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DIY GUIDE - BOOKING SHOWS 101 - STEP 3: PROMOTION & PREPARATION

noreply@blogger.com (trevor) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:50:00 +0000

This is, admittedly, the easiest step of booking shows. All you have to do is spread the word.

First things first though—make sure everything is confirmed. Touch base with the touring band(s), venue and locals to make sure everyone is on the same page. Once that’s all taken care of start yelling from the rooftops if you have to.

Since the Internet is prevalent in the lives of pretty much everyone, some people have decided that good old-fashioned fliers are a thing of the past. Those people are very, very wrong. Even though it seems like everyone has a Myspace account or a Facebook page, there are those that don’t, and maybe those people still want to come to your show.

You don’t have to overdo it, but printing up a couple hundred quarter sheet fliers will cost maybe eight bucks and go a long way. Give them out to everyone you know, plaster school campuses, bus stops, record stores, coffee shops and anywhere else you can think of. It’ll take a little time to get all those places, but the end result will be well worth it.

If you have no idea how to make a flier, don’t worry. Photoshop can do wonderful things, but if you aren’t that tech savvy there are a number of other options. First, you could ask/beg one of your friends that know how to do that kind of thing. Or second, you could go old school. Print out the names of everything you need (i.e. all bands, venue, address, date, time and price) cut them up and glue them to a photocopied picture. Then photocopy that. Boom. You’ve just done it the same way people made fliers in the 80s and early 90s when only rich yuppies owned a computer.

Now, just start posting it everywhere you can—both in real life and on the Internet. The better job you do of spreading the word, the more people will show up and the more fun everyone will have.

If the venue doesn’t have sound equipment, you may have to rent some. Performance Audio or somewhere similar usually has everything you need for a reasonable price. You’ll have to pick it up, set up and return it, but it’s better than trying to find a professional sound guy to bring his own equipment. That usually costs three or four times as much. Securing sound is really the second hardest thing to do after finding a place to let you set everything up.

Once you have those and a good jump on promotion, you’re pretty much set and ready to go.

Tomorrow, it's all about what to do the day of the show and how to pull everything together.

PICS FROM BROADWAYS CALLS AT KILBY

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:43:00 +0000

Check out Matthew Windsor's shots of Broadway Calls from their recent show at Kilby Court, here.

DOWNLOAD THE LOCKSTEP DEMO

noreply@blogger.com (trevor) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:27:00 +0000

Lockstep played Ogden last week (videos here) and as I was looking over their blog this afternoon, I found that they'd posted a link to some rehearsal tracks they recorded.

The quality isn't that great, but at least you'll be able to hear what was missing when their lead guitarist wasn't able to make the show last week.

Great stuff and I highly recommend checking it out. Hopefully there's a proper release in the works.

Lockstep Blog

Demo link

DIY GUIDE - BOOKING SHOWS 101 - STEP 2: FINDING BANDS

noreply@blogger.com (trevor) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:46:00 +0000

Let’s assume that after following the brilliant instructions from Step 1, you’ve found a place that will let you have a show.

Now you need to actually set it up.

Booking touring bands can either be the easiest part or the most difficult—it just depends on how you go about it. If it’s your first show, it’s probably better to start off small, which means one band. One touring band will be plenty of work on its own. You don’t need to dive in head first on a 4-band tour package with contracts and guarantees that you probably can’t afford. The smaller the better and once you've got an idea of how things go, you can start moving on to bigger and better shows.

With the Internet (Myspace especially), any 5 guys with vague knowledge of how to play an instrument are able to cobble together 18 minutes for a set. They also think that since they have this 4-originals plus a cover song set, they need to go on tour. They don’t need to and you don’t need to book them.

You don’t need to go after big name bands, but don’t start with a band that no one has ever heard of either. Those mid-level road warrior bands that tour 10 months a year are a good place to start. They usually have something tangible to support (a full length, a new EP, etc.) and know how touring works. They’re going to make your life (and your first show) a lot easier.

One downside to booking shows is that once you’ve started doing them, it creates a snowball effect. Every single band that’s been together for 5 months (like the one mentioned earlier) is going to get in touch with you about setting up a show. In a small scene (like Salt Lake) be aware of how many shows can be supported. Sure, you’d like to help out every band, but doing 3 to 4 shows a week is going to take a toll on everyone and you especially. The more small shows you do, the less people are going to come. As much as they may love hardcore shows, a lot of people either can’t afford or simply don’t want to see one 4 days a week.

