Illustration by Shea Anderson.

Playing live shows is one way for an up-and-coming band to get noticed and create a fan base. But there is more to booking shows in Athens than showing up and plugging into an amp.  The Post is here to help by giving new bands a how-to guide for booking.

Even before a band gets in contact with a club or venue, it should have a press kit, Web site or MySpace page to show venues.

“Cold calls usually don’t work,” warned Tim Peacock, booking manager for Casa Cantina, adding that bands should follow booking policies.

Most concert sites, such as the Blue Gator and The Union Bar and Grill, have specific e-mail accounts for bands looking to book a show.  Peacock said he receives up to 40 e-mails each day from bands from all over the country looking to play in Athens.

When constructing a press kit, a band should, at the very least, include a brief biography, a copy of the band’s CD or demos and photos.  Bands should give venues a list of upcoming shows so the booking managers can work around the band’s schedule, he said.

Bands should show they have established themselves, even on a very small level, Peacock said.  This can be done by including a list of previous shows or providing copies of media coverage that a band has received.  Peacock recommends that new bands befriend more established bands in the area.

“A lot of bands will ask me to let a new band open up for them, and if I trust and know this band, I am more likely to do it,” he said.

Although a formal press kit is a professional way to show off a band, Peacock said a MySpace page is more effective and economical, because sending press kits can get expensive, especially for college bands.

“Press kits are a waste of time,” said Brian Ostrander, an OU fifth-year senior who is the promotions director for ACRN and has booked shows at The Union and Jackie O’s.

Ostrander said it is much easier for him to get a feel for a band by listening to their songs on MySpace or watching videos of their live show on YouTube. 

“If I see a video of a band and they have a really energetic live show, I’m more likely to want to book them,” he said.

Another way for a band to establish itself is by playing open stages whenever possible, Peacock said. It not only gets the attention of booking managers but also allows a band to experience performing live.

Bands should try to avoid booking shows close together in the same area, Ostrander said,

“If you have two shows on the same weekend at two different venues, your friends may only come to one, which splits your crowd in half,” he said.