1. Hi Reuben! Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about how you go into the music industry?
Hi! I’m Reuben Narey head of Artist Services for GigRealm. I started putting on bands in my hometown when I was about 15 and then got into artist management whenever I moved over to the UK. I spent a bit of time as a touring drummer as well!
2. What is GigRealm?
GigRealm is an online platform whose service enables venues to organise and put on live music, whilst ensuring guaranteed paid work for artists. All whilst being 100% free for artists to use.
3. Tell us more about how you got the idea to create GigRealm.
I started GigRealm when I noticed systemic problems rising in both the US & UK. Both countries were and still are in some places, plagued by “exposure gigs and pay to play models.” I realised that something had to be done to combat these issues.
4. How does GigRealm work (for artists and venues/promoters)?
It’s really simple! For an artist all they need to do is sign up and fill out their profile which doubles as an electronic press kit. It is 100% free for artists to sign up and use. Never any commission or anything like that. Venues sign up and create a profile as well where they can upload gigs and search for the right artist for them, based on things like genre, equipment needs, etc. Promoters can get added to the venues profile to make sure the night really takes off. End to end bookings can be done in as little as three minutes.
5. What have been some key milestones for GigRealm since you started the platform?
Besides our amazing industry partners, such as Groover… We just crossed over the 2,000-venue mark which we are very proud of! We are paying out 1,000’s of pounds a week to artists using our site which is something that blows my mind still. Especially as 100% of the money brought in from gigs goes directly to the artist.
6. If you could give one piece of advice to both artists and venues/promoters, what would it be for each of them?
I think it’s the same advice I honestly give everyone! Make sure you are out there doing it. It doesn’t matter what it is, you just have to be active in the community. It’s an old cliché but if you’re not following your passion and actively working towards your goal’s, life will pass you by. Oh, and go see more music!