Start browsing sites of good bands and see if they have an open date. Usually a good place for a Salt Lake show will fall between Southern California or Las Vegas and Denver or Boise. Some bands are willing to drive through the night for a show on an off day and some aren’t. It never hurts to ask. Send them a message (a good rule to follow is to put exactly what you’re asking in the subject headline, i.e. “Salt Lake show on 3/10?”) to see if they might be interested. If they have a tour booked already, they may be down for another show to avoid the money they’ll lose/spend on a day off. They may want to spend an extra day in the warm weather, but it never hurts to try.

If you can avoid dealing with booking agents, do so. If you have to, you have to, but bands have to pay the agency a portion of the money they make off a show booked through them. If they book it themselves, they keep everything. That’s always a little bit extra incentive. Booking agents also really like contracts, which for DIY shows are never a great idea.

A lot of DIY bands will be happy with whatever you give them, but to put them at ease, just be up front with them. The best way I’ve found is to break it all down piece by piece. Once they’ve agreed to play and set a date, just give them a list of expenses.

The venue costs X amount of dollars.
I’m charging X amount of dollars for the show.
I’ll pay the venue first, and whatever is left over after I’ve paid for expenses like water and fliers, you guys get.

Even easier, “80/20 split in your favor after expenses, which total X amount of dollars.”

Bands like that kind of thing. They like to get an idea as to whether or not the show will be worth traveling to.

Once you have a touring band, you can add a few locals to the show. One headliner and two local openers give the touring band a great spot right in the middle. Four bands is the perfect amount for a show (especially on a weeknight) so try to not overdo it. You don’t have to be a jerk, but have some common sense when it comes to shows. Don’t say yes to every band that wants to play because you'll end up with 8 bands on a show that no one is going to stick around for.

Next up is promotion, preparation and all the other fun/stressful stuff that comes along with booking shows.

STREAM ENTIRE ABANDOM ALBUM

noreply@blogger.com (trevor) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:10:00 +0000

Abandon is a Southern California based vegan straight edge band. With Gather, Seven Generations, Cherem and The Separation all gone, it's good to know that someone has taken up the mantle and decided to run with it. They play a strong 90s hardcore influenced style with a little bit of a fresh take.

The bands debut full length will be available soon through Catalyst Records, but you can stream the whole thing right now.

Abandon - The Death of Urgency

NEW MUSIC: 108 & STARKWEATHER

noreply@blogger.com (trevor) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:16:00 +0000

Deathwish Inc. recently linked to new tracks from Starkweather and 108, both of whom have new albums coming out soon on the label.

108's track, "18.61," which is also the title of the new LP, is available exclusively through Brooklyn Vegan. The album will be available on 4/13 and hopefully this will tide you over until then.

This Sheltering Night, Starkweather's latest, still doesn't have an official release date and most are speculating that it will go the same route as the new Blacklisted record—it will just show up one morning and be available for everyone.

The band has 2 new tracks, "Broken From Inside" and "Transmit" up for streaming on their Myspace page. Head over and have a listen. I assure you, this record is going to be phenomenal.

MARCH 20: SET IT STRAIGHT REUNION IN REDDING

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:54:00 +0000

If you tuned into GCAcast 12, you know GCA's stance on the band-breaking-up-and-reuniting-a-year-later phenomenon of the 2000s. However, Set it Straight is reforming to play a benefit show on March 20th, and their intentions seem pure:

"Yes we are playing. Yes, that is the date. Yes, we did just break up a little over two years ago. A very close friend of everyone in the band recently had a family member pass and we were asked to play to raise some funds for their needs. It was said by this band that there would never be any reunions of any sort, but this is not for us. It is for our friend, and we are helping him and family out in their time of need. I honestly can't think of any other reason as to why would play a show as Set it Straight anymore except for this. Every band is playing for free, and the venue is not collecting. ALL MONEY GOES TO THE FAMILY.

