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1. Pete’s Candy Store

Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is a cozy venue that has been supporting independent artists since 1999. Some notable musicians got their start playing at Pete’s, including artists like Norah Jones and Sufjan Stevens. The venue prides itself on booking unsigned bands and most importantly, offering free admission to the public. At the end of each show, a hat is passed around in the audience with a suggested donation of $10. All of the profits go to the artists after paying a small percentage to the sound engineer. You apply to perform at Pete’s Candy Store by filling out the booking submission form on their website. Furthermore, they are one of the rare venues that listens to all of the submissions they receive!

2. Pianos

Located in an old piano store on the Lower East Side, Pianos is a hotspot for up-and-coming artists and NYC nightlife. With a primary stage downstairs and a more intimate stage in the upstairs lounge, Pianos hosts an eclectic variety of live acts and DJ sets all week long. The venue has a rich history of great artists passing through: one of Lady Gaga’s early career gigs was hosted there. The line-up usually consists of three different bands a night and tickets are around $10-$15 for the evening. To book a show, send them an email at booking@pianosnyc.com.

| Read also: 7 Tips on How to Book a Show Outside of Your City

3. The Bowery Electric

The Bowery Electric is an iconic venue in the East Village for music lovers and emerging artists. Similar to Pianos, this two floor venue has two stages to choose from: a downstairs space for bigger acts, and the cozy “Map Room” on the ground floor for more intimate shows. Two or three bands usually share the bill and tickets cost between $8 and $20 depending on the line-up. A percentage of the profits go to the sound engineer after the show, and the performers split the rest. The Bowery Electric has streamlined their booking process by partnering with the platform GigFinesse, so you can try to book a gig by signing up through the link on their website.

| Read also: How to find a Booker

4. Arlene’s Grocery

Opened in 1995 in a former bodega is Arlene’s Grocery, now one of the oldest live music venues on the Lower East Side. Local indie rock bands take the stage in this legendary venue that loves to promote emerging talent. In fact, rare footage shows an early performance of The Strokes playing a gig at Arlene’s in 2000. If you play garage rock or punk music, this venue could be a great place to perform in NYC. You can request to book a show by filling out the form on their website.

5. Berlin – Under A

Berlin – Under A is a small gritty venue that embodies an East Village of another time. The underground vibe complete with vaulted brick ceilings and dim lighting makes for intimate concerts in an authentic ambience. With eclectic performances from 3 live bands a night, the bar transforms into a small nightclub hosting DJ sets that last until the wee hours of the morning. If you’re looking to perform for a local crowd in an edgy venue, send a booking request directly to the staff through the form on their website.

6. The Bitter End

The Bitter End is a legendary rock and roll club in the West Village of Manhattan. Established in 1961, it has been home to shows by Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, and an extensive number of other music icons. Even after playing a role in the success of some of the biggest artists in music, they continue to cater to smaller artists and encourage them to perform on their stage to showcase their talent. They accept artists spanning across all genres – pop, folk, RnB, singer songwriter, rock, punk – you name it. Their intimate space and famous red brick wall make The Bitter End one of the best places to get live show experience, make connections, and be part of New York’s music history. Email info@bitterend.com for bookings.

Note: Google says they are permanently closed, but that is not the case! They are as active as ever – check out their Instagram for news at @thebitterendnyc.

7. Baby’s All Right

Located in Brooklyn just off the Williamsburg bridge is Baby’s All Right, an independently run venue and hotspot for both small and big artists. They tend to book established touring artists but also support emerging artists who have the support to bring in an audience. Their 250-capacity show room is spacious yet intimate, with a captivating and colorful light grid that creates a very fun a dynamic atmosphere. Send them an email at babysallright@gmail.com and you could potentially book a show at one of New York’s coolest venues!

8. Trans Pecos

Trans Pecos is an indie venue in Ridgewood, Queens that really represents the underground music scene in New York. They book bands across all genres that push conventional boundaries by blending styles, with a preference for experimental music. In a single night, the lineup could include a feminist skate punk band followed by a goth rock show. In addition to their live shows, they host a variety of events that focus on building community, including yoga classes and a computer club. If your musical project is genre-bending and experimental, try to book a show at Trans Pecos by filling out the form on their website.

| Read also: How to Find Concert Dates? 5 tips for Playing Live!

