For seasoned veterans of the live music scene, getting gigs is not something they worry about too much. It becomes almost second nature and they take it for-granted that there is a gig waiting for them around every corner. However if you are a teenager in your first ever band it can be a daunting proposition and you may well not know where to start. Many bands fall into the same old trap og gigging relentlessly, and far too often, in their own area which soon means that they fail to pull much of a crowd. That can only damage their reputation with both the public and promoters. It is essential to get out of town and start gigging elsewhere in the country. So here's a brief guide to getting gigs out of town.

First you need to put together a demo pack which should include:

1. Your demo
2. Your biog
3. Your press so far
4. Your photo

Then go get yourself those gigs! We've put together a list of venues at the bottom of this page that you might want to try. If you know of any gigs out of town that we haven't got, please tell us about them by clicking here.

Once you have your demo packs together you need to find out the name of the person who books the bands in your chosen venue, post your demo pack off to them. Give them a week or two to listen to it, then start calling them to see if you can persuade them to give you a gig. Don't hassle them, that will just convince them not to! If they say no, ask them for constructive feedback and see if they have any ideas what other venues you could try.

1) The demo

Nowadays it's best to have your demo on a CD, rather than a cassette, and I would strongly advise against sending someone just a link to download your songs as that always ensures that I for one, won't bother. I would much rather the band put the efoort into sending me something to listen to. It should be of your very best 3, or 4 songs. Promoters (venues, bookers, or anyone in business) won't have time to listen to much, if they did they would rather listen to their fave bands latest album. If they like your demo so much they want more, they can just ask for it! Don't waste too much cash on recording your demo. I've often been put off booking bands by an overproduced demo. It's the songs that will speak on your behalf, not the producer. It's better to use a ghetto-blaster sitting in your rehearsal than spend every penny you have on a massive studio for a week. Use your money to get to the gigs instead! There are plenty of small demo-studios around that won't cost you much and will capture your songs as they want to be heard. (Foyer Music for example!) Bear in mind when choosing the songs that the ones your mates like and you hate because you've played them so often, are likely to be the ones you should put on your demo! Established bands hate their singles with a vengance and would much rather play and record the obscure songs that nobody else wants to hear! The songs you record for your demo should be sharp as a razor and waste no time ramming that hook-line down the listeners throat. It's usually a good idea to drop those 8 lines of guitar at the beginning of the song and jump straight into the tune, be ruthless and go for the throat! Good artwork is not essential although a professioal look does help. The most important thing to remember is to always include your contact details. You cannot put in too much detail here, and include alternative's in case you cannot be reached.

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2) Your biog

Your biography should be one side of an A4 with a breif history of the band so far. You can include what gigs you've done before, when the band got together, what press you've attracted, what your plans are for the future, and the line-up of the band along with everyone's ages. Avoid saying things like "best band ever" etc as it's not only seriously cheesey but will convert your biog to bin-material in one short sentence. It's best to avoid pigeon-holing yourselves by likening your sound to other bands, let the demo speak for itself here. Also, include your contact details in case the biog becomes seperated from your demo, which it often will.

3) Your press so far

If you haven't had any press then don't worry about this but always watch out for anything in the local paper if you do play a gig. Any snippets are worth cutting out and photocopying for inclusion. Of course if they say you are the worst band ever it's perhaps not so advisable but if there's any really good bits I'd do quite the opposite. Enlarge them big-time in a photocopier!

4) Your photo

It's very important to get a good photograph. Find someone who has a good camera and some experience. Check out some photos of established bands you know. Albums are a good source of inspiration here. Good lighting is essential. Some bands have the services of great photographers and their label makes the most of it!.

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Once you've got that lot together, stick 'em in a big strong envelope and move onto the next step!...

As Foyer Music is based in Aberdeen here's a few venues around the city which are worth considering if you're looking for a gig...

• Cafe Drummonds (Belmont Street) - Contact Naithan who is usually there all day and books the bands, although they are closing down soon for a big refurb.
• Kef (Belmont Street) - Paul Stewart works in the office upstairs booking bands and is often there at night when there's gigs on.
• The Malt Mill (Holburn Street) - Not sure who's in charge so you'll need to pop in and speak to the bar staff.
• The Lemon Tree (West North Street) - Andy Shearer used to be the man to speak to but now runs the big new Concert Hall in Perth, so send your demo pack but call them to find out who books the bands.
• The Tunnels (Underneath Union Street opposite Marks & Sparks) - They do regular gigs and I'm assured they have a 14+ license. They've now opened a second room which does acoustic gigs as well. Hen is the guy to speak to if you are looking to play there.
• The Moorings (Down in the harbour!) - Recently revamped with the "best PA system ever". If you're sure you want a gig there contact Flash who does the bookings.

That's just a few of the venues in Aberdeen who put on gigs but certinaly enough to get you going. Remember that to make it worthwhile for a venue to put your band on, you need to pull a crowd. If you are playing every weekend it will soon become less attractive for your fans and mates, so take it easy. One gig in the area every three months is plenty, why not get out of town and take on the world?...

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It's pretty easy to get your band a gig in Aberdeen as you are so spoilt for choice. Bands quickly become lazy and seem to lose their passion for gigs elsewhere. That is bad news as you are not likely to get very far in your quest for the top without taking your music to the rest of the planet. To do that it is essential to play the other towns in Scotland and even further afield. There are plenty of gigs in Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Ayr, Paisley, Kilmarnock, Perth, etc. It's nothing like as easy as it is in the north-east but it's got to be done so you have to bite the bullet and put the work in.

The first thing you need to do is to find the venues. Some of them are easy and pretty well known. Here's a list of just a few to consider.

You won't get paid much for your first gig at any of these places, if at all, so be prepared to pay your way. Once the venue has seen you pull them a crowd they should start paying you sensible cash, but not until then. Don't forget that the only way you're going to pull a crowd is if you let them know you are playing and give them a good reason to go. If you are playing in a town where you know somebody try offering them a few pints to stick posters up around the place for you. (They might also let you crash on their floor if you play your cards right!) The best places for posters are the local university, college, schools etc. Even corner shops are a good idea.

Don't forget that nobody will come to see you if they don't know you are playing and think it will be worthwhile.