How to start playing in the night scene

[firdaus]

Hi guys firdaus here i have a band that has been together for around 1 yr plus and all of us want to start playingnights regularly we r commited about this currently we wahe around 60plus of song repetoire ranging from blues to top 40s but the problem is we really dont know how to go about doing it .We do play for paid events sometime but what we really want is to get a permanent slot in pubs or bar.Can those experience musician pls help me and give me some advice about how you go about doing this, we do have video footage of our playing at different places thanks.....really hope someone can help me

 

[parablue74]

You have to go to the pubs and get a beer..
Seriously, there's no method in these.. it's just who you know. Cover bands are dying, so to speak.. what's left popular hiring are country clubs (rich man's clubs), and unless your hair is turning white, you stand little chance.
I had a friend that even went into the pub business, and is still struggling to get regular cover gigs..

 

[firdaus]

hey thanks man will try it out soon but really really i want to do this i think i need to meet more people out there

 

[relinquish69]

I guess most pubs are looking for musicians who can read fast & play most top 40s songs. as long as you can read, you are in demand.

 

[giantboi]

you need to be at the top of your game. Since the demands is so small for pub musicians, you need to be one of the best at what you do. You'll need a charismatic singer as well, not just someone who sounds good but someone who can work the crowd, with a sense of humour. From my experience, the top cover bands in sg have members who are all competent singers. Good luck

 

[firdaus]

thanks man ,bro do you mean reading chord charts and the notes i think i can do that but who am i suppose to meet is it the pub owner or the manger thats my problem man i dont really know who to talk to.......and which place should i start at i was thinking of startingsomewher at orcard towers and progess from there wat do u guys think .As for reliquish 69 yes i think i do know how to read but currently i already have a band and we want to play there together bas a band........really hope that someone can at least tell or recommend me someone to talk too regarding our band we have videos of our performance at different places and yes to giantboi iq quite lucky as i think i do have a gd and charasmatic vocalist

 

[giantboi]

Itd be a boost if you already know someone whos looking for a band, but you might wanna try playing some free gigs etc. My band was actually approached by event organisers who happened to catch our band and like us for paid events. We did afew paid gigs and actually got to know more contacts. Nothing long-term materialized though, since we have our own commitments and doing covers is not our top priority.

 

[firdaus]

Giantboi we do play free gigs here and there actors bar,crazy elephant and we do play for paid gigs such as corporate functions ,birthdays and weddings but what we are looking for is a permanent slot in a pub or bar i guess we just have to talk more to pub owners

 

[TravisK]

Getting gigs in the pubs requires serious networking first. Playing in those places you mentioned is a awesome!
however, you need to socialize with 'em owners, other bands and even friends of other bands watching them.
(make namecards, for your band, with details of your website and genres you cover. That's all the card should write. And of course your band name. Have a cheerful band name and not angry or against-the-world-names)

It took our band about 3 years to finally land a regular one and we got there by networking. You don't have to be friends with them or hang out with them even. A friendly greeting and chats and handing them over your name cards is a good start.

So don't worry too much. Get the cards done. Get the website up! Better demos. Burn them to CDs. And give out free during gigs to the organizers. (And only organizers!)
These will take time so in the meanwhile, practice and practice!

 

[firdaus]

Travis k thangs for ur advice really appreciate it i already have a card,we already have video footage of our playing the things that we dont have is our own website the thing that we really need right now is a good networking with event organizers and pub owner but do you know where to be a good start to play i was thinkinhg of somewhere at orchard towers..............thanks again bro and by the way where r u playing now?