Plum gigs hard tack public 1

Plum Gigs vs. Hard Tack The ecology of gigging in the Scottish Folk Scene

The launch of a new folk band
Helping to establish a profile
Awards
Hype – press / social media
Album
Necessary as a promotional tool
Some bands can’t make the CD without the gigs, but can’t get the gigs without the CD
Using a large event as a springboard
You can make successful links with promoters to secure gigs for the following year.
Having a recording and promotional material can help to use the gig to it’s full potential.

Developing a successful folk band
The development from ‘new band’ into ‘established band’
Second album
Striving to be better than the first, to show development
Fees
Acceptable fees, knowing what the going rate is
Trio meant the fees stretched further
We regularly shared family rooms and travelled in 1 car
More aware of promotion required
Hired an agent
Attending Showcase Scotland
Continuing relationships with promoters
Created a set list book with notes about what we played, the venue and the promoter / others involved

The Diversity of Gigs pros and cons
Celtic Connections
Fantastic opportunity to try out new ideas / projects
New ideas can’t always be taken out of the festival and on the road as few festival/concerts have a comparable size of audience and therefore financing.
Edinburgh Fringe
Interesting to be involved in a vibrant festival
Great opportunity to potentially reach new listeners from all over the world
A lot of competition with so many events, and with costs such as publicity and venue hire. It can be difficult to make money - most shows make a loss.
Folk Clubs
The chance to develop an audience from the grass roots level
Not great fees, supply of sound equipment can be difficult
TV & Radio
Infrequent but very useful
Reaching a wide audience immediately
Make the most of the opportunity, i.e. ensure your website is up to date

A Multi-faceted Career

Issues faced by the gigging musician; A few questions
What are the options in finding a good balance between keeping the diary free for gigs whilst still maintaining a financially sustainable working life?
How do you continue to progress as a musician both individually and as part of an ensemble?
How do you work successfully with an agent or a promoter to ensure the development of your audience?

Plum gigs hard tack public 1

by greengolduk

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