{"id":12,"date":"2026-04-07T03:39:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T03:39:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carolynwilkinsonmusic.com\/blog\/?p=12"},"modified":"2026-04-07T03:39:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T03:39:21","slug":"how-to-book-your-first-gig-a-beginners-guide-for-songwriters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carolynwilkinsonmusic.com\/blog\/index.php\/2026\/04\/07\/how-to-book-your-first-gig-a-beginners-guide-for-songwriters\/","title":{"rendered":"How to book your first gig: A beginner&#8217;s guide for Songwriters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting started<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>NOTE: This article is AI generated and is a placeholder post. Information may not be accurate and is for entertainment only. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Breaking into the live music scene can feel overwhelming\u2014especially when you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide to help you book your first gig in Perth and start building your presence as a live performer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Get Clear on Your Act<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before reaching out to venues, make sure you know exactly what you\u2019re offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What genre do I perform?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Am I a solo artist, duo, or band?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How long is my set?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do I play covers, originals, or both?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a clear identity makes it easier for venues to understand where you fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Build a Simple Demo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need a full studio album\u2014just something that shows what you sound like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This could be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A phone recording (good quality audio is key)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A live performance video<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A couple of polished demo tracks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Upload your demo to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spotify (if available)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SoundCloud<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>YouTube<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your website<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Make it easy to access and share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> 3. Create a Basic Online Presence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Venues will almost always check you out online before booking you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An Instagram or Facebook page with your music<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A short bio (who you are + your style)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A few photos or videos of you performing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Bonus: Having your own website adds credibility (even a simple one!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Research Perth Venues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with smaller, live-music-friendly venues that support emerging artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look for places that host:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open mic nights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acoustic sessions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local artist showcases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Check their social media to see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What kind of artists they book<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How often they run gigs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who to contact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Reach Out (Keep It Simple &amp; Professional)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When contacting venues, keep your message short and clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A brief introduction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your style\/genre<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Links to your music<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Availability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Hi, I\u2019m a Perth-based singer-songwriter performing acoustic pop and indie covers\/originals. I\u2019d love to be considered for upcoming gigs. You can check out my music here: [link]. Thanks so much!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Start with Open Mics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Open mics are one of the best ways to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gain experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build confidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meet other musicians<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get noticed by venue staff<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re often the stepping stone to paid gigs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Network (This Matters More Than You Think)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Perth music scene is small\u2014in a good way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Go to gigs, chat to other artists, and connect with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Musicians<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Venue staff<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Event organisers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Opportunities often come from relationships, not just cold emails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Understand Payment (and Be Flexible at First)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your first gigs might be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unpaid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paid in tips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small guarantees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s normal at the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Focus on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exposure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building a reputation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Paid opportunities come more easily once you\u2019ve played a few shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> 9. Promote Your Gig<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you land a gig:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Share it on your socials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Invite friends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create simple posts or stories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Venues love artists who help bring a crowd\u2014it makes you more likely to be booked again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Keep Going<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every venue will reply\u2014and that\u2019s okay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reaching out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improving your set<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building your presence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Consistency is what gets you booked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Booking your first gig in Perth is all about taking that first step. You don\u2019t need to be perfect\u2014you just need to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Focus on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Being prepared<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being professional<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being persistent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you get that first \u201cyes,\u201d everything becomes a lot easier from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a Perth-based artist working towards your first gig, you\u2019re not alone\u2014and you\u2019re closer than you think. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2014especially when you\u2019re trying to land your very first gig. The good news? Perth has a supportive and growing music community, and with the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carolynwilkinsonmusic.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carolynwilkinsonmusic.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carolynwilkinsonmusic.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carolynwilkinsonmusic.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carolynwilkinsonmusic.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/carolynwilkinsonmusic.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13,"href":"https:\/\/carolynwilkinsonmusic.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12\/revisions\/13"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carolynwilkinsonmusic.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carolynwilkinsonmusic.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carolynwilkinsonmusic.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}