| CD Baby DIY Musician Podcast |
 June 29,
2009
Ep.65 : Matthew Ebel - Stream your concerts to the world
|
|
|
| CD Baby Music Podcasts |
 Music Discovery
 Hip Hop
 60's Pop
 Rockabilly
 Top Sellers
|
|
|
 |
|
  |
| How to Make a Good College Flyer |
|
 |
|
| posted by Derek Sivers on Saturday March 24 2001 @ 12:12PM PST |
|
|
|
|
If you're making a flyer to get gigs in the college market, here's my opinion/experience about what you should put on your flyer:
1. big photo showing a happy fun performance
2. clear sentence about what you do ("acoustic reggae duo", "jazz metal 4-piece band")
remember your flyer is next to comedians, jugglers, lecturers, metallica, drum circles...
3. name your price range clearly ("PRICE: $700 - $1500 depending on travel. Just call and ask!")
4. your phone number and email in big bold letters - with a tagline asking them to call
5. testimonial quotes from other colleges or venues ("one of the finest performances we've had here all year!" - the College of St.Angus, "the crowd couldn't stop laughing at his lyrics!" - the Thirsy Bastard)
WHEN TO SEND YOUR FLYER? EVERY FEW WEEKS! Remember: getting your flyer the first time is not an event. Think of the first time you saw a TV ad for something. You didn't drop what you were doing and rush to the store. You had to see the ad 50 times and then be in the mood for it, with cash in hand, before finally bought what they were selling.
Repetition is the key. Send them something every few weeks and maybe one day in 6 months they'll call you for a video. Some schools will keep your flyer around and call you a year later. You need to be planning ahead with this.
NOTE: Color flyers, done on a color printer, are more expensive but get a better response.
Anything else work exceptionally well for you? Reply here!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can I see some examples of good college flyers (i.e., following Derek's guidelines)?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I've made a good living playing colleges for the last 4 years. Been hired by over 350 colleges around the Northeast. I made good money doing it, but also wasted TONS of money sometimes, doing things wrong. Here's my best advice, from experience, on what works and what doesn't..."
all those years with this method and not ONE flyer? cmon -pleeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzee just show us one!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If I had even one, I'd be glad to post it here. But when I moved CD Baby from Woodstock to Portland, I threw out all my old promo materials. Sorry!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derek,
thanks for all the info. One question: is it
necessary to send a cover letter with college
flyers?
tx
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
>is it necessary to send a cover letter with college flyers?
I think it's smart.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
And how about if you need a gig within 3 months of sending the flyer?
Do yuo think it could work to put "only available in this area until the month of XXXXX"?
something like that?
And say there are 100 colleges in New York. Would you say that if you can afford it, it is better to send them all a demo rather than waiting for them to request a demo after they've received the flyer???
CD-Rs are cheap now so why not send a demo with every flyer and a note saying "video on request"
mark
www.bedroomtalent.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Go for it. Can't hurt to try!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You can also throw a short video clip on the CD for no additional cost if you burn them yourself....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For $250, my company will take your songs, profile, email address, and video link it all on a custom CD-ROM that can be mailed out. This way you can make a direct impact in one shot. We can do the copying for you if you want, but I would recommend doing it yourself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Go to www.digitalememories.com for more info on getting CD-ROMs made
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| by
on Wednesday August 02 2006 @ 06:32PM PDT [ reply | parent ] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I was wondering if printing a bunch of 8.5 x 11 posters instead of individual flyers would be as good an idea.
You could then put a price range instead of a fixed price - and the whole thing could end up costing a whole lot less than individual color prints from an office printer...
What do you think Derek?