NEW MUSIC: SICK OF IT ALL

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:48:00 +0000

Lambgoat is streaming a new song from Sick of it All, titled "Death or Jail." Head on over to give it a listen. Here's what the band had to say about the tune:

"We wrote the song 'Death or Jail (based on a true story)' about friends of ours that broke away and ended up following a path that led them to self-destruction or incarceration. We all know people who have made these huge mistakes, and it's a really difficult thing to explain, especially when they come from the same place and common background. They don't just turn their backs on their friends, it's as if they're turning their backs on themselves, shutting themselves into a reality that can offer nothing but stress, violence, and wickedness. Thank goodness we had the outlet of hardcore to help us vent our frustrations, or we all might have found ourselves in a similar place. This song is dedicated to those friends that we wish could have made better choices."

TONIGHT: BROADWAY CALLS AT KILBY COURT

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:06:00 +0000

DIY GUIDE - BOOKING SHOWS 101 - STEP 1: LOCATING A VENUE

noreply@blogger.com (trevor) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:21:00 +0000

So you want to book a show, huh? Well, we want to help. Between Dan, Sias and myself, we’ve set up dozens of shows all over this fair city. Unfortunately, we don’t have much time to commit to it anymore, but we’d love to offer up our insight and see if it can’t help inspire someone from the next generation of Salt Lake hardcore to take up the task.

Booking a show can be the most fun, or the most stressful, thing ever, but it’s almost always worth the hard work. The beauty of this guide is that it not only applies to hardcore shows, but also to any kind of DIY event. Let’s get started.

Finding a place to hold shows is always the hardest part. With Salt Lake City’s finest cracking down and enforcing nonsensical and poorly clarified laws, some businesses are scared to risk paying fines for ordinance violations. But there are some that would love to help because everyone loves a good live show -- and as a small business, $100 or so for a couple hours of racket can make a big difference.

Look anywhere (and everywhere) for a space big enough to hold a small crowd. It doesn’t have to be huge, and it most-definitely doesn’t have to fit the mold of what most people consider to be a "venue." I’ve played shows in shacks in the middle of junkyards, the driveways of pizza places, abandoned hotels, college auditoriums, church utility rooms, skate parks and tin-foil covered basements. With a few honest-to-goodness clubs here and there, too. Try and think outside the box when it comes to looking for new places.

Dozens of shows have taken place in SLC with the help of small, local businesses. It can be a daunting task, because you will be turned down more times than not, but eventually, if you stick with it, someone will say yes. [See: Baxter's Coffee, Artopia, Wild Mushroom Pizza, The Black Box, Uprok, Red Light Books, Undergroundz Coffee, Connections Skate Park, Wagstaff Music, New Hope Center and Tower Theatre, for proof.]

Here are a few things to remember:

1) Be friendly and professional. You don’t have to be a suit-wearing business man by any means, but at least be respectful. Tell the owner that you’d love to rent out a space to hold a concert. Explain that you're accepting small donations for touring musicians and that the venue will receive a slice of the pie. Or, hold benefit show! Not only are they a great service, but some venues love the idea of "doing some good."

It may take some convincing, but stick with it. If they say no, don’t get angry and tell them where to stick it. They may change their mind and be willing to help in the future. Provide them with your contact info and thank them for their time.

2) It’s okay to exaggerate a little bit. Even if you’ve never booked a show before, tell them you have. It’s a little white lie and they might be more inclined to work with you if they think you know what you’re doing. Don’t tell them you used to run a booking agency or anything outlandish, but a simple, “I’ve booked a few shows here and there before but the places either closed down, moved or changed owners. I’m just looking for a way to get some local bands a little exposure,” will go a long way.

3) Confidence is key. Act like you know exactly what you’re doing. Telling a potential venue that you’re willing to pay them a portion of proceeds usually sweetens the deal. It gives struggling businesses a little extra incentive, too. If it’s a coffee shop, tell them that you’ll give them a flat fee, but there will be people there to buy drinks and snacks all night long. Business owners generally look at the bottom line above anything else. If it helps them pay their bills, they’re interested.

The key is to be diligent and to not get discouraged. Keep trying and eventually you’ll find a place.

Once you’ve got that down, everything else is a piece of cake in comparison. Like most things, the first step is always the hardest. But once you’ve got that, it’s pretty much smooth sailing from there on out.

Tomorrow we’ll look at the best way to actually put a show together. That's when we get to the fun stuff.

*Ed. Note - I broke this down to four parts, and if anyone has any advice to add (that maybe I forgot), drop it in the comments. I'd like to try and make this an awesome comprehensive guide for anyone that wants to try booking shows. Salt Lake needs more of them.

