Last updated: April 2026
In recent years, the live sector of the music industry has blossomed while others have faltered and declined. With streaming now the dominant way people consume music, bands are having to focus more on the revenue that they can earn from performing live shows and less on what they can generate through recorded music alone.
For bigger bands and those that are already established, record labels, managers and booking agents generally take care of booking shows and tours, but for bands that are just starting out or are low on funds, getting on the books of an agent may not be feasible. If you are considering that route, our guide to joining a live music agency covers what to expect.
While having somebody to take care of arranging gigs for you is convenient and makes the process easier, it is costly and not a strict requirement.
There are many things that you can do yourself to get gigs for your original band and put yourself on the radar of promoters and venues. Here are some top tips.
Have material to present and promote
Having recorded music is almost essential to getting a gig. As a band, it is, after all, your music that people are paying to hear. Having material to present to people will drastically improve the chances of them actually listening to and considering you.
Having an EP or Album, along with a lead single and B-side recorded that you can send out to promoters is a real game changer. If you can get it up on streaming platforms like Spotify and Bandcamp too, even better – it makes it easy for anyone to listen with a single link.
While physical format CDs are useful to have on hand for any useful contacts you meet, sending digital files or links is often the quickest and most practical way to get your music heard by the right people.
You should also try to have a number of live video performances, of good quality, that you can show to prospective promoters, venues and fans. Filming a live set and uploading it to YouTube is a great way to showcase your stage presence and give bookers confidence in what you can deliver.
Send out a press kit or EPK
A press kit is a great thing to have, because it shows that you are serious about your band. It can be sent electronically as an EPK (Electronic Press Kit), and can contain everything that a potential booker, journalist or promoter might need. If you need tips on writing a band biography, we have a guide to help.
The press kit should include your contact information and a good biography of the band that lets the reader know what the band does and who is in it. It should be engaging and easy to read, giving them a reason to listen to your music.
You can include your influences so that they can get an idea for your style of music, and some professional looking photos. Make sure to include links to your streaming profiles (Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp), your social media accounts, and any notable press coverage or reviews.
If you need help creating an EPK, check out this Last Minute Musicians guest blog written for our friends at Ditto Music.
Your press kit is kind of like your CV or portfolio, and is your chance to make a good impression. It is a reflection of you and your band, so take the time to make it something you are proud of.
It’s also good to include a quote or two from positive reviews from any past shows, and maybe a press release about any new music.
Networking
See if you can make contacts at as many venues in your local area as you can, in order to maximise your chances. Contact the venue via e-mail, social media, or in person. Have a listen to the kind of music they host and make sure your band would fit with their events.
No matter which route you take, make sure that you label your CD or files to ensure they don’t get lost among the masses. Include the band name, email and phone number so that it is easy for the venue to get in touch with you.
Promoters and venues generally will have a lot of bands trying to get on their shows, so if you don’t hear back, don’t be too disheartened. Just keep trying.
If you are persistent, the promoter will take more notice of you and realise you are serious about what you do.
Don’t take lack of response as a “no” straight away. Keep up the contact and put pressure on them and your chances of getting booked will increase.
If it is open, pop into the venue during the day for a drink, and ask who handles the bookings. If they aren’t there it is still important to strike up a good conversation with whomever you deal with.
Use online booking platforms
There are now a number of online platforms designed to connect musicians with venues and event organisers. Sites like Gigmit, GigSalad and Sonicbids allow you to create a profile, browse available slots and apply for gigs directly. For a broader overview, see our guide on where to look for gigs in the UK.
These platforms can be especially useful if you are looking beyond your immediate local area, as they often list opportunities in cities and towns you might not have considered. Some are free to join while others charge a small fee, so it is worth exploring a few to see which suits your band best.
Book and promote your own gigs
If there are venues close to you (or further afield if you’re feeling adventurous!) that work with outside promoters rather than their own in-house one, you can hire a venue yourself and book your own show. This is called self-promoting, and it’s an excellent way to take control.
You would, of course, be responsible for the venue rental costs, the sound engineer, costs of promoting the night, and much more. But the beauty of being your own promoter is that you are in control – you decide who plays, how it’s marketed, and where the night goes.
Book some other bands as well, to increase the chances of a good turnout and take a little bit of pressure off yourselves. The costs can also be shared between the bands to make things a little less stressful on the wallet.
Work with local bands
If you know of other bands in your area, it can be a good idea to approach them to see if they have any gigs coming up that they could use a support act for. Don’t be too proud to be the support or the warm-up. It’s all experience and all exposure.
If bands are in the same position as you are and are struggling to find gigs, booking a gig between you is a great idea. It’s mutually beneficial, and it helps build a local community of bands who support each other.
While some bands can get quite competitive, it is much more beneficial to strike up a relationship and work together. Help each other out, promote one another’s gigs, and you’ll find that more opportunities come your way.
The live music scene is all about support and exposure, and when you are trying to find your footing as a band in the live scene, working with other bands is a great way to cut through some of the difficult early stages.
Attend other gigs
Going to other gigs and getting to know the local music scene is an absolute must. Whether it’s open mic nights, showcases or full headline shows, if nothing else, it’s super important to get to know the local players and all the faces of your local music scene.
It might cost you some money, but get out and meet some people. Buy some drinks, strike up conversations and see who you meet!
Be professional and follow up
When you do land a gig, make a great impression. Arrive on time, be polite to the sound engineer and venue staff, and put on the best show you can. A good reputation travels fast in the live music world, and venues are far more likely to rebook a band that was professional and easy to work with.
After the gig, follow up with the venue or promoter. Thank them for the opportunity, ask for feedback, and express your interest in playing again. This kind of professional follow-up sets you apart from bands who simply play and disappear. If you want to turn gigging into a reliable income stream, our guide to getting well-paid gigs has more advice.
Create hype and build demand
The Internet is an especially powerful tool for building the fan base of your band. Through platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, it is relatively easy for content to be shared to large audiences, or maybe even go viral! If you want to take your online presence further, check out our 60 tips on how to promote your band.
Focus on growing an online fan base and build some demand. If there are enough people wanting you to play, and you can demonstrate a strong following, it is less likely that promoters are going to ignore you when approached.
Start small and build up
One common mistake new bands make is aiming too big too soon. It is far better to fill a 50-capacity room than to play to a handful of people in a 200-capacity venue. Smaller, packed-out gigs create energy, look impressive, and give you a track record you can use when pitching to larger venues later.
Start with open mic nights, acoustic sessions or small pub gigs and work your way up. Each successful show gives you something to add to your press kit and proof that you can draw a crowd. For help planning your year as a musician, including knowing when the busy and quiet times are, we have a guide for that too.
Getting gigs for your band is not as daunting and impossible as it may seems sometimes. It takes determination, persistence and sometimes a little nagging. Don’t think that local promoters are your only option.
There are many other paths you can take to book yourself a gig. Look for local battle of the bands competitions that you can compete in, or any local festivals that you may be able to get a slot on.
If you’re feeling brave and adventurous, you can even take a chance and pack up your equipment into a van and hit the road! For bands with bigger ambitions, our guide to getting international gigs covers what you need to know.
The music industry is a big one and the live scene is huge. If you’re struggling to get bookings right now, do not be discouraged.
There is room in the industry for your band, and by following some of the tips here you’ll be able to find that place and start to build your name.
Do you have any top tips for how to get gigs as an original band? Post them in the comments below…
