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• Reputation: 48 Q&A: 1 0 0 29 1 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Music Panel Follow Following 0 Jake London

  4 0 First step, don't be an "unknown". Get to know people and let them get to know you. A lot of problems can be avoided by doing this. If you aren't out circulating in the community you want to be a part of, it's very hard to become a part of it. If you are just starting out and looking for shows, make a point of hanging out at venues that regularly book shows for people who are more early in their development. Support the scene. Hanging out at the Showbox all the time probably isn't going to help you get a show there if you are just starting out (although they do have that Green Room space). But hanging out at the Comet, the Sunset, or the High Dive just might help you get to know some people who could help you in that regard (e.g., other developing bands, people who work at the club, etc.). When you know people, it's easier to get a read on them. That's how trust gets built. As you build a universe of people you respect and trust, it's easier to figure out the people you want to work with (and vice versa). But it has to be genuine. Try to get to know people as friends rather than just people you are trying to get something from. Also, always ask what you have to bring to the relationship? People grow to hate a person who is always coming with their hand out, but never really bringing anything of value to the table themselves. It's hard to genuinely connect with someone like that. Over time, the people who actually have something of value to give back become very good at seeing almost immediately when somebody with no history or track record wants something from them, and they develop strategies for avoiding these people. But if you're out and about a lot, not always trying to jam your CD down anyone's throat who might help you, and just being a good person, it'll come up that you play music. A lot of the people you meet in these spaces will also be musicians, so you will naturally talk about your music making activities, and over time it will be natural to point somebody to your myspace page or check out someone else's page, build friendships, etc. With patience, a lot of good things will flow from that. Jake London answered in Music Panel over 2 years ago | Report 1 comment by Eli Anderson… 0 0 Man, Jake's answer is way better than mine. Everyone should read this. Its all true. Eli Anderson commented over 2 years ago | Report Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

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• Reputation: 42 Q&A: 1 0 0 24 2 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Music Panel Follow Following 0

  2 0 The changes in the music biz have gotten rid of a lot of the scammers and thief’s. There are much more lucrative ways to try and rip people off these days than the music biz. Not enough money in it anymore. Best way to work with good people is ask questions and discuss the outcomes before they happen. Don't ask the agent what the split is after you already played or what your friend who puts your CD out is going to give you after it's already produced. The only power you have when you are getting started is to say yes or no to different situations. If you don’t like the terms of a show- don't play, or if you do, you’ll at least have decided that the promotional value out weighs the money or lack there of. Either way, you had some say in the decision. Lastly if you do work with bad people, let your friends and other bands know. Transparency is your friend unless you are doing something wrong. Look out for the community and the community will look out for you. Ben London answered in Music Panel over 2 years ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

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• Reputation: 23 Q&A: 0 0 0 26 3 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Music Panel Follow Following 0 Eli Anderson

  2 1 I know at the Crocodile it comes down to quality of content. If i like your band or if you are getting great press or if you are putting on awesome events all over town then obviously you are one of the "good guys". The community is really small here so word can get around really fast. When people just blind email me I try to listen to and read everything they send. Generally if i like something or think an idea/bill is intriguing I'll share a few emails back and forth with someone and maybe a phone call or two, just to get a feel from where this person is coming from and the level of commitment and organization they can provide. I want to know that people care about their music/night/product as much as i care about the Crocodile. I also want them to be able to handle the millions little details that are going to come up through the course of booking/promoting the show. But even then, sometimes you get some duds. Trial and error still reigns supreme. But just do your best to present yourself and you event well and you'll get somewhere. Eli Anderson answered in Music Panel over 2 years ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

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• Reputation: 14 Q&A: 0 0 0 14 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Music Panel Follow Following 0

  0 0 For me, it is just like in normal life...get to know the person / persons you are considering working with and if they seem okay go for it. As pointed out already, it is a small scene and people develop reputations -- that can of course be helpful as well. I think both of the other answer-ers here pointed out something important -- both parties in a business relationship (that is what we are talking about here right?) need to bring something to the table. Make sure you understand exactly what it is that the other person is bringing to the table before you enter into such a relationship, and make sure you have something to offer. Nicolas Heliotis answered in Music Panel over 2 years ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

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