Thx,
Jason
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Go for it! Please post back here to let us know how it goes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derek,I've read your college article and this one on flyers, some very good advice and some deep cynicism. I was a college concert promoter in '90-91, never wore a pink sweater....and threw out a lot of repetitive flyers. There ARE promoters out there looking for unique acts. I booked one act from as far away as Paris for example. I think as far as cost goes, POSTCARDS are a sure bet and DIRECT phone calls with candid to the point questions are great. For instance, "which student activity coordinator might book an alternative rock songwriter that plays piano?" You might get directed to the Women's Center or the squad of students that are setting up Earth Day. Also I suggest you find out the exact office hours of the person you are trying to reach through the regular staff of secretaries in whichever Student Activities Office you are trying to reach. These student positions are frequently work study and have to keep to at least a vague schedule of identifiable work time........sd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you are planning to market yourself with the multiple flyer technique that Derek recommends, and you need multiple color flyers, I have found a pretty cheap place to get them done -
http://www.color-copies-online.com/
The great thing about this is that you email them your document so you don't have to xerox some original that came out of your color printer. If you use the heavier stock paper they offer, you've got yourself a beautiful color xerox, obviously not as high quality as if you'd gotten them done at a printer, but I'm really impressed with their work and they are FAST. I get my work UPSed about two days later.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I'm curious about their color work. I've done brochures and other work with color photos at Kinko's before. The problem I've had is that, often, blacks look like a separate layer floating on top of the other colors.
This isn't a total killer, but it makes me wary of using color copiers for serious work. Flyers, I'm not so worried about.
I wondered what your experience has been with these.
Thanks.
Jonathan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The odd black on color copies does not
happen on all machines. A color laser tends
to have Black that looks glazed!! I have found
the at the newer Xerox machines do not have
that problem. Check with your vendor to see
what kind of machines they use. Ask for a
sample!
Bill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hi Derek! It's Elissa Ray(E*Ray). You remember...
I'm Kelly's "one more thing" girl!!!! I called you that day that you were setting up a computer(working with windows I think). It was a Saturday. Anyways, I'm just back on your sight and getting a ton of wonderful help as usual on promoting my friend Aagee from the group 'L7U'. and even though I don't have a question( because you cover EVERTHING so exstensively!)I just thought 'what the hell', and decided to say what's up. I just wanted to let you know(again) how much I appreciate all you've done for all of us trying to make it here in the music industry. Like I told you before, it is so refreshing to meet someone in the industry that is working for the love of the music. You are so down to earth and I am so glad I was able to talk to you on the phone and express my thanks, in person. You've been so helpful. I've been promoting your website like crazy since I read Esquire and ESPECIALLY since I talked to you. I hope everything is going well with you. Look for L7U at CDbaby in a month or two. We WILL be there. Thanks Derek. Have a hella good day.
Bless,
Elissa Ray (E*Ray)
Artist and current manager of L7U
Ps. please tell Kelly I said hi and that I still do have 'one more thing' to annoy her with!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derek:
Is there a separate listing for colleges more interested in one genre than another? Like, Jazz?
Thanks,
Barb
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All colleges are interested in anything you can get them interested in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| by
on Saturday February 05 2005 @ 10:16AM PST [ reply | parent ] |
|
|
|
|
How hard is it to get an unknown Rap act booked at a college? I need a clear answere, and not it isn't hard at all please.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How hard is it to get a rap act booked at a college? I need a clear answer and not it isn't hard at all please.
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
>How hard is it to get a rap act booked at a college? I need a clear answer.
How hard is it to get a job?
How hard is it to find a husband?
How hard is it to climb a rock?
It depends on the job, the husband, the rock, and the person asking.
Would an answer here on a bulletin board change your life? If so, then I'll tell you what you need to hear: "Easy! Go for it!". Now you'll approach them with the confidence it takes to get hired? Or maybe you need to hear "Hard! Work hard!". Now you'll put in the extra work it takes to make a great first impression?
The only way to know is to do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I'm a click away from purchasing the college listing but have one question. If I don't have a video(yet) am I wasting my time with approaching colleges. AND when I do get a video together, does it HAVE to be a "proffesional" edited version, will a digital cam corder someone brings to a gig be fine or is that too low budget?
thanks
jimmy prav groove assault
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jimmy - Not wasting your time, no. It REALLY REALLY HELPS to have a video, but you can at least get started without it and start to do mailings to colleges.
