[MattyM]

They're coming over to the UK and after enquiring with their management they've offered me dates they'd be interested in playing my hometown.

Now I'm scrambling around trying to work out how one goes about booking a good gig with zero experience on the business side and no capital.

Needless to say I think I'm gonna blow it...

[sean.bonner]

They're coming over to the UK and after enquiring with their management they've offered me dates they'd be interested in playing my hometown.

Now I'm scrambling around trying to work out how one goes about booking a good gig with zero experience on the business side and no capital.

Needless to say I think I'm gonna blow it...

Pay to fly me over, and I'll help out.

But seriously, it will all come together! Congrats!

[chris]

Strike up a relationship with one of the local promoters or club owners. Start small... just get your cut, albeit small, but do all the leg work. Learn the ropes and when the next opportunity comes 'round you'll be the top man.

[MattyM]

Ah, I'm not worried about the cash, it's the lack of available venues with this much notice... I'm working on it though, I'd like to build a relationship with the band and bring them over.

[markslog]

Ah, I'm not worried about the cash, it's the lack of available venues with this much notice... I'm working on it though, I'd like to build a relationship with the band and bring them over.

I wouldn't be too worried. I returned from Austin at SXSW and Wintersleep were playing a very small bar called the Troubadour Saloon. This bar and the gigs were not even apart of the main SXSW showcases. A promoter (Captiva/Karma) just kinda setup an alternate showcase festival were indie bands played all day in the bar for free (atleast admission was free). The band didn't even know how they got on the bill. They just knew they had to drive 25 hours from NYC to play 25 minutes for free. So if you make their experience positive everyone will be happy.

I would first ask for their rider including their technical requirements. Wintersleep just travel with their equipment (e.g. they don't bring their own PA) and most generally when they are flying they don't travel with the drums. I believe the promoter is normally responsible to provide all the technical details (backline, soundboard, etc.).

As for a venue, like I said it can be a tiny little place - Wintersleep have played them all - it doesn't have to be like the Commodore Ballroom or Mod Club, or the Phoenix. The easiest thing is to find a venue that can fulfill a lot of the requirements. Honestly even if its a house concert it would be fine. Remember Wintersleep are pretty much unknown in the UK and they would be happy to get to play a few new people. In Japan they played to 150 people per night.

The reality of concert promotion is you will probably lose your shirt the first time out - you'll learn lots too.

I know its crossed my mine many a times to open my own club up and book bands I love. Of course it would be the most taper friendly venue ever.

[MattyM]

As for the backline (PA, drums etc..) I'd be getting a couple of local bands on the bill so that could all be shared though I'd imagine if they were playing Great Escape they'd have thier own gear (possibly hired).

The venue isn't a major worry generally, it's more the short notice to get it all sorted.

That and the lack of captal of course...


I don't think it's gonna work out this time, but if they come over again it should stand us in good stead.

[chris]

I know its crossed my mine many a times to open my own club up and book bands I love. Of course it would be the most taper friendly venue ever.

You could call it "The Hoard House"

[ron]

Mark

what would be cheaper buying a bar/club or following the hip on tour?

[MattyM]

It's not gonna happen

The finances were not gonna come together within the timescale required.