How to get more gigs

Being in the music industry, we absolutely know how heartbreaking it can be when you struggle to get gigs. If gigging is your primary source of income, there’s an additional layer of stress and financial hardship added to the mix — it really can be devastating. Although Champagne Duo has a near-endless supply of gigs now (which we are so honoured to have, by the way!), it wasn’t always this way for us. We’ve had our fair share of dry spells, especially when we first started out in the industry, and it was super challenging. 

Thankfully, we’re always up for a challenge.  

Top gig-getting tips from industry award-winners

Throughout our careers, we’ve learnt a variety of useful tips and practical skills, and had the honour of winning several industry awards. Last year, we received the Bride's Choice Awards 2021 and the National Australian Wedding Awards 2021. We’re not trying to brag, but we are trying to say that we really know our stuff and would love to pass our success secrets on you! 

We’re just going assume you’re already kick-ass singer or muso, so these tips have nothing to do with how much talent you have. If you’re drawn to an exciting life of fulltime gigging, dive into our guidance below to get more gigs. 

1. Brand yourself

Logo.

Start by building a clear name for yourself in the online space. What should people search to find you? For most people, this will just be your name — great! Create a cool and clean logo that grabs your audience’s attention. If you can’t afford to pay a pro, you can easily DIY this on Canva. Just remember — less it more. Choose one or two colours, pick an easy-to-read font, and don’t clutter it with heaps of “bits”.

Digital presence.

Create social platforms with the same username (where possible) and branding, so people will recognise you easily. If you can, get a website. We highly suggest investing in a quality website built by a professional but again, if this isn’t possible, you can DIY using simple platforms like Squarespace or Duda. This will make it super easy for people to book you! Just a heads up that your website needs to be thoroughly maintained and regularly updated to keep up in the digital space.

Printed gear.

With your logo and social channels in hand, design a business card as well. Hand it out at events, expos, and when you’re networking. Investing in quality signage will go a long way too. For example, we almost always display out neon Champagne Duo sign at gigs.

2. Post, post, post

This is a huge part of marketing yourself. Post on your social channels regularly, and don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have nothing valuable to share. You do! Share upcoming gigs so people can listen live, promote new releases, post your achievements or what you’re proud of. Most importantly, post yourself singing or playing. It seems obvious that people won’t book you if they haven’t heard you before, but we’re amazed at the amount singers that don’t share their voice online. Don’t be shy, you’re amazing and people want to hear you! 

If you’re not sure what content to put out, follow other musicians you admire. What do they post or talk about? What posts of their have high engagement? See if you can emulate what they’re doing with your own special twist, and let your personality shine through. 

3. Dress the part

Want fancier gigs? Dress the part. For example, since we want to attract weddings and other high-paying gigs, we always dress lavishly. Whether it’s a holy matrimony in the Swan Valley or a gig at Crown Perth, you’ll notice we wear very elegant formal wear that fits with the style of the event. And, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Some of our most luxurious and sparkly outfits are secondhand or from op shops. Here’s a picture of us looking fancy.

4. Have the right setup

Why’s this important?

Each performance you do essentially doubles as an advertising opportunity. Isn’t that cool? Every time you gig, you’re also showcasing your talents to other prospective clients. Aside from creating a great atmosphere for your performance, it’s super important that you have an awesome gig setup so other people know what to expect if they book you.

What to buy.

Warm fairy lights, a backdrop, a cool vintage rug, candles, a stool if you’d like to sit, and quality signage are just some of the ways you can create an incredible ambiance. You could also create a cozier feel with a lamp, an armchair, and some plants. Practically, you might like to try going wireless so there aren’t any messy cables around you. And, invest in a quality PA system that looks clean and sounds great.

Chop & change.

You don’t have to have the exact same setup each time. In fact, you’ll probably need to adapt it for each gig depending on how much space you have, and the “vibe” of the gig as well. That’s why it’s good to have a few different elements you can chop and change. It also depends on your budget — just remember many of these things can be thrifted!

5. Network & build relationships

Professional networking.

This is another one that’s so important, but can sound overwhelming. You’ve got to put your name out there with other professionals in your industry. They might reach out to you if they can’t do a gig last minute and need a fill in, or refer you to one of their prospects if they’re fully booked.

If you’re a singer, find an amazing pianist or guitarist you could potentially gig with. Go to local gigs and introduce yourself to the musicians after they play. Honestly, it seems intimidating, but everyone does it. You can too!

Relationship-building.

Aside from professional networking, it’s important to maintain strong relationships with your clients. Even if it’s a once-off, like a wedding, this can be as simple as clear communication with them, being super approachable and friendly, engaging their guests at the wedding, and saying goodbye to them when you leave. If they have a great experience with you, they’ll almost certainly refer you to their engaged friends looking for wedding entertainment. 

6. Get an agent

Once you have even a small portfolio behind you and as well as some experience, start reaching out to agents. As many as possible. Email them, and if they don’t reply, follow up with a phone call. Find a way to meet them. If you see an agent at a gig, always introduce yourself. This might seem too strong, but remember that agents get paid by representing people. By introducing yourself, you’re potentially offering them a new income stream — it would be silly not to say “hi”.

Don’t take silence as a “no” — agents are flooded with representation offers and could’ve simply missed your email. Follow up until they actually tell you it’s not going to work, and then try the next agent. 

7. Join our Gig School

Yes, we have a Gig School! The first professional development event of its kind, where you can learn industry tips and tricks to land more gigs. Gig School empowers musicians with business skills, promotional tools, and a network of booking agents to fast track their careers as live performers.

To help you promote yourself, Gig School events even include a professional video and photoshoot. We also facilitate filming days for musicians who would like a longer filming session, and one-on-one coaching for musicians who would like extra support to reach their goals faster.

We’d love to see you at our next Gig School event on the 5th and 6th October at The Ellington Jazz Club. If you can’t make it, sign up to our Gig School mailing list so you can be the first to know about even more events! And, be sure to follow us on TikTok for ongoing gig-getting tips, and on Instagram so you can see how we keep busy.