London is a city that’s brimming with a vibrant music scene, which makes it an attractive destination for musicians and bands looking to find gigs. With its plethora of venues and music events, finding gigs in London shouldn't be too difficult. However, navigating the music scene in such a big city can be daunting for newcomers. Here are some tips on how to find gigs as a musician or band in London.
Build a Network
Networking is a crucial aspect of finding gigs in London. Attend as many music events as possible and meet other musicians, venue owners, and promoters. You can find a lot of these events on social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter. London also has numerous music industry networking events such as London Music Meetup, Music Industry Thursdays, and Music Networking Night. Attend these events and engage with other professionals in the industry.
Look for Music Venues
There are several music venues in London that host live music events. Some of the popular venues include The O2 Academy Brixton, Mascara Bar, Roundhouse, Moustache Bar, Strongroom Bar, and The 100 Club. These venues host gigs for all types of genres, including rock, jazz, pop, and classical. You can also find gigs in smaller venues like local pubs, clubs, and bars.
Join a Music Agency
Joining a music agency can help you find gigs in London. These agencies typically handle the booking and promotion of musicians and bands. They have connections with music venues and event organizers, making it easier for musicians to find gigs. Some of the popular music agencies in London include JHPR, X-ray Touring, and Coda Agency. REAL also offers special bespoke artist representation for serious artist. You can inquire about this by emailing info@realsounds.uk.
Promote Your Music Online
Promoting your music online is a great way to attract new fans and potential gig opportunities. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube are effective tools for promoting your music. You can also use music distribution platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Spotify to share your music with a wider audience.
Attend Open Mic Nights
Open mic nights are great for showcasing your talent and meeting other musicians. They are also a good way to get noticed by promoters and venue owners. Some of the popular open mic nights in London include The Bedford in Balham, The Troubadour in Earl's Court, and The Spice of Life in Soho.
Join a Musicians’ Community
Joining a musicians’ community can be helpful in finding gigs in London. These communities typically include musicians of all genres and levels of experience. You can find these communities online or in-person. Some of the popular online communities for musicians include Join My Band, Musicians Wanted London, and Musician's Network London.
In conclusion, finding gigs in London requires a combination of networking, promotion, and persistence. By building a network, looking for music venues, joining a music agency, promoting your music online, attending open mic nights, and joining a musicians' community, you can increase your chances of finding gigs and advancing your career as a musician or band.
Let REAL find a gig for you!
In addition to the options above REAL sets up countless gigs each year and you can effortlessly apply to play at one of our wonderful venues by submitting your music here.