OMG IT’S HAPPENING!! We will be playing at the Pretty Heroes convention in August 2022.
While my band may be a rookie group with no experience, I did promise them that I will make it happen, and I had full confidence we can land a few gigs. I started building this website in September 2021 and had our photoshoot a month later. I wanted to show others that we were serious about this band.
Now, I’m definitely not a cocky person, but I’ve learned through life that if you’re serious and you work hard towards something, it could happen. If you ask, the worse they can say is “no”…if you don’t ask, the answer is always “no”. Even if you did get a no, you need to keep reaching out and eventually, someone will give you a chance. Dating, jobs, university application, works for anything.
There are a few anime conventions that happen in Toronto, and while Covid had made the year uncertain, I still wanted to get a head start. I knew they would create programming early on as they would also promote a couple months before the event, so I started sending out emails in January.
Anime North didn’t really have a space for a band to perform, and since they were the first one in the year, it would also be intimidating to debut there, so we didn’t mind getting a ‘no’. We were also looking forward to Kimikon, a newer convention that happens in the fall, but their site has yet to be updated so it may not be happening this year. I would check my mailbox everyday for a couple weeks hoping for a response.
Surprisingly though, we did get a “yes”! Pretty Heroes responded in February saying they would love to have us, and that we can prepare a couple songs for their opening or closing ceremony. I didn’t see the message until March, but trust me, I was both shocked and also super excited. Like, OMG it’s happening! I got us our first real gig!
They only have space for an acoustic group, and we were asked to prepare songs from shows with strong female characters, so we had to think of a couple new songs that would be perfect. Had to learn some stuff by ear, but we’re excited to show everyone what we have prepared.
If you’re planning to attend Pretty Heroes, or would like to support us, we’ll see you there ^_^
You can buy your tickets for the convention here.
UPDATE DECEMBER 2024: “No Longer Dreaming” Published!
If you’re a beginner or inexperienced musician who wants to break out in this competitive field, check out my new eBook! I started this blog when I was still a rookie guitarist with no experience, but with confidence and a plan, I created a band and we performed at a venue, conventions, and a festival in the span of 2 years.
As a solo musician, I’ve played for a church, got to be part of a high production music video, and was offered to perform at a huge event and play on an album. In this guide book, you’ll learn how to choose your style, niche & target audience, what to practice, how to find bandmates and organize rehearsals, how to promote yourself and/or your band, where to look for gigs, how to dress for photoshoots and the stage, how to network with people, and so much more! If you’re interested, click here for more details!
