giving a demo to a club

[conor.meara]

going to a free rockabilly show at a club nearby my apartment and i just put together a demo to see if i can hand it off to and sweet talk the manager while i'm there

(band finally found a place to practice around here and are gettin back into the swing of things)

so i put together with what i could a case for it and what not...

on the inside cover i stuck a business card with my address e-mail phone number and website, i wrote the name of cd, my name, phone number and band's myspace on the cd, underneath the cd on the tray i wrote a brief bio, and on the back i put the track listing, my contact info again and tamurrecords.org on the bottom.

looks like this:

http://www.tamurrecords.org/canariesdemo3.jpg

http://www.tamurrecords.org/canariesdemo1.jpg

http://www.tamurrecords.org/canariesdemo2.jpg

am i forgetting anything? i'd stick in a live group shot but i don't have a printer... would that all be suitable for trying to get a gig?

(we rarely played in "real" venues as the pidgeons and if we did it was through a contact or myspace so i don't have much experience with hocking demos around)

-conor

[bnyswonger]

I think a pic would be a advisable if you can pull it off. You guys are all young and good looking...it won't do anything but help. :cool:

[conor.meara]

I think a pic would be a advisable if you can pull it off. You guys are all young and good looking...it won't do anything but help. :cool:

i'm flattered ;) :D

but i just don't have a printer or any prints of any of the photos.

oh well. goin out soon. peace.

[spezzy]

Conor - no offense, but if you gave me that it would immediately end up in the trash.

It should look way more professional than that. Crossing out something and writing the update next to it means "I really don't care enough to print this out again" There have got to be plenty of print shops in NYC. Not having a printer is not an excuse.

Remember - it's not just a gig. You're asking this man to give you a job. (even if it's not paid). If he lets you play at his venue, it will effect his business somehow.

A photo is very important. Puts a face with the disc. When you run any sort of venue, people give you CD's all the time to listen to, and you remember faces better than what a CD looks like. (You spend time talking to the person giving you the cd, but you don't spend 5 minutes staring at the CD before you put it in your pile of "shit I got this shift")

The easier you make it for them to remember you, the better.

Also, 4 songs is too many. No one is going to listen to 4. Put your best 3 (max) on the CD. And you should include copyright information. Always.

You should consider putting together a press kit for things like this. Yes, venues (especially in a market like NYC) get a ton of these every week, but they are going to look at one of those before they look at a CD all alone.

You should have the following:

An introduction for you and your band. This should be much like a cover letter for a job, and it should be addressed to whoever you are trying to get their attention.

A fact sheet that highlights your band, their stats, etc.

Any reviews from the press you have. If there are a lot, quotes from them, but since you are a young band, I'm assuming you don't have much.

Bio of the band. 1 page max. Keep it simple and creative.

The photo - for venues it can be what you want, but you should have a black and white glossy (usually 8 x 10) for an "official kit" incase you need it.

Discography of previously released works.

Contact info: band leader or band manager.

[conor.meara]

Conor - no offense, but if you gave me that it would immediately end up in the trash.

It should look way more professional than that. Crossing out something and writing the update next to it means "I really don't care enough to print this out again" There have got to be plenty of print shops in NYC. Not having a printer is not an excuse.

Remember - it's not just a gig. You're asking this man to give you a job. (even if it's not paid). If he lets you play at his venue, it will effect his business somehow.

A photo is very important. Puts a face with the disc. When you run any sort of venue, people give you CD's all the time to listen to, and you remember faces better than what a CD looks like. (You spend time talking to the person giving you the cd, but you don't spend 5 minutes staring at the CD before you put it in your pile of "shit I got this shift")

The easier you make it for them to remember you, the better.

Also, 4 songs is too many. No one is going to listen to 4. Put your best 3 (max) on the CD. And you should include copyright information. Always.

You should consider putting together a press kit for things like this. Yes, venues (especially in a market like NYC) get a ton of these every week, but they are going to look at one of those before they look at a CD all alone.

You should have the following:

An introduction for you and your band. This should be much like a cover letter for a job, and it should be addressed to whoever you are trying to get their attention.

A fact sheet that highlights your band, their stats, etc.

Any reviews from the press you have. If there are a lot, quotes from them, but since you are a young band, I'm assuming you don't have much.

Bio of the band. 1 page max. Keep it simple and creative.

The photo - for venues it can be what you want, but you should have a black and white glossy (usually 8 x 10) for an "official kit" incase you need it.

Discography of previously released works.

