GETTING GIGS: Create a Showreel - Show them a glimpse of what you have to offer.
Updated: Sep 8, 2022
It's important to create a selection of your best live performances into a showreel that demonstrates your talents, flexibility and professionalism. I took 6 clips and edited them together (approx 30sec per clip) to create a showreel under 3 minutes.
Here's a selection of the songs I've been working on with the looper. It's great for find just the right sound for a solo. Looking for bookings (contact form at bottom), support slots, showcase slots. Interesting venues to perform at like, hotels, restaurants, art galleries.
I'm using the Boss GT-1 for Looping
It's good to have many strings to your bow. I've started rehearsing with local vocalists. It is very interesting to perform different genres. Recently I performed an 'Americana' set with Springsteen' I'm On Fire & Tom Petty's Free Falling.
I'm rehearsing a new set with a Soul Singer - Andrew Williams (Drew) & will be backing his smooth vocals with guitar at open mics soon.
I'm also looking forward to supporting with guitar, original songs by Jelena B (singer-songwriter) who is releasing her 1st Single.
Step 1 - Collaborate: Find out who you could share the stage with
When you see a drum kit in a venue and a drummer available. Well, there's no point missing such an opportunity! I started with a solo song then called the host band up to back me on 2 instrumental jams on well-known pop tunes - Blistering!
Step 2 - Talk to Venues (Start Local): Find out what they don't have
Thanks to John Clarke for introducing me to this cracking little hidden gem - The Swan Inn, rockin' to put live music back into Crawley. Hosted by Alex Ede who as well as being a funky guitarist, performed a solo bass performance using harmonics. We'll look to set up some collaboration in the near future.
Step 3 - Rehearse Your Set: Try to practice your whole 45min sets
It's ok to fluff up, but better to do it at home than on-stage.You'll need to figure out what the problems are, and how you can solve them. The best is to record yourself, then watch yourself as a member of the audience and think how professional it looks. Open mics are also a great place to overcome your nerves of performing in public. Get some backing, a second musician. Always rehearse with a metronome.
If you're comparing a few different products, include a graph or table where people can see I'll be starting a guitar circle soon, both In-Person & online. Get on my mailing list so you can receive tips and updates on lessons.
If you have a guitar in the attic & want to start up and enjoy performing live... I'm also teaching online and offline these days, so take a look at my page if you are considering guitar lessons or songwriting workshops.
Step 4 - Social Media: Create an EPK (Electronic Press Kit) | Bio
I came a cross an article and decoded I needed to create an EPK (electronic press kit) for industry-only contacts including venues.
Some audio files, press quality photos to download, video of live performance and a medium Bio. You can see the format by visiting my EPK page link above and using the password - India.
Approved artist bio for immediate release
Zack Qureshi a.k.a. ‘RedEyeZack’ is an Indie-folk singer-songwriter from London, England. He started by writing poetry as a form of exorcism and developed a lyrical style. His songs are both deep and philosophically inspired by his travels to India. His voice radiates a warmth of passion and emotion. His songwriting style is often compared to Jeff Buckley, Sting & Neil Finn. He explains something about the origin and inspiration for the songs and in turn, creates an intimate presence and connection with his audience using both acoustic & electric guitar onstage.
He has found inspiration in the songwriting of Paul Simon and artists like Moby & Steven Wilson.
Zack has been featured on Radio Reverb (Brighton) and performed in Barcelona & Istanbul where he collaborated with ethnic/traditional instrument musicians.
His favourite Beatle is George Harrison and his lyrical imagery will transport you somewhere beautiful.
Step 5 - Visibility: Get out there!
Check my releases in our shop.
Leave your comments and suggestions for venues & gigs in the comments below
PLJ
Zack x
Showreel created by ZQ Digital - zack@zqdigital.co.uk
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