PolloGuitar
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 5094
San Francisco
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Posted on Mar 09 2007 04:18 PM
Hey Surf Bands,
I book and promote shows. Ya know what frustrates me? Having to ask bands the same things again and again. If you have a band and want to play shows, it is in your best interest to help promote the show, and to help me promote the show. Here's a list of what every band, beginner or well established, should have easily available on ther web site.
1) Biography- history, previous bands you were in, career highlights, describe your sound, influences, and who are the band memebers.
2) High resolution band photo for download. A hi-rez photo is a must for newspapers, posters and non-web promotion. If you only have a myspace page, upload a hi-rez photo somewhere and make a link to it.
Also, blow a little $ for a professional photographer who will give you clear shots. Study those old first wave band photos and get a dynamic picture. It make a big difference.
3) MP3s- downloadable ones.
4) Videos- I really think YouTube is more important than a DVD these days. A pro video is not necessary, but make sure the audio isn't blown out.
5) A list of places you have played and...
6) Testimonials- from club bookers you have worked with
7) Reviews - print reviews still carry the most weight
 Discography
My band used to have a big press package, but these days clubs want to see almost everything online. They may still request a CD and band photo, so you should put together a minimal press package- put it in one of those duotang folders, and put your band sticker on the front.
--Ferenc
— Buy Speed of Dark @ Bandcamp
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Pyronauts
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 1129
Northern CA
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Posted on Mar 09 2007 05:24 PM
Ferenc,
I agree with you 100% man. It takes time and effort, but even one or two more people in the audience can make a difference. One thing that I try to do extra is actually call fans up on the phone and invite them to the shows. Some people aren't on the internet or don't get the emails or don't surf the band sites often enough, and a few phone calls can make a world of difference.
So everybody knows how I feel now, but that being said:
What is more important: reaching out to new clubs, fans, etc or maintaining the relationships you already have... and what is the best way to do so in either case?
Paul The Pyronaut
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Pyronauts
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 1129
Northern CA
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Posted on Mar 10 2007 12:04 PM
I think that Paul Johnson's website epitomizes what Ferenc is talking about. http://www.pjmoto.com
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ToneBoy
Joined: Feb 17, 2007
Posts: 281
Murfreesboro, TN
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Posted on Mar 10 2007 12:30 PM
I absolutely agree that presenting professional credentials is essential in promoting any surf band. Additionally, I would suggest that "Networking" be added to the list since the business world (and music is a business...and fun too) thrives on networking. What that means is that you get involved in and meet people in all the aspects and levels of the surf music genre. Even developing contacts outside our genre can be usefull in expanding your band's reach. Building your list of contacts can and will create gig opportunities... and who knows, maybe more.
The other point I agree with is getting professional photographs of your band. We had a professional photographer come in from Fort Worth, TX and do shoots in Nashville and Atlanta for us. It was one of the smartest things we ever did. Those high resolution photos really do make it easier to get your band into print.
I hear Eddie Katcher hollerin' that its nap time, so this old dude is outta here...
— Ron (ToneBoy)
The Mariners (1964 to Present) www.myspace.com/themarinersfirstwave
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www.myspace.com/lonzoandoscarcomedy
Billy Henson & Summerstorm (2001 to Present)
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