VEGAN... WHAT DO YOU EAT?

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:58:00 +0000

My great friends J. Colby Smith and Mia Keller have launched a blog to answer a question commonly asked of us rabbit-foodies: What do you eat?

The Tumblelog features mouth-watering photos of purely-plant-based dishes, accompanied by recipes or restaurant referrals. And, Colby and Mia want to include foods from around the world so lend your photos/recipes/palettes to the cause! (I know you've got the goods, Salt Lake.)

Whether you’re a vegan warrior battling to find that latest vegan cheeze — go Daiya! — or a curious carnivore, What Vegans Eat will have you droolin’.

MAY 26TH: SOUL CONTROL IN OGDEN

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:31:00 +0000

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH COMP OUT NOW

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:29:00 +0000

Volume 1 in the Enough is Enough compilation series was released this week through Woodland Records.

The donation-based project brings hardcore and punk bands from around the world together in support of same-sex marriage.

The record features tracks from Shook Ones, Bridge & Tunnel and Crooked Ways. Volume 2 is slated for a spring release, and will feature an unreleased track from our very own Reviver! Plans are in the works for a 3rd and 4th offering as well.

Download, donate and support, here.

MORE FROM THE CURRENT

noreply@blogger.com (trevor) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:53:00 +0000

Two songs that I didn't get on tape. Now up for your viewing pleasure.

THE SEPARATION CALLS IT QUITS

noreply@blogger.com (trevor) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:38:00 +0000

A bit sudden and a real bummer. They put on a good show last week in Ogden. Here's the statement from the band.

"Dear friends,

In the past week certain issues pertaining to a member of our band have come to light that we had previously been unaware of. Certain women within our community have come forward to share with us how they had been manipulated and deceived by this person. His actions have compromised the integrity of our band and our message, but more importantly, have deeply hurt members of our community. More specifically these actions had been perpetuating the sexism and misogyny which we as a band had always made a point to address and confront. Because our touring and traveling had facilitated the means by which he had been able to meet these people and carry out such actions, we have decided to no longer continue as a band as this would negate the purpose behind our music. This decision has been made out of respect and support for those directly affected by his selfish actions. We hope that this reflects our continued desire to strive towards equality within our community and preserves our message as a band.

This person has expressed deep remorse and regret, as well as a desire to correct his faults and change his behavior. He is still a beloved friend of ours, and we wholeheartedly intend to support him in his efforts.

We are forever in debt to all of our amazing friends who have continually loved and supported us. This band has been an invaluable experience that we will never forget. For all those who have ever listened to us, fed us, sang along, given us a place to sleep, hung out with us, bought and/or put out our records, you have made The Separation what it was. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Sincerely,

Ben, Kyle, Joey and Andy"

Check out their music if you haven't heard it.

LAST MINUTE SHOW TONIGHT: SERAPHIM AT THE DAWG POUND TAVERN

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:02:00 +0000

Don't know a thing about the show but I caught some of Seraphim's set when they played in Baltimore with Integrity and Ringworm and I was very impressed.

The Dawg Pound Tavern is located at 3550 South State Street in SLC. If anyone knows anything else about the show, please leave a comment.

[If the show's all-ages, get in touch with the owners. Could be a new spot.]

TREVOR CHRISTENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY...

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:04:00 +0000

A little while back we posted a picture of Provo band, Tijuana Bible. That shot was snapped by local photographer, Trevor Christensen. Check out his work at TrevorChristensen.com.

And another great one for your viewing pleasure:

xSTUCK IN THE PASTx POSTS UNRELEASED CULTURE ALBUMS

noreply@blogger.com (trevor) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:40:00 +0000

Everyone is keeping an eye on the awesome 90s hardcore blog xSTUCK IN THE PASTx, right? If you're not, you are missing some great, great stuff.

The guys that run it have some great contacts and even better resources. They recently cleaned up and posted two Culture albums that never saw the light of day.

The EP, Deforestation, has two alternate versions of a couple, eventually re-recorded and officially released songs and two unreleased tracks that no one in the band can remember the name of.

The LP has a few tracks that were re-recorded and properly released elsewhere, but also contains a number of tracks that were discarded and never played again.

Head over to xSTUCK IN THE PASTx to get the download link as well as Rich Thurston's (Culture guitarist) "Culture 101" notes.