When you do get a video, yes it should be very professional. Remember that the other acts competing for the same $1500 gigs are acts that spent $10,000 on their videos sometimes, because they know that a great video can book them another 50 gigs at $1500 each.
Just using a bad handicam edited on your VCR will hurt you more than having no video at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Jan 5, Jimmy asked:
"when I do get a video together, does it HAVE to be a "proffesional" edited version, will a digital cam corder someone brings to a gig be fine or is that too low budget?"
On Jan 8, Derik's reply was:
"When you do get a video, yes it should be very professional. Remember that the other acts competing for the same $1500 gigs are acts that spent $10,000 on their videos sometimes...Just using a bad handicam edited on your VCR will hurt you more than having no video at all."
My Response:
In 2003 we played 183 shows. They didn't all pay $1,500, but some did. Some paid more. We book ourselves (we don’t have a manager and we aren’t with a booking agency). The package that we sent out included a one page bio, a business card and a 5 minute video shot by a friend on a cheap camcorder at a couple of different shows and edited by another friend at his school. The audio was very poor and the quality of the video was pretty bad, but it was edited into a bunch of short clips over a 5 minute playing time and it showed what we do (we have two hot chicks in the band and we jump around a lot…and we have a lot of fun). The point is that we had an AWESOME RESPONSE to our poor quality video that we made for free (well, almost free - we had to pay for video tapes). The only people who ever said anything bad about it were trying to get us to hire them to shoot a better video. Derik is right that you should have the best quality possible, but it’s been my experience that it’s better to go out and do what you can than wait around until you’ve got the cash for things to be perfect. That's just my opinion though ;-)
-Ricky Zero of the band McFly
www.mcflyband.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I just bought a program called "Video Explosion Deluxe" from Office Depot for $80 and it is a great user-friendly video editing program. All you need is a digital camcorder or an 8mm with a DV port. It's got all kinds of neat effects and scene transitions and stuff. We used it to make our first rock video for the local music channel... The Austin Music Network, and honestly, it looks like we spent a shit-load of money on it. I'm also going to use it to make a live sample video. Ok... bye
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hey, I just wanted to say, I checked out your band's website. Congrats on getting all though shows w/ the video you described. But to be honest, I doubt you got those gigs 'cuz of the video or your performances. I'd say it was due to the fact your a cover band. And a cover band normally is a safe bet for someone who doesn't a.)know much about music or bands and b.)just wants a band their sure will be appealing. Honestly, no offense to your band, but cover bands have it much easier then orginal music bands; much more risk involved with booking them. Don't come off sounding all high and mighty 'cuz of the the gigs you booked and say it was because of your stage performance in your video.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looks like Dennis has never played in a cover band! Getting gigs for original bands can be hard but they dont roll out the red carpet for cover bands either. Thats a lot of gigs in a year for any band. It might not be because of their video tape but i dont think its just because they play covers either.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derrick,
Thanks for this! I've been a NACA member for 2 years and am quite frustrated with it. (you didn't even go into the annoying NACA rules!) I showcased at NACA South this past fall and got 2 gigs out of it. (I'm a solo singer/songwriter) (it was a 'roving artist' showcase and I don't think the kids take that as seriously) I felt good about my showcase and the students were complimentary--til it came time to book the gigs. Nerve-racking!
I'll be buying the list from you and kissing NACA goodbye! There's also APCA where you can 'buy' a showcase, but again, it's extremely expensive!
Thanks again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I would like to hear some of your music i am a solo singer/songwriter as well and want to know how it is working for you i am justnow getting into it and i am making my first cd this week
Thanks,
Chino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I am very appreciative of your advice and have been booking shows through your suggestions. I have also been approaching student organizations who often promote better than student acitivities do. Try finding an organization within the student body and approach them with a unique fundraiser.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This sounds interesting! Any examples you could give us?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yes. For instance if you contact a fraternity or sorority and offer propose that if their organization sets up a concert, promotes and provides sound equipment you will play a concert for them and split the door or take only a certain percentage and the organization can take the rest. obviously pitch it to them with it being more prettied up.
