Entrepreneurship: How to Get Gigs as a Musician

 

Tools for Success as a Performing Artist

By Emily Kulinowski

Musician performing on stage in a dark venue filled with audience members

According to a gig economy article written by Compare Camp, “40% of US- based workers generate a large part of their income via the gig economy.” It can feel overwhelming trying making money as a live performer- especially during a global pandemic. With live music back on the rise, it’s important to have tools to be successful when getting gigs as a performing artist.

The Life of a Gig Musician

Making a living as a performing artist can seem intimidating; you are competing not only with musicians but with restrictions and other factors. As a recent college graduate, I know many musicians who have had different experiences working in the gig economy. Some have had wonderful opportunities come their way while others are struggling to get gigs. It can be easy to feel discouraged if the search for gigs is going slow, but it’s important to keep in mind you have more tools and connections than you think.

Having the right tools and approaches can help you get gigs as a musician, and make most of the gig economy as a performing artist.

1.Use Your Network

Networking is an essential part of one's career, and it’s especially important for those trying to get gigs. Your network is probably bigger than you think; professors, coworkers, mentors, friends, etc. If you know anyone hosting events try building a connection with them. In order to get gigs you need exposure; connecting with other musicians and your network will help you get those gigs you want.  

Make sure you’re memorable when networking, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Make business cards to give to people at events so they can look up more information about you. Ask questions to get the conversation going, then follow up afterwards to thank them and offer them something helpful. 

2.Promotion is Important

Once you have formed your musical identity you have to find ways to promote yourself and your music. Getting your name out there is one of the most important things you can do to get gigs. Here are ways to promote yourself:

  • Promotional videos

  • Performing

  • Share on social media

  • Create engaging social media content

  • Create merchandise to engage with fans

  • Release music on streaming platforms to reach a larger audience

  • Create a pitch

Promotion helps your name and music reach a wider audience than your inner circle. Creating a successful pitch will give promoters a simple and clear idea of what you are about. It’s a key aspect of making a living as a performing artist, and promoting yourself will help grow your audience and fan base in turn making your demand for gigs higher. 

“60% of gig workers say they use the digital marketplace to find new opportunities”
— Article written by Pymnts

3.Record Your Music

If you want to grow your audience and get gigs as a musician you need to record your music. You can’t expect your fan base to grow without giving them the ability to listen to your music from home. Even if you don’t have the means to record in a professional recording studio, there are many ways to create quality recordings on a budget at home. 

Record not only your music but live performances as well. Getting quality recordings of your live performances will give your audience and promoters a good sense for you and your ability to perform. This will allow you to create promotional videos, pitch future gigs, and build your fan base.

4.Keep Track of Trends & Lifestyle

While you want to stay true to yourself, it can be a helpful tool to stay up to date with trends within the music industry. Things change very quickly these days, so it’s important to know the trends in what it takes to make it in the gig economy. Take note of how they get gigs, and what kinds of venues are popular.

Being a musician is a lifestyle- not just a career. Not only do you have to think about how to get a job, you have to consider how you will get there, what instruments you need, car and instrument insurance, and if the gig is even worth it.

5.Mirror Musicians

Besides watching industry trends, it’s important to take note of what artists similar to you are doing. It can be helpful observing what makes them successful and trying steps in those directions. It can also help you learn from their mistakes and avoid making the same ones in your future.

Figuring out what venues and promoters similar artists are using can help you scope out future gig opportunities. Chances are you have similar sounds, so those same contacts are likely to be interested in working with you too.

6.Build Your Online Presence

Being a musician in the twenty-first century means you have to have an online presence. Through social media marketing, musicians can promote their music and themselves in a way that represents them best. Building your online presence will increase the reach your music will have, not only to your audience but potential promoters as well.

Having a positive online presence is a necessity more than ever. According to an article written by Pymnts, “sixty percent of gig workers say they use the digital marketplace to find new opportunities.” Building an online presence creates a digital portfolio for your music identity and helps you find gigs in a digital world.

Tips For Getting Gigs- The Den Collective

Tips For Getting Gigs - The Den Collective

Making a Living as a Performing Artist

These tools for success will help you build your portfolio and get gigs as a musician. Knowing how to promote yourself, use your network, and work with the environment around you will help you reach your goals and make a living as a performing artist in the twenty-first century.

The Den Collective partners with life coaches Sara Noble, a Resource, and Alex Campbell, a Coach, to offer sessions and resources around money and personal wellbeing. Our CEO Kristen Klehr has a background in music business and offers entrepreneurship coachings to those who want to learn more. More information about coaches and resources The Den offers can be found here

Understanding the gig economy around you and the tools you have is important when making a living as a performing artist. Myself and The Den Collective are here to support and help in any way we can!

 
Entrepreneurship, Music IndustryEmily KulinowskiEmily Kulinowski, tools to succeed, gig economy, performing artist, gigs, making a livingComment