If it’s been a dream of yours to be in a band, or perhaps you’re in a new one and feel you’re ready to get on stage, of course one big question remains, “where do we perform?”
I started a rookie anime/Japanese music band, and I’ll admit, when I started it, I only had 2 places in mind: bars and conventions. I was aware that we could rent out our own venue as well, but it would require money and dedicated fans. I figured not many places were set up for live acts, nor could accommodate a drum kit.
But over the last year, my eyes have certainly been opened! I’ve done a lot of research and also joined a lot of local music scene groups to see what’s going on. Through that, I have gathered 10 places you may want to consider for your band to perform.
Under each section, I have added the cost to you and money to be made. Cost to you does not include money for your own gear or to rent gear to perform. It simply refers to the cost required to actually play at that place. Money to be made only refers to if you can expect a paycheck at the end of the day.
And if you’re looking for other tips for your newer band, be sure to check out my other articles: Where To Find Local Musicians, What to Include in Your Band Listing, Best Youtube Channels for Band Advice, How Much to Start Up A Band, and What to Bring to a Rehearsal Studio.
1. Bars & Clubs
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $$$
Obviously, the most common place where you can get a gig is a bar or club. These are places that are more active in the evening/night time, and tend to be 18/19+ since they serve alcohol. These kinds of places are always looking for live acts that could help draw in a crowd and entertain the audience.
These are also the kinds of places that are more likely to pay you for your gig, and you could even become a regular if they like you. The only expectation for these places is that you’re able to play a few sets, and thus, should have an hour or two of songs ready to go. Of course, the more, the better.
You shouldn’t have to pay to perform at these places, but you should expect to get paid. This is often where the argument of ‘being paid in exposure’ comes into play. If you’re a new band, or if they want to see how you do, there’s definitely nothing wrong with playing a free gig here and there, but otherwise, $50-$250/night seems to be the average starting out. If you are popular and can bring in a crowd, you can expect even $250-$800/night!
2. Cafes & Restaurants
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $$
Cafes and restaurants are established places that run day and night throughout the week. Unlike bars, they may not have a stage area or setup for bands, but they’re still worth looking into. Some restaurants may have open mics (which we’ll talk about more below), but for others, it doesn’t hurt to ask and see if it could happen.
If you feel your band matches the setting, for example, there’s a traditional taco joint in your area with a patio area, and your band plays more Spanish music that fits the vibe, they may be open to you coming now and then to play a few songs.
If people will sit around longer to listen to you, and essentially order more food, why would they say no?
They may have never thought about it, but just like bars, if you can help bring in an audience or at least attract people back, they probably won’t be against the idea. You can probably expect a similar payout to bars/clubs, though probably on the lower end if they aren’t serving alcohol.
3. Venues
Cost to You: $? | Money to Be Made: $$$
Venues are places that are meant for life acts. They aren’t usually open throughout the week as they are only open or rented out when an event is going on.
There are generally two cases where you can get to perform at one. The first is if the venue is hosting their own event, like a concert or talent show. It can be as simple as reaching out and asking, but sometimes they may have an audition night, or will only take established bands.
The other is you paying to rent the venue. You will likely have to do this weeks or months in advance, especially if you want to host an event on the weekend. While you do have to pay, you’ll get to keep all your earnings for tickets, and maybe get a cut of food and drink sales from the establishment.
When it comes to pay, it really does depend. If you’re a part of a talent show, you probably won’t expect much, but the attention and new fans may be totally worth it. If you’re renting out the venue, how much you get in return will depend on how many fans you can bring in, how much you’re charging per ticket, and if you get a cut on other sales. You may break even, but you could also make well over $1000!
4. Open Mics
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $0
An Open Mic is like what it sounds, the mic is open to anyone who wants to get on stage. It isn’t that disorganized though. Usually, cafes, bars, or small venues will have a specific day of the week or time of the month where they will host an open mic. On that day, if you wish to perform, you’ll go there about an hour before to sign up, and then sit back til it’s your turn.
Different places have different rules and expectations. Some places only take bands while others will be open to any acts including comedians and spoken word. Some places may have a 3 song limit. Some will give each act 15 minutes. Some are ‘come and do what you want’.
Some venues are super busy and popular, so instead of doing a ‘first come first serve’ sign up, potential acts will be placed in a hat and drawn out. As long as there’s time, they’ll put as many people on as they could.
But all in all, open mics are a great place to test out material, get used to the stage, and meet new people. You can go without the pressure of having to bring in your own audience or everyone knowing who you are. It’s free to join, but don’t expect to make any money. Also, don’t expect the biggest stage or anything too fancy for your show.
5. Band Competitions
Cost to You: $? | Money to Be Made: $?
Ever heard of “Battle of the Bands”? Yes, it does exist, and yes, they are still going on!
Depending on where you live, it’s not uncommon for them to host band competitions. These are opportunities for new or smaller bands to get on stage and not just gain more attention, but sometimes, but they can even win money, prizes, or even label contracts!