9. TV EYE

Just next-door to Trans Pecos on the Ridgewood-Bushwick border is TV EYE, a new venue that describes itself as a “funhaus, party palace, venue, dance club, bar, cafe, art gallery, courtyard, & social club.” What more could you ask for? This cultural hub was opened in 2020 by a group of seven professionals in the New York music scene, combining the expertise of iconic venue owners and renowned architects to bring a new concept to life. The space was conceived to build community and bring diverse people together in a unique setting. The venue room, otherwise known as “The Ballroom”, can fit a crowd of 250 people and has state of the art equipment. Concert tickets are usually between $10 and $15 and their events calendar features local acts and more established indie bands on tour. Send them a message through their contact form to try and book a show!

10. C’mon Everybody

Located in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, C’mon Everybody is a queer-owned and operated music venue and bar founded in 2015. They celebrate the LGBTQ/QTPOC community and provide a safe space for artists that have been excluded from the mainstream scene. In addition to concerts from emerging bands, C’mon Everybody also hosts eccentric comedy nights and drag theater shows. If your musical project fits with this vibe, try to book a show by sending your music to cmoneverybodybk@gmail.com.

11. Rockwood Music Hall

Lastly, Rockwood Music Hall is a renowned venue on the Lower East Side that has supported emerging artists since 2005. They have three different stages where bands perform every night of the week, with a focus on singer-songwriters and acoustic acts. Notable artists have kickstarted their careers playing at Rockwood Music Hall, including Sara Bareilles and Mumford & Sons. If you are an up-and-coming singer-songwriter, get out your acoustic guitar and send them a message through their contact form to book a show.

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L’article Where To Perform In NYC as an Independent Musician est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.

Overcoming this vicious cycle and booking gigs requires careful planning and knowledge of the different methods used by bookers to find artists to perform at their venues. Securing the first gig can be challenging, but after you’ve played once, the rest will follow with more ease. To do this, you need to know how to approach potential venues.

If you’re an independent artist looking to play gigs and would like someone to help you find concert dates, use Groover to contact bookers/tourers directly, with a guarantee of a response within 7 days. ⬇️

Here are 5 tips to help you get gigs:

1. Before Prepared to Perform

Do you think you’re ready to perform live? Focus on crafting a set and practicing until you’re sure you can get on that stage and bring your A game. Take into consideration that people will be paying to see your performance, so you can’t take this lightly. If you were in their shoes, you’d want to be able to tell that the artist you’re watching has put countless hours into putting on a good show for you, right? Take the time to master your instruments, practice your stage presence, and know your set by heart so that it almost becomes muscle memory.

Playing live is an exhilarating experience that can significantly boost your fan base, credibility, and overall career. Put genuine thought into your outfits, stage setup, audience interaction, potential special guests, covers/medleys, and other unexpected surprises. All the attention will be focused on you, so it’s the ultimate moment to show everyone your creative vision and professionalism.

IMPORTANT: For young musicians, never pay to play. Musicians provide a service, so don’t let venues take advantage of you. Unless you are doing something like a charity performance for a cause that is important to you, make sure you are the one getting paid.

Also Read: How to Use Your Live Shows to Connect With Fans on a Deeper Level

2. Starting out: thinking local to find concert dates

You obviously won’t be able to sell out the MSG at the start of your career, so scale it back and look around you to see what’s going on. Start with small stages and venues and observe the reactions of your audience. Use it as a means of testing your stage presence, which songs get the best response, and whether your show could use some changes. With experience and organic feedback, you’ll feel more and more comfortable and will be able to compete for bigger venues. Start canvassing local bars, small concert halls, local music associations, and open mic nights around you. If you are based in London, this selection of open mic nights in London is a good place to begin.

Attend events, support local artists, and connect with promoters to build a strong network.

Similarly, consider approaching other bands on your local scene. There is strength in numbers, and engaging with the local community is crucial! Connecting with other artists is very important for networking opportunities; don’t hesitate to ask them for advice, or even to offer to play as an opening act for their next concert.

Consult the internet – especially Facebook and Instagram – to broaden your search. For touring bands, finding shows in various cities is essential. Reach out to other artists who are passing through your city for potential collaborations and share stages to expand your reach.

