Gigging – Everything you need to know about playing gigs (except how to play your axe)
From Booking to Getting Paid this book tells you everything you need to know to guide you through your first gigs or damage control the bad ones. This book is intended for muscians who are new to playing out and seasoned pros who keep running into trouble at gigs.
The book covers everything that any band or solo artist needs to know about booking gigs and getting paid for those gigs and how to get along with the sound engineer.
Do you know what a Talent Buyer is? Do you know what he/she is looking for? Do you know the things to say to a Talent Buyer that will get you booked and the things to avoid saying that will hurt your chances?
We know and we’ve written it all out for you in the section on Booking.
Gigging has the answers – Buy it here
Wondering about whether or not to enter that Battle of the Bands? Or how to win that competitive showcase? Or what that music venue really wants from you? Or what happens if you piss off the bartender? Or why didn’t you get a sound check? Gigging answers all these questions.
Need to get some press? Want to take your band to the next level? This book will help you there, too.
“Sooner or later every band will be invited to enter a Battle of the Bands. Each band struggles with the decision of whether or not they should enter.
We have been there and done that as everything from a spectator rooting for our favorites to being a judge and deciding who the winner will be. So we’re going to lay it all out there so you can make the best possible decision.
First off, our opinion, based on real-life observations, is that there is usually only one band that walks away from any battle happy. That’s the winner. All the other bands walk away pissed off, angry, and/or certain that the whole thing was unfair or even fixed. The only one who always comes out ahead is…”
“David Barber’s new book, “Gigging: The Book” is an informative, well-written, and helpful guide to new musicians and experienced ones alike. He gives lots of great ways for artists to improve their visibility, get fans to shows and great tips on how to create authentic, lasting relationships with talent buyers and venue owners. Plus, it’s got a great sense of humor to it as well!”
Nina Storey, Professional touring artist
“This book should undoubtedly be put in the hands of every musician aspiring to not only play great gigs, but to be viewed professionally in the whirlwind of an industry.”
Tim Wenger, Colorado Music Buzz
“Barber…does a good job at letting total newbies know what to expect when setting up or playing their first gig…”
Brian F. Johnson, Marquee Magazine
“The book is written with a direct voice, as if Barber is speaking directly to you
and your musical issues, and his years if experience come across clearly…”
– Westword
Dave Barber is a true-blue veteran of the Denver music scene. He has absorbed the realities of the music business from the ground up, being out there in the clubs night after night, observing bands, club owners, soundmen, waitresses, and groupies act the hero and the fool-sometimes on the same night. His book, Gigging, is a nuts and bolts ABC of what to do, and even more importantly, what NOT to do as a beginning musician trying to break onto the local scene. His wisdom applies to any local scene because it is simple and universal. This ain’t rocket-science, but if you don’t know how to call a booking agent, talk to the soundman, or collect your dough at the end of the night it might as well be. I would suggest any inexperienced musician check out Dave’s book. If every young musician did, there would be a lot more successful bands and a lot fewer bored audiences. – Paul Epstein, Owner, Twist and Shout