Thanks,
Keith Griffis
Waking Grey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derek-
I was interested in ordering the College Database for bookings as you advertised in "The Indie Bible", but the url says the page has been moved and it asks for member information. I'm not a member.
How can I order the database?
Thanks!
Cindy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You can always just PayPal or mail a payment for $75 to us. It's only the payment-acceptance thing that is inside the members area. Sorry about that. Call the CD Baby office and ask for Jamie.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can you reccommend a video production team/producer to make a good video? I am in NYC.
danny
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video production teams are a dime a dozen in NYC. Ask around. Hard to sneeze without spraying one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
contact me... I know a good videographer who won't charge a fortune. (in NYC).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you are looking for a videographer, my friend Denny Daniel has been doing this for years. His website is:
www.dennydaniel.com
and his email is:
solacex@aol.com
He's an amazing and creative videographer, and he's done a lot of work with bands around NYC.
If you decide to contact him, be sure to tell him that Rachel referred you. You might get an even better deal out of it (though he's already got great pricing).
Rachel (:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You can check out www.digitalememories.com too. They will put the video into custom CD-ROM that you can make copies and mail out to colleges so your songs, bio, video, links, etc. are all in one disc. Saves you a TON of money on printing...plus you can have the information updated regularly as the band grows and gets more reviews...
www.digitalememories.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Another suggestion for those who have f/t jobs and are still plugging away at their music: Texas has a music directory full of excellent information covering all TX State musical resources.It is updated annually. Check and see if your state has such a directory.
The TMID has listings of annual festivals, colleges, radio stations, promoters, managers, you name it toyota! the URL is www.governor.state.tx.us/music
Thanks for all the wunderbar information!
Namaste!
Brigitte Miller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hey Derek (or anyone that is interested / in the know and willing to share their expertise)...
My NYC-based rock band is about to do the whole college promotion thing, with the hope of getting as many shows as possible at schools around here.
I had a couple of questions, and I wondered if anyone would have any insight.
- We're going to be sending out our press kits to colleges in a couple of weeks. I read on one of the articles on cdbaby that June is a very good time to hit the student activity boards, for a number of reasons.
One of my band mates was skeptical, thinking that we may have missed the boat for shows in the fall semester. I figure, even if that's true, we can get a jump on the spring semester and certainly get in on some orientation events at schools. Is my bandmate right? Or are we in line to be considered for all of it - orientation, fall, and spring gigs? I think this is the case, but what do you think - what are the prospects for a band sending out their stuff in early June?
- Another thing my 'mates were skeptical of (hey, we're New Yorkers, we're naturally that way!) was that a color flyer alone would do it. We're thinking of sending along with our flyer temporary tattoos of our band logo. Seems like a cheap thing that would at least separate us from the crowd. Think this is a worthwhile idea?
Also, if there are schools that we're familiar with and think we'd be a good fit, should we send along our CD as well?
We also have a wealth of positive reviews to cite. Shouldn't we include our press clippings? If not the entire set of clippings, would a one pager with quotes about our CD / live show be worthwhile?
- Does the database have info for the kinds of folks who will be around in the summer?
That's it, your thoughts are def. appreciated. Thanks cdbabies!!!
Matt
Hieronymus Bosch
www.hbosch.net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I think that you have alot of questions that could easily be answered by a public relations/marketing person. You should invest in having a consultation with someone or just see if there is someone in a local college that is going into music marketing/promotion. You might even get an up and coming manager that would be willing to promote you for cheap!
Janice
Creative Director
blue heron music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I bought the college list last year and played 6 colleges last year, for the first time. I got the gigs from emails & cold calls. It's totally possible to get lots of college gigs. All you need to do is a lot of administrative work. Calls, emails, flyers, press kits etc. It's all a question of being a good administrative assistant for yourself.
