. Nonetheless getting a chance to perform live can be an uphill task for a startup band.

First challenge is getting a venue. When getting started you can’t be finicky about where you perform. Anywhere with a crowd will do just fine. At first,you will probably be playing to a crowd of mostly friends and family so a small venue will do. Work your way up from house parties with familiar faces up to clubs and pubs. You might not be able to make a lot of money initially but experience is what counts most. Make a point of playing in clubs with your type of music. It will be easier to get fans that way.

You will also need to work with promoters, managers and venue owners. Every one of these people needs one thing from you above all; reliability. Do not be late, show up with faulty equipment or skip the gig all together. No one will touch you with a ten foot poll if your band is not dependable. They also need a Kenyan rock band that will draw crowds and fill the cash box. Needless to say you need to make a good impression.  Prepare a press kit and demo CD of your songs. It’s also important to be professional and demonstrate your popularity. Sometimes promoters organize festivals. This would be great exposure if you can get in.

Of course you could plan your own event instead. Get in touch with other Kenyan rock bands and venue owners. Mobilize you fan base. Make your friends come with their friends. Plaster posters all over the area. You will probably have to make admission cheap to attract a large audience. Having several acts perform is a definite plus. Make sure you keep your costs low though. Keep the events small at first then build them up over time. Hold them on the same day of the week or month so people know when and where to find you. The band will have to give a decent performance to keep the fans coming.
Speaking of gigs, you can catch Dove Slimme and PLG live on the seventh of April at Choices Baricho Road. And yes, you SHOULD DEFINITELY bring a friend.