IMAGI-BLOG
Will pay for Tractor gig
Submitted by imaginary dana on June 30, 2008.Hey bands -- looking to make a little extra sumthin-sunthin at your next gig? If it happens to be at the Tractor Tavern and you're still looking around for an opening band, then we might have the perfect solution for you.
In this ad on Craigslist, local singer-songwriter Pilgrims of Faith makes the following plea:
Hello everyone. I want to play a show at the tractor tavern in Ballard, and I've done everything I could think of in the past 2 1/2 years, but they still will not reply. So I'm offering $50.00 to anyone who will let me open for them. I'm open to negotiation as well. I'm a Washington native, & I moved to Seattle to play music & meet like minded people. I have a myspace page you can listen to, www.myspace.com/thepickfords
I just listened a bit and he sounds more than a little like Gordon Lightfoot, for whatever that's worth to you (and your band). More interestingly, this is the second time in recent times that I've seen a band attempt self promotion on Craigslist. Is this the new DIY way?
Any takers?
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saundrah said on July 2, 2008:
He might get some good contacts with Songspace. I know they do showcases, rounds and such and have pretty good resources for open mics and such where he could make some contacts for future gigging. http://www.songspace.net/
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facts about rob said on July 3, 2008:
charlie-
not to defend anyone, or knock anyone's criticisms of bookers, but in Seattle, especially at the top clubs, if the booking agents answered every single email that came through on a daily basis, they'd never get around to actually booking a show. there are 1000's of bands around seattle that want to play the tractor, as well as every band coming through town on tour-- from around the whole world.
it's pretty much the standard routine that if they want you for a show, they'll write you back. if not, you don't get a reply. we've played most of the top clubs in town, and i've been playing here for the better part of 10 years, in one band or another... i actually know most of the bookers on a first name basis. and i only get replies to my emails maybe 20-30% of the time.
it's just a very painful game of numbers in seattle. you can't get known without playing shows, or getting radio play... but there are painfully few slots at clubs or on the radio for bands who are unknown. (bang head on wall, repeat last sentence.)
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Reviews
Charlie Bucket said on June 30, 2008:
Well, it may be. I don't blame the guy if the booking agents are unprofessional and won't even say "thanks but no thanks". All the music industry rules are heading out the window so if there are those who dare to be creative, shouldn't we all cheer them on?