I don't have a video yet, but I do have a great website and CD. Everyone will tell you different advice, but when it comes down to it, go through people you know, and if you don't know anyone, cold call, or mail out flyers.
Be persistant, yet charming.
:) athena
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I know this is no small feat, but...
If musicians are all so cynical about the current crop of college booking associations, it seems like it might be time for someone to start a different college booking fair. Maybe the type of someone who's already got a reputation and name recognition in the indie industry as being pro-musician, pro-music and pro-fessional.
Of course, Derek, you wouldn't have to actually do any of the work, you'd just have to produce it.
I think you've done a nice job wrestling some of the business away from the traditional distributors and labels. Maybe you feel like putting on that wrestling outfit for another cause.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
what about hip hop music?is it good to do shows at colleges for that??
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
yes, of course. depends what college. ask them!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derek,
What % of colleges in the listing you provide would fit a clean and fun hip-hop act?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derek,
What % of colleges in the listing you provide would fit a clean and fun hip-hop act?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
depends what college. ask them!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I just want to say that I really enjoyed the information and can't wait to put alot of the information to use. I am working on my first major release off of my Label Track titled Highway Robbery artist Melley G a high tempo club track that guarantees to make to bounce.
One love C,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I just want to say that I really enjoyed the information and can't wait to put alot of the information to use. I am working on my first major release off of my Label Track titled Highway Robbery artist Melley G a high tempo club track that guarantees to make to bounce. You can find this on CD Baby.
One love C,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My boyfriend and I are from Canada and would like to play college shows together (as two separate acts), in the U.S. He will be accompanying me on guitar for some songs and I will accompany him on drums for some songs. We both play guitar and sing. I have a few questions for Derek or anyone who may have advice for us.
We're asking for $500-1200 for the two of us (depending on food, accomodations and travel). Is this reasonable?
We would like to play all across the U.S. It takes at least 4 months to get a work visa to play in the U.S. and we need to book a couple of shows before we apply for the work visas. Since it would cost us a few thousand dollars to send postcards to all of the colleges on the list, each time we send them, instead we're going to e-mail a link to an e-flyer on our website and links to our electronic press kits, to most of the 2800 contacts on the list. We're going to try this about once a month. Should we also call them to follow up, to get the shows more quickly, or would that be too annoying?
Does anybody have any other suggestions? We would like to have 2 or 3 shows booked by early September so we can get the Visas in time to play between January and March.
Thanks.
Signe Miranda
http://www.signemiranda.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derrick,
I'm always thinking about getting your list but never getting it because I get stuck wondering if colleges accept gospel / christian groups. This route seems good for rock, pop, etc. - what about Christian / Gospel artists.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no rules, and no pre-set wisdom for what kinds of acts they book.
They might never have hired a kazoo band in their life, but if you came along with a great kazoo band, they would.
They might have declared, "No more folksingers!" one year, then decide to book ONLY folksingers the next year.
It's ever-changing and the only way to find out is to try.
ALSO - not to get self-help-ish, but there was a great quote from Henry Ford, I think, that went something like, "Whether a man thinks he CAN do something, or thinks he CAN'T, he's usually right." In other words : if you decide in advance that you're going to fail, you will. If you decide in advance that you're going to succeed, you will.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
So these colleges book original music? What kind of venues are they mostly? what are some examples of places and times you've played... like in a restuarant on campus? or a daytime outdoor? just want a bit more info on how you do/did it. also what do you think of on radio appearances... I got offered one of those.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This list sounds like a great resource. The problem with college student governments is that they change annually, making it neccessary to develop a relationship with the new student officers every year. These student officers can be very "clicky" and interested in booking their friends' bands and nationally known groups above quality talent but if you can get in, it is well worth it.