NEW MUSIC: ESHAS (EX 108, HIMSA)

noreply@blogger.com (trevor) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:23:00 +0000

Eshas is a new project from 108's Rob Fish and Himsa's Aaron Edge. Tracks were recorded in various places around Portland and Seattle and you can download one called "Your Empty Dying Days" over here.

Good stuff if you're into slow, gloomy hardcore.

NEW VISION OF DISORDER ALBUM GETTING CLOSER

noreply@blogger.com (trevor) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:13:00 +0000

Frontman Tim Williams commented on the status of a new Vision Of Disorder album and Scene Point Blank has the quote:

"I wanted to let you guys know that we have managed to write about 19 songs for the new LP. We are gonna pick about 11. The 11 tracks will be pulled apart, re worked and edited. We then will hit the studio and record them bitches straight up and raw. We are gonna do most of the tracks live right then and there. All in the same room spread out in a circle of smoke, brew and burgers… We hope to have it out sometime within the next 6 months."

Hoping it's good.

CHECK OUT TIJUANA BIBLE

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:09:00 +0000

Solid hardcore punk from Provo? Yes, Provo. How about Happy Valley these days? Active Aggressive, Drug Shit, Despite Despair, et. al. Keep it up!

XDELEGATEX POSTS LYRICS

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:48:00 +0000

Head on over to the band's MySpace page to learn 'em by heart.

REIGNITION SIGNS TO THINK FAST! RECORDS

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:38:00 +0000

I'm really digging these guys. Give 'em a listen if you're a fan of Snapcase/Burn/108. From TFR:

One of hardcore’s best kept secrets has quietly been stirring in central Pennsylvania. Throughout the first two years of their existence, Reignition (www.thinkfastrecords.com/reignition) has been fine tuning their lineup, crafting new material, and heading out on the occasional tour. Having caught the attention of Think Fast! Records, the result is their upcoming 7” single, “The Epitome Of Free Will”. Think Fast! co-owner Ryan O’Connor comments on the signing:

“I think what stood out the most about Reignition is the fact that they’re playing a style of hardcore that’s so far from popular. They clearly don’t care what anyone thinks and it’s hard not to respect that. Most of the guys are really young, they’re super motivated, and their new songs are really, really good. It’s not every day you come across thought-provoking bands and we’re really excited about developing Reigniton.”

MARCH 21 @ MOJOs: BULLY, TRIUMPH, GHOULS GOLD, XDELEGATEX

danielwfletcher@gmail.com (Dan Fletcher) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:35:00 +0000

MORNING AFTER: THE SEPARATION/LOCKSTEP

noreply@blogger.com (trevor) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:24:00 +0000

Granted, it's a few days late, but better late than never (plus, it took a few days for me to get the videos up).

xDelegatex opened the night and lived up to all the hype they've built for themselves over the past month. Joe came out ready to put on a show and even though they were the first band, they got the crowd moving and warmed up. As these young guys get a few more shows under their belt, they'll be one of the best new things to come out of Salt Lake in a while.

The Current was next and since 75% of the band played in the late, great xReflectx everyone was pumped before they even took the stage. Mike Turley seems to have grown as a vocalist in his downtime and the rest of the band seems to have found a nice, early groove for writing songs. It's not exactly the same as xReflectx, but they share similar influences, and The Current sounds like a slightly more mature version. The future is bright for this band. Oh, and they covered an Inside Out song. Good way to earn points early on.

To A Close has been around for a while but never get the recognition they deserve. Their songwriting skills and musicianship are better than a lot of veteran bands for being relatively young. They bring a lot of energy and professionalism to their set and are keeping the Salt Lake style of hardcore alive and well.

Lockstep (made up of former Gather drummer and bassist) had a rough week before the show. After spending two days in an Oklahoma City jail for shooting off fireworks (yes, the police in Oklahoma City arrested everyone in the band) they got out just in time to make it to the show. Unfortunately, they were one guitarist short but it mattered little. Lockstep's dark, fast Integrity-style music had everyone moving. If their lead guitarist had been there to add solos to the mix, the Basement might not have survived past the night.

The Separation, one of California's best bands closed out the night. Their dark, aggressive 90s-influenced hardcore was the perfect end to the night. Their epic songs and crushing style left everyone waiting with baited breath for their next run through town.

More videos from all the bands can be found in the Video Archive.