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How Do I Book/Promote An Electronic Show/Dance Night?

I always see DJs and musicians listed with shows booked in Vancouver, or in Portland, but not Seattle. What gives? As an example, let's say I want to book Kyle Hall to play at the Hunter Gatherer Lodge on a Saturday night in August. I imagine that people at Knight Riders or Shameless do this all the time, but I've never done this before. (1)I would need to talk to the musician/performer, or perhaps their booking agent- do they get paid up front, is there a certain protocol, or does it vary depending on the terms of the contract? Then, (2)I'd have to talk to a club, but who would I talk to at the club? What type of fees can I expect to be charged, e.g., insurance, bar staff, permits/licenses/etc? (3) Aside from promotions/press releases, are there other considerations I'm leaving out in terms of planning?

littlewing0906 asked in Music Panel over 2 years ago | Report
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  • N1130388494_7929_small
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    Yeah, sounds like you're on the right track.
    Just dig deeper into the business of "Promoting"
    and I'm sure the process will become clear.

    With any business, it's about who you know, so
    create good relationships with everyone from artists
    to club managers, to booking agents, and never forget
    the venue staff.

    Vincent Gates answered in Music Panel over 2 years ago | Report
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  • Jakeshowbox_small
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    Jake London

    You're asking the right questions. I'm not an expert in this particular area of music, but I suspect it's at least somewhat like booking/promoting bands.

    Probably, the first thing to do is to figure out what venue you want to work with. Then find out if they work with outside promoters, what it costs, what sort of services they will provide, and what you might have to provide for yourself (e.g., postering and other print ads and other promotional expenses).

    If the venue makes sense, then figure out if there are open dates.

    From there, hit up the booking agent for the performer (or the performer directly if they don't have an agent). They'll let you know availability, costs, terms of payment, etc. If they are routing through already on a tour, you may be able to get a better rate than if they would be traveling in specially for the gig.

    If their availability matches the available dates at the club, perhaps you can work something out. If not, you may need to go back to the club and see if they have any open spaces when the performer is available.

    Ultimately, I think a lot of clubs enjoy working with competent outside promoters, because it lowers their risk. The promoter is on the hook to pay any guaranty to the performer and to also pay for at least part of the club's overhead that night. regardless of how the show does. The club makes money off the drinks, as long as people come out (which is where clubs generally make most of their money anyway).

    All that being said, if certain performers are consistently in Portland and Vancouver but not here, you also need to ask yourself why that is. Maybe, despite the latent demand, there's just not anyone out there passionate enough about these artists to take the financial risk and bring them in.

    But maybe the established bookers in that genre have made a calculation that there just isn't demand for these folks in this market, because people here are more into a slightly different style or whatever.

    It's sometimes interesting to see how certain artists get really popular in one town and can't get traction in another market that seems similar, but for whatever reason isn't.

    Jake London answered in Music Panel over 2 years ago | Report
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