www.simplepeoplemusic.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This is an awesome board! I've learned so much from reading the comments and questions. Thank you so much Derek for sharing what you do with us all. Let me apologize for all of us who seem to come to you and think that you have all the answers. But I also wanted you to know that it's a compliment to you as well because we see you as a strong standing example of someone that has made it happen with success. I like the idea of you starting a college tour seminar and I would love to help you get it rolling. I'm that administrative guru that you may have been missing. Let's make this happen and place a further dent in the big corporations and labels and help the independents make it happen for themselves.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This is an awesome board! I've learned so much from reading the comments and questions. Thank you so much Derek for sharing what you do with us all. Let me apologize for all of us who seem to come to you and think that you have all the answers. But I also wanted you to know that it's a compliment to you as well because we see you as a strong standing example of someone that has made it happen with success. I like the idea of you starting a college tour seminar and I would love to help you get it rolling. I'm that administrative guru that you may have been missing. Let's make this happen and place a further dent in the big corporations and labels and help the independents make it happen for themselves.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks, Derek, and everyone else for sharing your experiences. I have two questions I'd appreciate some feedback to.
I assume that, for reasons of legal responsibility and liability, and just as a principle of good business, every college gig will involve a contract. Does every school have their own contract form that you're required to sign, or does that act have to have one of their own?
What about the procedure for getting paid? Can you get something like a 50% advance deposit when you sign the contract, and the rest when you arrive at the venue or right after the gig? Or does it all have to wait until the show's over? Will it always (or usually) be a check? Will you get it before you leave the venue or might you have to wait a couple of weeks for it arrive by mail?
Thanks again for your help.
Dave Saunders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provide your own SUPER-basic contract. Basically just the facts and signing your name to something that says will be performing entertainment services at this date, this place, this time, etc.
PAID = NO advance. It will always be a check and it will USUALLY be mailed to you after the show, sometimes a couple months later. Sometimes they hand it to you at the gig, but NEVER get huffy about it, in my opinion. They're good for it. You just have to expect that it might take up to 2-3 months to get paid, then just be pleasantly surprised if it's sooner than that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hello!
I have never done a live gig before...how long should a set
be?..How many songs should I prepare to play...and how many
originals and covers, roughly...should I be able to play..for a
college audience that never heard of me...and R&B/pop artist?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One 2 hour set with no break. Mix in covers with originals.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Also -- you are allowed, and encouraged to do the covers in your own style -- maybe write and add a new verse to a U2 song about the town/college your playing -- maybe something that will make them chuckle(keep it clean and kind). Never hurts to throw out these kinds of hooks so people remember and talk about you.
The key, while onstage, is to remember YOU are in control. You make the rules for the audience (withing reason) while you're up there.
--Brant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As most everybody here proably is, I am going to be booking all of my own college shows. Do you think it's advisable to have the contact info diffrent than that of the artist, just to make it seem like the artist has some sort of representation?
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I think if you want to seem like an artist that has some sort of representation, you should BE an artist with representation. Never sell yourself as something you are not, it can end up biting you in the end...
I do recommend that you set up a PO Box for all of your booking mail. It can be a pretty big pain to sort through your personal mail and your business mail. By using the PO Box you can still present yourself professionally without misrepresenting yourself.
Janice
creative director/artist manager
blue heron music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derek,
I have been looking into the international market and was wondering if you know some of the requirements to get booked in other countries. Do the same marketing techniques apply? I don't seem to know the right channels to go through...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Howdy! I'm a retired old singing cowboy from the Saturday matinee movie days. I do a lot of film & music nostagia festivals these days & I was wondering if the hip young college crowd might be a good "nostalgia" market for me, or do they just want the spiked purple hair set?
Tex
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
hey Tex --- I think it wouldn't be worth the trouble. From what I found, yes: they generally want the young-and-hip.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derek,
You say "it only costs $150 to send 500 flyers" in you 4 steps
article, but how can it be so cheap? I just sent about 350 (9x12"
brad envelope, color flyer, cover letter) and all costs included, it
ran me right around $330 (500 would have ended up being
more like $470)... So how do I bring my cost down.
Got some of the cheapest color flyers posible, cheapest
envelopes, and postage, well...can't cut on that in anyway...