Contact info: band leader or band manager.

it was a last minute thing aimed at a really small club in jersey city (i don't live in new york) because i already had plans to go there last night, so no offense taken (though that was a bit harsh.)

now i know for next time.

[allan]

She's not harsh, she's dead on. A band is either a business or it isn't - either is fine, but all these people talk to each other. A demo is a resume.

[conor.meara]

She's not harsh, she's dead on. A band is either a business or it isn't - either is fine, but all these people talk to each other. A demo is a resume.

i come from a word of mouth underground (literally - in basements and warehouses) scene where introducing yourself, talking to, and drinking with people in other bands (who range between 18yo-25yo) at free basement shows and handing them a single cd-r in a paper case got you gigs (if you were good.)

i know it'd be really difficult to find a scene that familial and honest and vibrant around here and that's really frustrating to me.

either way. i don't know where to play gigs now with this band where we'll get such an open reception -- so i was going to a show at a bar and threw together what's posted above.

like i said -- now i know for next time.

[allan]

-- now i know for next time.

And that's the most important thing.

[King Kashue]

like i said -- now i know for next time.

And that's the most important thing.

Man, pop culture pitch, pop culture wiff :D


Clearly, the response should have been "And Knowing is Half the Battle" :P

[oldivor]

Man, pop culture pitch, pop culture wiff :D


Clearly, the response should have been "And Knowing is Half the Battle" :P

http://www.kollectablekaos.com.au/images/general%20tomahawk%20gi%20joe.jpeg

[spezzy]

it was a last minute thing aimed at a really small club in jersey city (i don't live in new york) because i already had plans to go there last night, so no offense taken (though that was a bit harsh.)

now i know for next time.

I didn't mean to be harsh. I was just being honest and trying to give you some constructive criticism, and let you know what I think is best based on my experiences on the hiring end. I honestly just want to see you (and everyone else here) do well.

I've applied for hundreds of jobs and my resume has been tossed in the trash, for 99% of them, a lot of them being because I had a sloppy resume - this is no different. (That said, I still hope you get a gig at the place)

Jersey City - everyone I've spoken to considers it the same "market" as New York, so I apologize that I put them into one category. I'm not familiar with the area (though only an hour and a half out, I should be). Sorry!! :)

[spezzy]

i come from a word of mouth underground (literally - in basements and warehouses) scene where introducing yourself, talking to, and drinking with people in other bands (who range between 18yo-25yo) at free basement shows and handing them a single cd-r in a paper case got you gigs (if you were good.)

i know it'd be really difficult to find a scene that familial and honest and vibrant around here and that's really frustrating to me.

either way. i don't know where to play gigs now with this band where we'll get such an open reception -- so i was going to a show at a bar and threw together what's posted above.

like i said -- now i know for next time.

Word of mouth will get you more gigs than anything else. The music industry IS all in who you know. However, they need to be the right people for the type of gig you're trying to play. If you want a gig at a venue, unless someone in that basement knows the person in charge at a venue.

Also, remember what type of venue you're trying to play at. You're going to market yourself differently depending on the type of venue. (For example, if you're going to play at a college bar, you don't play up that you're great musicians, you make a point that you're great entertainment.)

[basslord1124]

Looks like a bunch of kids made that press kit. Who ya trying to impress...the club owner or a kindergarten teacher?

[conor.meara]

Looks like a bunch of kids made that press kit. Who ya trying to impress...the club owner or a kindergarten teacher?

you're an ass.

[conor.meara]

I didn't mean to be harsh. I was just being honest and trying to give you some constructive criticism, and let you know what I think is best based on my experiences on the hiring end. I honestly just want to see you (and everyone else here) do well.

I've applied for hundreds of jobs and my resume has been tossed in the trash, for 99% of them, a lot of them being because I had a sloppy resume - this is no different. (That said, I still hope you get a gig at the place)

Jersey City - everyone I've spoken to considers it the same "market" as New York, so I apologize that I put them into one category. I'm not familiar with the area (though only an hour and a half out, I should be). Sorry!! :)

i appreciate it. thanks for the info :)

[Croissant Seven]

Conor, do you have any graphic design software? I use The Gimp, and though it took me a while to figure out, it's great and it's freeware.
I tossed this together for you, it's CD cover sized. Use it if you want to...Kinko's will print one for like 50 cents:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/velvet2112/Canarino-Canary.jpg

Edit: it doesn't attach CD sized, PM me if you want me to email it to you...

