This is another older topic that somehow dropped off the blog, but is also good to revisit. Many artists don't seem to know the appropriate amount of times to be playing live to maximize their impact on an area. New bands and artists feel they need to get out as much as possible. And, it's not just new artists now, everyone around seems to be playing far too often in too small an area, even if there is nothing in it for them financially or otherwise, but for "exposure"
Well, I'm here to tell you, exposure is over rated.
Here's how to maximize your performances.
You'll need to take into account how big your area is. We are based in Sacramento, California with almost half a million people in the city and surrounding areas. How many of those people are into the type of music that you perform? More importantly, how many will come out? Take note when an artist or group similar to yours is playing the area in which you live. See how big a venue they perform in. This can be done on any scale. For example, the last AC/DC tour did not hit Sacramento but in Oakland instead? Why? To maximize the impact. Continuing with our example. Are there any local bands who sound stylistically similar? How big a venue do they play and how many people come out?
The simple fact of the matter is LESS IS MORE. Assuming you are great performers, singers and songwriters already the next part is getting in front of audiences and having them fall in love with you.
AC/DC only comes around once every few years. Because if they were here every weekend, we would eventually get tired of seeing them and the audience would drop. That can and WILL happen to you if you play too often.
The ABSENCE between performances only serves to build anticipation for the next time. The frequency we have found to be most effective is:
Once every 6-8 weeks within 50 miles.
So, if you play a specific venue this week, schedule the next appearance for 6-8 weeks later in that area. It doesn't have to be the same venue. But nothing within 50 square miles for another 6-8 weeks.
I know what you're wondering. How am I/ we supposed to build our following? The easy answer is play outside that area. Go beyond the 50 miles. Before you do, remember it is probably easier in your home town as you can start with friends and family and build from there. On a side note, many venues have restrictions similar to this in their performance agreements. Be sure to check while booking what the policy is on booking the area and time surrounding your appearance there.
If you can build an audience in your own home town first, you can start to "show swap" with artists from other regions. You let them play for your fans and they do the same.
All the while you can continue to do things to reach out and get more people interested with all the social media sites, emails, phone calls, letters...
As always, we welcome any and all feedback