Should I switch to a standard business envelope and fold all my
flyers, or is this too unprofessional looking?
Thanks,
Brett Michael Wiesman
www.brettmichaelwiesman.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
>> it only costs $150 to send 500 flyers
I was just referring to the postage : based on a 37-cent stamp, which was always fine for me to mail 2 pieces of paper in a regular envelope.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derek,
I'm a funny solo rapper with about a 35 minute set. Do you think a college would hire me to do that small of a set(for a cheap price of like $150-$250)?
I'm definitely gonna try. Just wanted to get your initial thoughts. I do plan on building the show in time of course. Thanks.
Skinnen Bones MC
www.skinnenbonesmc.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hi!everyone
I am a Chinese student.Could you send me some dates about college market,anything is ok!
Thank you very much
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wally's World of Entertainment in TN books college independent solo acts. http://www.houseofwally.com/artists.html
Johnsmith is a favorite of mine.
Wally is a good guy. If you are a solo artist with a decent demo, check him out.
Molly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I want to by the database.
1. What file format is it in? I am not really an access/database person.
2. Also - could you post an exerpt of what a sample of what one page/portion of a page the database looks like.
3. If you could check out our band www.BloodlineMusicGroup.com and let me know if you think we are "college" material.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You must be fed up of the compliments but I'm just going to go ahead and say THANK U! THANK U! THANK U! It's wonderful what you've done for independent artists.
I just want to ask a question though. I was about to download the college list but thought again.
I'd love to do college gigs in the US with my band but there's a small problem: I'm UK based. Are US colleges likely to book UK acts given there are thousands of US bands that wont have that travel overhead?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Janet - you're right to hesitate : it's not a good idea for you. College bookings can come at any time. The only reason I was able to make a living doing it is because they would say, "Can you be here April 12 at 11am" and I'd say yes. Another college would say, "Can you be here May 22 at 9pm?" and I'd say yes.
That's how these bookings go. They're scattered and unpredictable. Definitely not worth trying to get involved in from the UK.
Sorry!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks Derek for your honest reply that confirmed my doubt.
Best regards
Janet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
hi
i thought this was a fantastic read. i am going to NACA even
though its a tight expensive. but its the exposure i am looking
for.
its a spot to meet a lot of folks that you proberly wouldnt meet
like other businesses etc. well i m not confirmed yet to go but
sure trying to get in.
remember that Record labels send lots of scouts to such events
to check out the college market....AnR folks dont really go to all
the colleges to hear stuff so going to one place where everyone
seems to be there might be worth the dollar. no promises but its
still something if u can manage to do it.
just a thought.....
www.theauguststory.com
thnks and all the best to everyone....thnks Derek...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My question is knowing how important poetry istoday is thier an open circut for that? I am a poet and I have a team of poets that are willing to tour. What are the possibilities of getting booked on the college circut?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The possibilities are endless. It's all up to you to make an interesting show.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have two questions: first do you get the phone number in the contact info? second, is the video you speak of, a performance video, or are you talking about a Music video (done MTV style)? is that really important.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Phone number : check their website.
Video : yes, performance video of a live show NOT music (MTV) video.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derek,
Would you recommend having two band "headshots"? One cute-and-fuzzy-bunny one for the Pink Sweatered talent bookers, and one rock-ier one for the radio folk?
I'm not talking about misrepresenting the band by being something it's not, but just playing to what those in the "booking' and "airplay" positions might like?
Thanks for everything,
Matt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have a friend who is also a singer/songwriter. In your experience, will colleges book a double header (four hours worth of music)? We sometimes back each other up, and makes for fun interaction/entertainment.
Would it hurt to try? Or a waste of time.
