Promoter Tips for New Music: Monkeysuit Music

David Maul from Monkeysuit Music has put together this handy guide for new bands...

Write some good songs

This is obvious but learn your instrument (including how to tune it), be patient and develop your songwriting craft; and if possible, play them to a small group of knowledgeable people you know and trust – people prepared to provide you with some truthful feedback. The vast majority of songs start as rough diamonds but tweaks can help make it into a great song.

Invest in a decent recording of your songs

No one expects unsigned bands demos to sound like it was produced by George Martin but spend a little money, so they don't sound like you've recorded them into your phone. Save money, just invest in recording your two, strongest songs. A decent promoter will always want to hear more than one song to try and assess you as a band.

You may sound like lovely people on email and a beautiful, ethereal band shot but if your songs are badly composed and badly recorded; it's not going to endear you to any promoter.

Do your research

Take time to contact the right promoters rather than a scatter gun approach by emailing every promoter you can find on Google. You’ll probably be wasting your time by emailing a promoter who books metal if you're an acoustic act.

The vast majority of promoters have a website, Facebook page or something similar where you can check out who they've booked and the types of bands. This way you can gauge whether your band might appeal to them before you email them.

Emailing

An email is more likely to be read and replied to if you’ve taken onboard the above points and also personalised your email. We’d always prefer any email which starts with Hi 'name' rather than 'Hi promoter'. Don't be lazy and cc in a group of promoters in one email and if you're going to ignore me and do it anyway, at least bcc them.

A promoter wants some background info on your band, any plans (touring for a single release etc), contact details and importantly a link to your music.

There is no need to write an essay.

Check ALL band members can play the gig BEFORE confirming the show

A pet hate of ours which can be extremely annoying is when you’ve confirmed a band or sometimes the whole line up only to be told days later, a band member can’t make it. Please ensure everyone in the band can play the date before confirming.

Promote yourself and your gigs – Create an online presence

A promoters job is just that but it's a two way street. The more people know about your gigs the better chance you have playing to a decent crowd. I mean, if you're not interested in listing your gigs or telling people you are playing X venue on X date. Why should anyone else?

Set up a Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, a website if you can and communicate with your fans.

Play lots of gigs

It'll help to make you better musicians and you'll hone your songs in a live environment.

When you are starting out, strive to stay fairly local. There is little point in travelling far afield to play shows in the early days unless you're supporting a band with some clout. It’ll cost you money and will probably be a waste of your energy.

However once you feel you've mastered your live sound/ performance then avoid playing the same town too often as this will only dilute your fanbase. If you do strive to play further afield then ideally make sure you are part of a line up with similar sounding bands. This means another bands’ fanbase might also like you.

Watch Out For Sharks!

**DO NOT PLAY FOR 'PAY TO PLAY' PROMOTERS!**

It is understandable promoters will want a rough idea of the numbers you can pull to a gig but never pay them to play it. These guys give us all a bad name and are like a cancer – Rant over.

Be Professional

Arrive on time for soundcheck - Assuming you've been told to arrive at X time and you arrive hours later without a good reason will send out the wrong message. Tell the promoter if you can’t make the agreed time in advance, so they can let the venue know. We all know sometimes it can’t be helped for whatever reason but where possible, please communicate any change of plans.

Equipment

You should own everything you need to play your songs live. Again, very simple but sometimes bands don’t own their drums or amps etc. The majority of promoters/venues encourage kit sharing but be prepared to bring all your own gear.

The Golden Rule

Treat others how you'd like to be treated and especially be nice to the sound man!

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