[King Kashue]

You're gonna google snag that picture? :D

[Croissant Seven]

You're gonna google snag that picture? :D

Yup. And two minutes later I had a demo CD cover.:cool:

That was the coolest canary picture on the first page...
C7

[bassment zombie]

I didn't mean to be harsh. I was just being honest and trying to give you some constructive criticism, and let you know what I think is best based on my experiences on the hiring end. I honestly just want to see you (and everyone else here) do well.
:thumbsup:

Word of mouth will get you more gigs than anything else. The music industry IS all in who you know. However, they need to be the right people for the type of gig you're trying to play. If you want a gig at a venue, unless someone in that basement knows the person in charge at a venue.

Also, remember what type of venue you're trying to play at. You're going to market yourself differently depending on the type of venue. (For example, if you're going to play at a college bar, you don't play up that you're great musicians, you make a point that you're great entertainment.)
spezz knows her shiat! :bowdown: :robot:

Looks like a bunch of kids made that press kit. Who ya trying to impress...the club owner or a kindergarten teacher?
Ouch...harsh, but he has a point :bolt:

you're an ass.
mmm....maybe! :jester:

Conor, do you have any graphic design software? I use The Gimp, and though it took me a while to figure out, it's great and it's freeware.
I tossed this together for you, it's CD cover sized. Use it if you want to...Kinko's will print one for like 50 cents:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/velvet2112/Canarino-Canary.jpg

Edit: it doesn't attach CD sized, PM me if you want me to email it to you...
Another kick-ass idea! :homer:

You're gonna google snag that picture? :D
:jester:

[conor.meara]

no offense, C7, but that's horrible.

i do have photoshop... what do i have to do to to get kinkos to print stuff for me? bring jpgs on a cd-r?

[conor.meara]

here's what i got... more professional?

http://www.tamurrecords.org/canariesfront2.jpg

http://www.tamurrecords.org/canariesinside.jpg

http://www.tamurrecords.org/canariesback.jpg

[King Kashue]

Quite a bit more professional, assuming the top one is the actual insert, rather than a picture of the insert (i.e., picture of a cut out = good, actual cutout = bad).

[conor.meara]

Quite a bit more professional, assuming the top one is the actual insert, rather than a picture of the insert (i.e., picture of a cut out = good, actual cutout = bad).

correct.

one thing i don't get is what's horrible about the cut out? the one i gave out was all cut out of card stock paper, not computer printing paper... so it had a nice thickness and a 3D layered effect. i thought it was cool.

i do like the photo though.

[King Kashue]

correct.

one thing i don't get is what's horrible about the cut out? the one i gave out was all cut out of card stock paper, not computer printing paper... so it had a nice thickness and a 3D layered effect. i thought it was cool.

i do like the photo though.

The photo gives much of the same effect without seeming "arts and crafts". The real difference is that one seems like a CD/Album cover and the other one doesn't. Creative is cool, but there's a certain amount of conventionality that speaks to professionalism (it's a fine line in indie music, obviously, but if you can stay cool while appearing a bit more professional, it's probably good to err on that side of things).

[conor.meara]

The photo gives much of the same effect without seeming "arts and crafts". The real difference is that one seems like a CD/Album cover and the other one doesn't. Creative is cool, but there's a certain amount of conventionality that speaks to professionalism (it's a fine line in indie music, obviously, but if you can stay cool while appearing a bit more professional, it's probably good to err on that side of things).

word. i was just curious.

[basslord1124]

Looks better dude. :thumbsup:

Sorry if you took my last comment a little harsh, and I'll admit it was pretty harsh of me, but I was trying to prove a point that you really needed some improvement with it to make it look good.

[bassmanatlarge]

It's looking good, conor...but you have to get a pic of the band not looking at the floor

[bassesofalessergod]

i'm gonna prank call jesus, etc!!!!!

[bassesofalessergod]

i guarantee the canaries has been used as a band name numerous times BTW.

just a cursory google search turns up:

http://www.myspace.com/thecanariesband

[conor.meara]

It's looking good, conor...but you have to get a pic of the band not looking at the floor

pretty much impossible.

i have so many pictures from our last two gigs and not one fucking shot of the entire band that doesn't look like shit. that one up there's the best one. fraid it's as good as it'll get.

[conor.meara]

i guarantee the canaries has been used as a band name numerous times BTW.

just a cursory google search turns up:

http://www.myspace.com/thecanariesband


eh. if we run into a problem with it i'll let you know.