Thanks,
Brant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hey what's up. I was just wondering, I notice all of the people on here was basically band caliber type people, and i was just wondering if it was a rap group do you think it would be a good idea to venture off into the college bookings. Do you think they look for a lot of rap acts is basically what i'm trying to ask?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
God damn, Derek... you kick some major ass, for a multitude of reasons. Killer, to-the-point advice, a cheaper database than anywhere else on the internet... I mean, what more could we ask for?! Keep it up.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hey Derek, I am a 17 year old singer/songwriter and piano player seeking some advice. Although I am still in highschool, I am trying to start up my career, and am slowly managing it. I have made a 14 track cd which has brought along a loyal following and made me extremely popular within my school. The problem is I dont know what the next big step should be. I have been having trouble getting some gigs since most places in Jersey only allow rock groups or heavy metal. What do you think I should focus on doing next even though I am still in highschool? thanks derek.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I was wondering if someone could post a few examples of the flyers they sent out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I made a flier for the college market. I would like to see what you
thought about it.
I am still confused about a few things though. Firstly, I have a
visual artist that does lights and other fancy stuff at my shows, I
would like to make a seperate booking price with that option,
and I'd also like to make an option to do something similar to
what Derek did with the private pests (which was him dressing
up in a black nylon suit and bugging kids on campus -- for a
nice fee of course).
Also, do I send a cover letter and a bio all in one, or should I
send a cover letter and then a seprate page with a one sheet?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated, and I hoped my
flier has helped inspire others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
hmmm, the flier didn't show up. You can go to http://
www.straihtwikidcrew.com/images/hugecollegeflier.jpg to see it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I just wanted to know where i can get the updated college database. i bought it last year and i know you get free updates. i can't find it. thanks so much.
phil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hey Derek, I was also wondering if you know where I can find the college database. Thanks a lot.
-Dave
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hey, thank you for the great info! I'm a solo artist with a backing band. Can I charge $950 because of the band or will they think I'm too expensive? Will I have to make it clear to them that I'm bringing a band?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You are what you charge!
You charge what you are worth!
You settle for what makes sense...
You accept the consequence...
That's my moto...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I've had some success in College Radio but find the work to be
immediately productive or wasteful.
Because college radio and their events booking agents are
students, they are only 1-year jobs, sometimes 2 years. Much of
my correspondence and relationships might get us
somewhere...but then Summer comes = on vacation or
graduation.
Many of my letters and press kits are returned the next year
because they do not forward them when they leave the campus
and even if you list their name and "Music Director" underneath
-- they often return it instead of giving it to the next MD.
So, be careful getting too personal in your correspondence with
colleges. It's the job position, not the person you are soliciting.
Sincerely,
Coyote
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do you have to send a picture of a performance or can it be a great picture of the artist?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I dont know if this will help you guys. Its a different spin but i think it could be very useful. I set up this page for a show im doing at a college http://cubworldepk.com/BYUH.html Its a home town show and i thought it would be nice to make something just for the university. I know this would demand a bit more time and knowledge of how to make a page like this but you'd save on paper LOL.
I think the power of this and we'll see if im right it that Universities usually have mass emails going out to all the students about campus activities...just think about this link being in the email next to your show. People can hear, see, and get a sample of your work right away. This will in turn hopefully bring more people out to your show and get people wanting to hear more.
I was thinking about NACA and thinking that if i could get hooked up with them it would take a bit of work but if you set up a page for each university like this for them to send out to everyone in the area and at the school. Everyons got to check their emails. :)
Just my 2 sents.
Jake-CUB
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hi, this question is for anyone that can help.
I'm wanting to start the college market, how or where do I go to get the contacts to send flyers/etc. to??
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I am a sophomore in college in a little known band with some of my friends. Would colleges still be interested in a new band such as ours?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The site is best Derek.
Wondering what you suggest for new act starting in colleges as far as equipment? Speakers, lights, special effects, or just nothing?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For doing colleges would keeping in a certain area be more intelligent, because my band is grounded due to we are students, but doing gig around say around the Southern Ontario(being the most densly populated area in Canada lots of colleges and universities) area Buffalo Detroit be doable for a 3 piece band?
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| NOTE: If you need a reply you should email CD Baby directly instead of posting here. We don't often read old message board postings, and have no way of replying to them!
|
|
|
|
|
