Opening Bands Needed.

Headlining act seeks opening band that will:

- Show up on time
- Play for their alloted time
- Help out with posters
- Promote the show to their friends
- Help loading gear if they are using ours
- Not expect to get paid a lot of money

I get this question at work all the time: "I'm just starting out, how do I get gigs?"

In Halifax, this can be very difficult due to the lack of music venues but it's the same all around the world.

Your first gig should probably be an opening spot for another, more established band so you'll need to set yourself apart from the other bands that are asking for opening spots as well. Look at the other talents in your band and see if they can be used as negotiation.

-Your drummer is a graphic designer so you'll offer to design a cool poster for the show.
-Your bass player and guitar player love to skateboard/bike/walk/whatever so you'll offer to put up all the posters for the headlining band
-Your singer only has to load in a microphone so you'll offer to help the headlining band load their gear in and out as you will likely be using their gear. If you are using your own gear then just be sure to show up on time for sound check.
-Don't be late for your sound check.
-Ensure that your set does not go over the time discussed (keep it to 30 minutes)
-Tell the headliner that you have 30 friends and family that are paying to come to the show and that you don't expect to get paid. Easy math says that 30 X cover charge is a wicked boost and if you did only three of the points above no band in their right mind will let you walk away without some cash.

I've seen opening acts do the exact opposite of all of these things. I make a mental note of who they are to make sure they don't get the opening spot next time.

In closing, to get anywhere in the music business it's important to set yourself apart from the herd. Word will get around town about this great band who helped out with all aspects of the show and before you know it you'll be getting lot's of calls to open bigger and better shows.