[bassmanatlarge]

pretty much impossible.

i have so many pictures from our last two gigs and not one fucking shot of the entire band that doesn't look like shit. that one up there's the best one. fraid it's as good as it'll get.I don't want to come across as a nag, and it IS your band, but...

The band is hired primarily for the entertainment value. One of the first requirements is to get the croud involved. By staring at the floor, ot your fretboards, you are cutting them out of the picture. You need to start looking at the audience. Eye contact is far more important than people think.

As creative and talented as you are, you still need to entertain if you expect to work.

You'd be better off leaving the picture out, IMHO

[allan]

What about photoshopping bird heads on the band members? Good gimmick and he could keep the picture ;)

[bassmanatlarge]

What about photoshopping bird heads on the band members? Good gimmick and he could keep the picture ;)
Some times you even amaze me lol

Has anybody ever told you how incredibly creative and brilliant you really are?

[bassment zombie]

What about photoshopping bird heads on the band members? Good gimmick and he could keep the picture ;)
:king:

[allan]

Some times you even amaze me lol

Has anybody ever told you how incredibly creative and brilliant you really are?

Hell, sometimes I amaze myself.

I keep trying to tell my wife that I'm incredibly creative and brilliant but she tells me to take out the trash.

An idea - use the cutout bird head from the front cover. Now that would be cool.

[bassesofalessergod]

eh. if we run into a problem with it i'll let you know.

what a punk-ass lippy response....:mad:

[ModmanQ6]

If you're gonna still use the cut out canary, at least use a stick on moveable eyeball. (pretty cheap at any craft store and it's eyeball moves)

Oh, and you didn't call me yet... call me tomorrow so we can talk about your other stuff... :thumbsup: (It's sooo much easier than typing a zillion things back and forth and it's an 800 number...so it's free...) :)

[conor.meara]

If you're gonna still use the cut out canary, at least use a stick on moveable eyeball. (pretty cheap at any craft store and it's eyeball moves)

Oh, and you didn't call me yet... call me tomorrow so we can talk about your other stuff... :thumbsup: (It's sooo much easier than typing a zillion things back and forth and it's an 800 number...so it's free...) :)

i just got back from class and i was about to call so i'm glad i caught this... i'll give you a shout tomorrow :wave:

edit: i'm in class every day from 1-6pm and from 12:30-1 and 6-30 i'm in the subway... when would be the best time to call?

[spezzy]

That looks a lot better.

You should definately take a "press photo" of the band. Just have someone bring a digicam and a friend to your next practice and you all stand around in some artsy pose. You know what I'm talking about :)

You should always have one of those laying around for whenever you need it.

[King Kashue]

You should definately take a "press photo" of the band. Just have someone bring a digicam and a friend to your next practice and you all stand around in some artsy pose. You know what I'm talking about :)

You should always have one of those laying around for whenever you need it.

Yep, you'll also need to make sure you have a digital copy so that we can send it in to The HoD (http://www.rockandrollconfidential.com/hall/index.php) :D

[spezzy]

Yep, you'll also need to make sure you have a digital copy so that we can send it in to The HoD (http://www.rockandrollconfidential.com/hall/index.php) :D

hahaha. yes.

unfortunately, a lot of people will not even look at your stuff without a black and white glossy promo pic.

[King Kashue]

hahaha. yes.

unfortunately, a lot of people will not even look at your stuff without a black and white glossy promo pic.

Oh yeah, but it's almost impossible to not look like a tool in such pics.

And off topic, a great pic (http://www.rockandrollconfidential.com/hall/hall_detail.php?dd_keyid=793), and another (http://www.rockandrollconfidential.com/hall/hall_detail.php?dd_keyid=790)

[georgestrings]

I thought that spezzy offered up solid advice, and wasn't harsh about it...



- georgestrings

[ModmanQ6]

i just got back from class and i was about to call so i'm glad i caught this... i'll give you a shout tomorrow :wave:

edit: i'm in class every day from 1-6pm and from 12:30-1 and 6-30 i'm in the subway... when would be the best time to call?
I'm here pretty much from 8:30 - 4:55 EST M-F... Take your pick... or PM me your phone number and a time and I'll call you...

[Croissant Seven]

no offense, C7, but that's horrible.



That right there is what happens when you don't go to bed right after you take Ambien.:smack:

I looked at that the next day and thought the same thing. But kudos to me for trying to be Mr. Fucking Helper, right?:D
Hope everything goes well, Conor. I'm trying to put some stuff together for my band, too...
C7