newcarcaviar

Hello fellow musicians!

As far as I know, this topic hasn't been covered yet and it would really help me out if I got some replies.

Basically I'm a guy who likes to dream big in terms of music and there's nothing I'd like more in life right now than to make a splash in the music scene.

My band is a four-piece classic rock/oldies cover band who have done a few local shows (I live in a small town) as well as one show at a bar in downtown Toronto. We also have our biggest gig yet coming up July 5 at the El Mocambo which I'm hugely looking forward to!

I would like to play as many gigs as possible, but I'm not entirely sure where to start. As for the local stuff, these are usually advertised in my local paper where people are looking for bands to play at their event. I have called a few of these places, but there seems to be a big problem with people actually getting back to me.

In regards to the major gigs (the bar and the Elmo), these have come to me through a friend who has been in contact with the people in charge.

Do any musicians out there have any tips for finding gigs, paying or not? Again, I'm from a small town so it's not always the easiest to find out about downtown stuff, though I'm thinking I should start trying....

Also, do you think there's less of a chance of us landing something because of the fact that we're a cover band?

Thanks!

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Shine on, Syd. 1946-2006

Bad Brains

If you want more gigs just talk to the right people. Ask for the manager and act ambitious and what-not.

As for you guys getting big, I would imagine it would depend on how many other cover bands like yours exist. Of course, talent also helps...

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When you have to kill a man, it costs nothing to be polite- Winston Churchil

drOnly

if your just a cover band its probally gonna be hard to find gigs outside of your town.. your best bet would be talking to other bands around your area and try playing with them or just call around bars and see if they need bands.. if your ever have a band that writes your own material and your good enough you can just send in demos to venues and if your good im sure they will book you...most places around here require a demo before they book you.

kbest87

As the others have suggested, look for other "small" bands in the area, especially ones that are lining up shows, and ask to play. Local music communities are usually pretty friendly, and as long as your band is decent (both musically and personally), you shouldn't have any trouble.

The whole "cover band" thing is a bit of an obstacle. Before looking for too many shows, you should write at least one original song with your band. When I started with my band, we played three covers, and one original. It's one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have, not to mention a hell of a lot of fun.

Also, money should be no object, especially if you're a cover band. Just do it for fun. If you keep at it, you'll see some money eventually.

(If you're around North Bay with your band this summer, message me. We're always looking for new people to play music with. )