How to Get More Gigs: A No-BS Guide for Local Bands

Let’s be honest: most local bands have no idea how to get gigs. They spam venue emails, post in Facebook groups, and hope for the best. That approach has roughly the same success rate as leaving your demo tape on a park bench.

Here’s what actually works.

1. Have something to show

Before you reach out to anyone, make sure you have:

• A bio that doesn’t read like a Wikipedia article
• At least 3 recordings — even rough demos count
• A setlist with realistic timing
• Photos that aren’t blurry selfies from rehearsal

Promoters need to evaluate you in 30 seconds. Make those seconds count.

2. Target the right venues

Don’t apply to every venue in your city. A death metal band has no business emailing a jazz club. Research venues that:

• Book your genre regularly
• Match your draw size (don’t aim for 500-cap rooms if you bring 20 people)
• Are actively looking for bands (check their socials, not just their website)

3. Make it easy to say yes

When you do reach out:

• Keep it short. Three paragraphs max.
• Include links. Streaming, video, socials.
• Propose specific dates. “We’re available any Friday” is useless.
• Mention mutual connections. “We played with [Band X] at your venue last month” is gold.

4. Follow up (once)

If you don’t hear back in a week, send one follow-up. After that, move on. Pestering promoters is how you get blacklisted.

5. Let promoters come to you

This is where BandMate flips the script. Instead of cold-emailing, you create a band profile with your bio, recordings, streaming links, and activity score. Promoters browse bands, see who’s actively rehearsing and writing, and reach out to you.

It’s the difference between job hunting and being recruited.

Sign up for early access and let the gigs find you.