Gigging: Everything you need to know about playing gigs

by David Barber

The best introduction to live performing for the entry level to experienced musician. The book covers topics from booking to getting paid, including promotion, loading in/out and how not to piss off the sound guy. The attitudes of the typical music venue booking agents and other staff are made clear, so as to avoid misunderstandings. Nobody should play a gig locally or on the road without first reading this book.Editorial "David Barber's new book, " The Book" is an informative, well written and helpful guide to new musicians and experienced ones alike. He gives lots of great ways for artists to improve their visibility, get fans to shows and great tips on how to create authentic, lasting relationships with talent buyers and venue owners.Plus, it's got a great sense of humor to it as well!" - Nina Storey, Professional touring artist“This book should undoubtedly be put in the hands of every musician aspiring to not only play great gigs, but to be viewed professionally in the whirlwind of an industry." - Tim Wenger, Colorado Music Buzz“Barber…does a good job at letting total newbies know what to expect when setting up or playing their first gig…” - Brian F. Johnson, Marquee MagazineDave Barber is a true-blue veteran of the Denver music scene. He has absorbed the realities of the music business from the ground up, being out there in the clubs night after night, observing bands, club owners, soundmen, waitresses and groupies act the hero and the fool-sometimes on the same night. His book, Gigging, is a nuts and bolts ABC of what to do, and even more importantly, what NOT to do as a beginning musician trying to break onto the local scene. His wisdom applies to any local scene, because it is simple and universal. This ain’t rocket-science, but if you don’t know how to call a booking agent, talk to the soundman or collect your dough at the end of the night it might as well be. I would suggest any inexperienced musician check out Dave’s book. If every young musician did, there would be a lot more successful bands and a lot fewer bored audiences. - Paul Epstein, Owner, Twist and Shout

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2011