3. Build Your Social Media Presence

This is an important element to take into account. Today, in order to exist as an artist, you must already be present and generating traffic to your videos and streaming platforms on social networks. Using socials to establish and promote your brand as a solo artist is crucial, as this is typically where bookers will look to gauge your level of professionalism, whether you can attract a crowd, and what your general vibe is.

Being able to showcase that you have hardcore fans who will show up in droves to support you at live gigs will help tremendously in the booking process – promoters love bands that have fans. Use your influence on social networks as a selling point when you present yourself to venues.

Here are some steps you can take to attract more fans online:

• Create an artist page on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (or even a website)
• Share your news, upcoming concert dates, and upcoming releases
• Respond to people who interact with you. Interacting with followers as well as other artists on social media can help you gain valuable feedback.
• Get in touch with similar local artists. Share their projects and comment on their posts. Build a supportive network that will show you love in return.

4. Reach Out to Venue Owners and Bookers

You are now well established and are only waiting for one thing: to perform onstage. The music industry has evolved significantly, with a shift towards online platforms and new methods of discovering and promoting artists. First of all, find out which venues around you correspond to your musical style and are open to hosting young talent. Some venues only book emerging rappers, while others focus on highlighting singer songwriters. Pick a venue you believe to be a good fit for, use the internet and your network to find the venue contact, and reach out to the booker or venue owner.

Ideally, visit the venue in person right before opening hours and talk to staff so they can point you to the right person. That shouldn’t stop you from sending an email to ask them beforehand anyways, though!

To avoid wasting time, get organized by listing all the possible venues with their name, contact details, and the date you contacted them. This will allow you to have a clear overview of your work and better manage your progress.

Here are some key elements that will help you get a positive response:

• Be concise and professional. There’s no point in telling your life story. The point here is to sell your project. It’s up to you to find the right words and make an impression with authenticity.
• Give specific information. This includes the duration of your set, your stage setup (equipment and instruments) and your availability.
• Personalize your messages. Show that you care about performing in the venue you are approaching.
• Put together a good press kit. They need to get an idea of your image, sound, and what you’re all about before committing to having you perform with them.
• Include a promotional video (live session) of your band. If you don’t have one, show proof that listeners have been asking you to perform live so it shows incentive.

| Read also : Press Kit : Tips and Tricks for musicians

5. Use Networking Platforms for Musicians

Don’t hesitate to post an advertisement on platforms dedicated to musicians and events to book your own gigs. These allow you to create your own ad free of charge according to your location. Most of the time, there is a demand for performers to play private events. These are often well paid, so they can allow you to finance the development of your otherwise public show. Finding support acts is also crucial for gaining exposure and building your audience. Here are some networking sites to check out:

• Linkaband
• LiveTonight
• Zikri
• Oazik

To launch your career, Groover allows you to send your tracks directly to media, radios, labels and touring companies, etc. with the guarantee of being listened to, receiving feedback and gaining visibility! It also helps you find support gigs to perform as opening acts for established bands.

Similarly, the platform offers many opportunities to play live and regularly organizes free showcases around the world to highlight new talents!

– Article written by Amy Cimpaye in its original version, translated by Mackenzie Leighton –

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To get articles and playlist additions to share on your social networks, check out Groover🚀

L’article How to Book Gigs as a Musician: 5 Tips for Opportunities to Play Live! est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.

1. Why Small Music Venues in the UK?

Playing live shows in the right small music venues in the right city can be a bit of a decision-making nightmare. When you plan a tour or a bunch of gigs in a particular place, you want to play the coolest venues. You know, the ones where the early adopters hang out to check out the latest independent artists and emerging bands. We could easily write an article on the top 100 independent venues in the UK but come on, you just need a quick fix. So we’ve taken a tiny selection of some of the best small venues in the UK for independent artists.

2. What makes a good UK Small Music Venue?

Is it the sound system, the DJ after the gig, or even the bar staff? Well actually, it’s the audience. An excellent vibe and a commitment to good music draw the crowds in. Especially those in the know about the music industry. This is what makes a good live venue. So without further ado, let’s look at 5 Venues in the UK you should play at least once.