This is a great opportunity for bands that are already comfortable on stage and are hoping to spread their wings. You can also just do it for fun or with a serious goal to take your band to the next level.
Be sure to read the contract though! Since this is a competition, you can expect to pay an entry fee even before you audition. Some will have multiple stages, so be sure you can attend each day. And definitely, don’t be late! Bands have been disqualified for being even a minute late.
6. Conventions & Festivals
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $0 (Unless You’re Popular)
If your band is more niche, whether in music or style, it may be worth looking into conventions or festivals! These are big events that happen once, maybe twice a year, and attract a certain audience.
Conventions, while they can be quite big and may host famous guests, they’re also very open to local talent. Most anime conventions have singing, dancing, and cosplay events that anyone, regardless of skill level can apply for.
Of course, not every organizer will be prepared for a live band, but it never hurts to ask! They will more likely have a PA system for microphones and music, so they’ll just have to accommodate your drumkit and amps.
I also mention festivals because these are also big local events that may be open to new and fresh talent. These tend to be outdoors, so they will have big stages ready for musical acts, including bands.
While some bigger festivals like Coachella will only have established stars, smaller ones may be open to anyone who could put on a good show. It never hurts to ask! Just be sure to ask months in advance as these events require lots of pre-planning and will have their list of performers ready before they start promoting it publicly.
7. Private Events
Cost to You: $? | Money to Be Made: $$$$$
If you’re looking to make money, but don’t care to be a regular at a bar, nor want to rent out your own venue, why not become a private event band? As long as you have enough experience and stage presence, you can make some real dough by performing at parties, weddings, and other private events.
It is important to build a portfolio that you can display online, and even better if you have your own website to prove how serious you are. But otherwise, joining a website like GigSalad where those looking for a band could easily find you.
You could also work via word of mouth. Start by playing for your cousin’s wedding, or your friend’s Christmas work party. Hand out cards at open mics, and put up posters at music stores or community centers. Depending on the kind of gig and your contract, you could easily make $2000 or more! Do be prepared to spend a bit for your own equipment and setup though!
8. Talent Shows & Fundraisers
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $0
If you live in a bigger city, there’s bound to be more random events going on, especially during the summer and holidays. Now and then, there may be a local talent show going on, or a fundraising concert.
Because the organizers are more focused on making money than spending it, if you’re talented and willing to play for free, they will have no real reason to say ‘no’. There may be an audition process if the event is big or there’s a lot of applicants, but don’t let that stop you!
You may not make money, but you could possibly win a prize! And if not either, you’ll definitely get a lot new ears and potential new fans, which is worth more in the end anyways. You’ll also gain some brownie points as you’ll be seen as a band who cares about the community or other causes.
And if anything, outside of venues and band competitions, this is one of few scenarios where the audience will be fully focused on you! If you’re tired of just being background noise while other’s drink or party, then talent shows are right up your alley!
9. On The Street
Cost to You: $? | Money to Be Made: $$
There’s a reason busking on street corners and subway stops is still popular even today. While it isn’t the flashiest, it’s a way to get experience performing in a more casual setting while making some change.
In fact, you can actually make some decent money if you find the right spot. Of course, depending on where you are, a permit may be required, but to many subway buskers, it’s totally worth it.
While you don’t usually see full bands busking (considering the equipment required and how unpredictable the weather could be), that doesn’t mean you can’t head out and do acoustic versions of your songs.
You could even just get your main vocalist play with a backing track to help promote your next gig or attract new fans to your social medias. Do with it as you will! Busking has opened up many opportunities to some musicians and helped them get gigs, so definitely give it your all! You never know who may be listening!
10. Online Concerts
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $?
While online concerts have been a thing for years now, they certainly picked up during the pandemic when performers were eager to perform for their fans but they weren’t allowed to gather together.
While it may not be as energizing or adrenaline pumping as a live audience, it’s still a great way to get out there and connect with fans on a deeper level. Usually, these streams allow for a live chat, and during breaks, you can read and respond to comments, or even be a bit more creative and silly with your act.
It can be great to do this from your basement practice area as you can be more flexible with your time since you’re not paying. You could also rent out a rehearsal studio, as a lot of these places will have a room that is set up for live streaming, and you could even have a worker help record and monitor the event.
Conclusion
I hope this has opened your eyes to the many places a band could perform. There’s other places as well, you just have to be creative. If you see an opportunity, just ask!
Many places think bands are a thing of the past and probably have never considered it before. They probably won’t be opposed to it if they see it as mutually beneficial. As they say, ‘the worst they can say is ‘no”. And just cause one person says no, doesn’t mean the next won’t say yes.
If you’re brand new, open mics are great place to start as you just show up, sign up, and can play. You’re guaranteed to have some kind of audience without any promotional work from you, and it’s a great way to get feedback or see what you need to work on.
If you have any additional ideas, definitely leave a comment below. Don’t hesitate to share where your first gig was and how you got it as well!