When you’re starting a new band, it can be tough to know what the right call is when it comes to live performances and video demos. Do you play live shows to get your name out there and build a following, or should you focus on creating slick, professional videos that will help you land a record deal? In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both approaches and help you decide which one is right for your band.

Live Performances

Live performances are a great way to get your name out there and build a following. There’s nothing like the energy of a live show, and if you can get people to come out and see you play, you’re well on your way to building a fan base. The downside of playing live shows is that they can be expensive to put on, and you never know how many people are actually going to show up. You also run the risk of having a bad show that could turn people off from your band altogether.

Additionally, COVID has added layers of challenges to live performances. The past two years have made it unpredictable and tough to get gigs. Venues are grappling with rescheduling and shuffling performances, which can make it tough for a band to plan.

However, experts who’ve had long careers in the music industry urge young bands to stay the course and focus on live performance. “Just take any gig you can,” says longtime musician Johnny O of Get Your Guns. “No one wants to give their art away for free,” he continues while recommending that if you can ignore the money aspect a bit, to get seen you need to be one of the bands out there instead of waiting for the perfect gig. “In this era, there is no perfect gig.”

Video Demos

Video demos, on the other hand, are a great way to get your music out there without spending a lot of money on production values. A well-made video can be just as effective as a live performance in terms of getting people interested in your band. It also has the added benefit of being able to reach a wider audience. The downside of video demos is that they can be time-consuming to make, and you’ll need to have at least one good song before you can even start thinking about making a video. Additionally, you won’t have the energy r feedback from an audience as you would when performing live.

Bottom Line

So, which is the right approach for your band? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your budget and your songwriting skills. If you’re not confident in your ability to write good songs, it might be best to focus on live performances until you’ve honed your craft. On the other hand, if you have a limited budget, video demos might be the way to go.

On the one hand, any kind of promo video can be helpful. But experts in the industry recommend that you not rely on videos as the only way the audience sees you. “Live music is still the best way to generate excitement,” says Johnny O. “While virtual shows from your living room can keep you active through COVID, it’s not the real deal. But when you’re on stage, the feedback from the audience creates energy, engagement, creativity. It’s what will push you sonically and creatively. So videos won’t help you grow- being live is what it’s all about.”

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your band. But we hope this blog post has helped you make that decision. Stay tuned for more tips from experts in the industry on how to build your career, grow your stage presence, and avoid costly mistakes.

 

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