3. Which Small Music Venues in the UK should you play?

YES – Manchester

One of Manchester’s youngest venues, YES has quickly risen through the ranks of one the hottest places to play in the UK’s coolest city. Starting life in 2018, YES was launched by infamous Manchester promoters Wes Jones and Jon Wickstead of Now Wave and Ruth Hemmingfield, previously of Gorilla and Deaf Institute. Two other Manchester venues are well worth a look at.

With this combination of local music experience, perfect promotions, and top venue management, YES soon became the go-to place for emerging bands and artists to play throughout the UK. Set over four floors, YES boasts a range of cultural experiences. From live music, club nights, and DJs to food and several bars. At least two of the floors, The Pink Room and the Basement are used for live music.

For those of you that want to explore YES with your music, you can contact Now Wave here or YES directly.

Brudenell Social Club – Leeds

One of the oldest venues we have on our list. And definitely one of the most important. Established way back in 1913, the Brudenell Social Club has gone through many changes throughout its rich history. The symbiotic relationship between a traditional UK social club and a forward-thinking music venue works incredibly well. One side has snooker tables, darts, and sports TV, while the other hosts secret gigs (Kaiser Chief and Franz Ferdinand), new emerging bands, and international touring artists.

The venue is welcoming for everyone, audiences and artists alike. With an excellent sound system and a real intimacy between the crowd and musician. They are fantastic champions of new bands and will seek out the perfect support or headline slot so that you make the maximum impact when unleashing your music to the ears of Leeds residents and beyond.

You can contact them here to enquire about playing at The Brudenell Social Club.

The Cluny – Newcastle

If you tour the UK you need to spread your musical word everywhere. Not just London. If you head up to the North East, you’ll land in the city of Newcastle. And there, you’ll find, The Cluny.

The Cluny is perfect for covering the North East of the UK. Its 300-capacity venue draws the locals in, in droves. Always expecting good quality live artists from all over the world. Its small size doesn’t detract from its delivering a lot of break-out live acts. Offering a range of musical styles, the live music at The Cluny has something for everyone.

Get in touch with The Cluny for a gig in Newcastle.

The Trades Club – Hebden Bridge

Right out in the sticks of West Yorkshire is the market town of Hebden Bridge. An LGBTQ+ friendly town with a mix of traditional UK country life paired with modern, forward-thinking residents and values. At the heart of Hebden Bridge is The Trades Club. A celebrated small music venue with a diverse range of bands and artists playing regularly. Plus the list of artists and bands that have played this ‘middle-of-nowhere’ venue is awe-inspiring.

Even the fact that it’s not situated in the middle of a big city, The Trades Club is one of the best UK current venues for any national or international touring band to play. You can contact them here for show enquires.

Paper Dress Vintage – London

Shop by day and bar by night. Paper Dress Vintage transforms from a vintage boutique during the day to a live music venue and events space at night.

Situated in Hackney, London, Paper Shop Vintage leads the way in innovation allowing themselves to utilize their space for live gigs with a bar area on an evening. Perfect for intimate live shows, Paper Dress Vintage brings you closer to your audience allowing you to lay down your ideas, sounds, and vision in a close-up setting. One of London’s hippest venues and certainly one where you would find some of the best live music and independent artists in the capital. If you are not ready for a full gig there yet, London’s open mic nights are a good way to test your songs and meet other local musicians.

If you fancy a bit of vintage shopping before you hit the stage, then you can contact Paper Dress Vintage here.

4. How can Groover help you find Music Venues in the UK?

Booking gigs can be a massive energy drain getting in the way of the process of music-making. You could consider signing with a booker? Groover allows you to contact the best media and music pros – including bookers – with a guaranteed response in less than 7 days! No more unanswered emails, you can be sure that your music is listened to and you will receive constructive and kind feedback, whatever the decision of the pro you will have contacted. You can also regularly check this springboard guide which suggests regularly great opportunities for independent venues and festivals.

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Read more:

> How to find a booker?
> How to find concert dates?
> How to get in the programming of music festivals?

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Are you looking for a booker? Send your music on Groover ⬇️

L’article 5 Small Music Venues in the UK you should Play at Least Once est apparu en premier sur Groover Blog.