Gig management process can be overwhelming

Performers are do-it-yourself marketers and promotors. In an artist's early career they benefit from doing shows that are managed by other organizations, artists and venues. Once they gather more independence they begin to book their own branded shows which can be overwhelming and time consuming. This can be a 100-step process with every gig having different requirements. One recommendation is to create a gig sheet template even if it's just you on the show, as it helps you get confidence that the show details have all been covered.

A standard gig sheet will contain the following information:

Event title

Event date

Event time/duration

Load-in Time

Load-in instructions

Venue contact data

Event participants and contact date for each

Participant performance times

Show order (always indicate it is subject to change)

Parking

Is parking covered by venue for performers?

Backline...drum kit, guitar amp, bass amp, mic stands, mics, PA, drum mics, monitors

Is backline shared?, and if so list who is bringing what equipment?

Stage plot

Ticket link

Media permitted

Compensation and payment structure

Equipment breakdown requirements

Below is a summary of some of the steps you will need to cover:

• Performers in the show

• Show order

• Type of music permitted

• Venue summary and background

• Negotiate performer compensation

• Performance time requirement and type of music requested

• Ticket platform (Will venue manage the ticket sales?)

• Ticket sale requirements for each artist

• Correspondence with venue and performers (send gig sheet)

• Shared costs for the show performers

• Show flyers: 2-4 weeks before the show

• Social media marketing: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TwitterManage PR: press releases, blogs, event site postings, calendar postings

• Delegation of marketing tasks (performers, show organizer)

• Backline management and stage plot

• Equipment rental if needed

• Show reorganization due to performer cancellations

• Sound system: Is there a PA and if not who is bringing and running sound?

• Show budget (performer compensation, sound, equipment needs, tickets, etc.)

• Provide show budget to artists at the time of show booking

• Compensation disbursement process to artists on the show

Every show will be different and every show will present new challenges. The major areas to cover are show performers, marketing/PR, equipment, ticket management, show budget and show format. Once you get moving you will feel more comfortable with the process and the upfront work becomes less demanding. You can consider starting with smaller shows to get more confidence and provide more time to develop a gig management system.