G'day Mates! Calling All Melbourne Gig Score Hunters: Your Guide to Landing Those Sweet, Sweet Shows
So you're a talented muso, a captivating comedian, or a fire-breathing unicycle artist (because, Melbourne) and you're itching to unleash your awesomeness on the stages of our fair city. But how do you snag those coveted gigs and avoid the dreaded "thanks, but no thanks" email response? Fear not, fellow performer, for I, your friendly neighbourhood guide (with questionable fashion sense, but hey, it's Melbourne!), am here to equip you with the knowledge to become a gig-landing machine!
Step 1: Polish Your Act Until It Shines Like a Bogan's Tooth at a Bucks Night
This one's a no-brainer. Before you start spamming venues with requests, make sure your act is top-notch. Whether you're belting out power ballads or juggling flaming chainsaws (safety first, folks!), practice, practice, practice. Hone your skills, refine your material, and be the best darn act you can be. Remember, Melburnians have high standards, so bring your A-game!
Subheading: Don't Be That Band That Plays Wonderwall on Repeat (Unless it's Actually Your Song)
Originality is key, people! Even if you are a covers band, put your own spin on the classics. Unless, of course, you wrote the next Wonderwall. Then by all means, play it on repeat.
Step 2: Craft a Killer Electronic Press Kit (EPK) That'll Make Promoters Drool
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
Think of your EPK as your online resume for the gig world. Include high-quality photos, videos of your best performances, and links to your social media channels. Make it visually appealing, informative, and most importantly, showcasing why you're the perfect fit for their venue.
Subheading: Bonus Points for Including a Video of You Saving a Koala from a Tree. Melburnians Love That Kind of Stuff.
Step 3: Network Like a Shark (But the Friendly Kind)
The Melbourne music scene thrives on connections. Hit up open mic nights, attend industry events, and chat with other performers. You never know who you might meet and what opportunities could arise. Plus, making friends in the biz is always a good thing. They might just return the favour and recommend you for a gig!
Subheading: Where to Find Gigs? Look No Further!
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
- Muso: This Aussie platform connects artists with venues. It's like Tinder for gigs, but hopefully with less awkward swiping.
- Facebook Groups: There are tons of Melbourne-based music and performance groups on Facebook. Join them, introduce yourself, and see if any gigs pop up.
- The Old-Fashioned Way: Don't underestimate the power of sending polite emails or calling venues directly. Research who books the gigs and make a targeted approach.
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| How To Get Gigs In Melbourne |
Step 4: Be Persistent, But Not a Pest
Landing gigs takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't hear back right away. Follow up on emails politely, but don't bombard them. Remember, venue bookers are busy people. Patience, grasshopper!
Step 5: Be Professional, Even When They Offer You a Rider with Only a Bag of Dim Sims
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First impressions are everything, so be professional in all your dealings. Show up on time, be prepared, and be respectful of the venue and staff. Even if the backstage rider looks like it was raided by a hungry bin chicken, be courteous. You never know when you might be back for another gig, and you want them to remember you for your talent, not your diva tantrums.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
## Gig-Landing FAQ
How to write an attention-grabbing email to a venue?
Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Highlight your unique selling points and include links to your EPK.
How much should I charge for a gig?
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Research the going rate for similar acts in Melbourne. Start a little lower if you're new to the scene and build your reputation.
What if I don't have any professional videos?
A well-filmed phone recording of your live performance is better than nothing. Focus on good sound quality and clear visuals.
How can I deal with stage fright?
Practice makes perfect! The more comfortable you are with your material, the less nervous you'll be. Deep breathing exercises and visualization techniques can also help.
Should I bring my own merch?
Absolutely! Merch is a great way to make some extra cash and promote yourself after the gig. Just
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