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How to book your first gig: A beginner’s guide for Songwriters

Getting started

NOTE: This article is AI generated and is a placeholder post. Information may not be accurate and is for entertainment only.

Breaking into the live music scene can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to land your very first gig. The good news? Perth has a supportive and growing music community, and with the right approach, you can absolutely get your foot in the door.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you book your first gig in Perth and start building your presence as a live performer.

1. Get Clear on Your Act

Before reaching out to venues, make sure you know exactly what you’re offering.

Ask yourself:

  • What genre do I perform?
  • Am I a solo artist, duo, or band?
  • How long is my set?
  • Do I play covers, originals, or both?

Having a clear identity makes it easier for venues to understand where you fit.

2. Build a Simple Demo

You don’t need a full studio album—just something that shows what you sound like.

This could be:

  • A phone recording (good quality audio is key)
  • A live performance video
  • A couple of polished demo tracks

Upload your demo to:

  • Spotify (if available)
  • SoundCloud
  • YouTube
  • Your website

Make it easy to access and share.

3. Create a Basic Online Presence

Venues will almost always check you out online before booking you.

Make sure you have:

  • An Instagram or Facebook page with your music
  • A short bio (who you are + your style)
  • A few photos or videos of you performing

Bonus: Having your own website adds credibility (even a simple one!).

4. Research Perth Venues

Start with smaller, live-music-friendly venues that support emerging artists.

Look for places that host:

  • Open mic nights
  • Acoustic sessions
  • Local artist showcases

Check their social media to see:

  • What kind of artists they book
  • How often they run gigs
  • Who to contact

5. Reach Out (Keep It Simple & Professional)

When contacting venues, keep your message short and clear.

Include:

  • A brief introduction
  • Your style/genre
  • Links to your music
  • Availability

Example:

Hi, I’m a Perth-based singer-songwriter performing acoustic pop and indie covers/originals. I’d love to be considered for upcoming gigs. You can check out my music here: [link]. Thanks so much!

6. Start with Open Mics

Open mics are one of the best ways to:

  • Gain experience
  • Build confidence
  • Meet other musicians
  • Get noticed by venue staff

They’re often the stepping stone to paid gigs.

7. Network (This Matters More Than You Think)

The Perth music scene is small—in a good way.

Go to gigs, chat to other artists, and connect with:

  • Musicians
  • Venue staff
  • Event organisers

Opportunities often come from relationships, not just cold emails.

8. Understand Payment (and Be Flexible at First)

Your first gigs might be:

  • Unpaid
  • Paid in tips
  • Small guarantees

That’s normal at the beginning.

Focus on:

  • Experience
  • Exposure
  • Building a reputation

Paid opportunities come more easily once you’ve played a few shows.

9. Promote Your Gig

Once you land a gig:

  • Share it on your socials
  • Invite friends
  • Create simple posts or stories

Venues love artists who help bring a crowd—it makes you more likely to be booked again.

10. Keep Going

Not every venue will reply—and that’s okay.

Keep:

  • Reaching out
  • Improving your set
  • Building your presence

Consistency is what gets you booked.

Final Thoughts

Booking your first gig in Perth is all about taking that first step. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to start.

Focus on:

  • Being prepared
  • Being professional
  • Being persistent

Once you get that first “yes,” everything becomes a lot easier from there.

If you’re a Perth-based artist working towards your first gig, you’re not alone—and you’re closer than you think.

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