Singing in nightclubs is a lot of fun. First, you'll need some musicians to back you up. You can either join a band or put your own band together.
Joining a band
The easiest way to begin performing in nightclubs is to join an existing band. Someone else has already put the show together, so all you have to do is show up and learn their songs.
Most singers need to audition for several bands in order to find a good match. Remember, you need to like them as well as having them like you. Your first step is to advertise yourself as an available singer, and respond to ads placed by bands looking for singers.
There are several publications where bands advertise. In Los Angeles there is Music Connection Magazine, in San Francisco, BAM Magazine; in New York, the Village Voice.
These publications have a classified section called something "Musicians Wanted." That's where the bands looking for singers will advertise. There is also a section called "Musicians Available." That's where you will place your ad, letting the world know that you are available.
Networking can also be productive. Talk to musicians in the clubs and music stores you frequent. Put up flyers. You would be surprised how many singers find bands way.
When you find a band you like, play them your demo tape (explained in the next chapter). If they like your demo, you won’t feel such a need to prove yourself when you actually sing with them.
If you get the gig, congratulations! If not, ask them why. It may be a matter of style, or you may need to work on certain areas of your
presentation or your voice before your next audition.
Forming a band
You'll look for musicians in the same way you look for a pre-existing band: through networking and advertising. The advantage of forming your own band is that you are in control. You can do things your way in your own time frame.
The primary disadvantage is that it takes time, patience and
persistence to put together a group of musicians whose styles, directions and personalities are compatible. If you're just starting out, joining an existing band is much easier than forming one. You learn the ropes, so if you do decide to put your own band together someday, you'll be prepared.
Other types of acts you can put together
Solo act: If you play guitar or piano well enough to accompany
yourself while you sing, you can be your own band and work as a solo performer. The advantage is that you are a self-contained unit. You don’t need to depend on anyone else, and you can keep all the money you're paid.
Solo back-up: Another approach is to work with a keyboardist or a
guitarist. This isn’t as exciting as performing with a full band, but the money is good because you are splitting it with only one other person.
Looking for work in nightclubs
If you put your own band together, you'll probably be the one who has to look for the gigs. Visit the clubs in your area so you can decide where you would like to perform. Some clubs will look fantastic and others won’t be appealing at all. Begin a list of all the clubs that you like.
Call the clubs where you'd like to work and find out who does the booking. Some will be booked by owners and managers, while others will be booked by outside agents. Send your promo package (defined below) to whomever does the booking.
After mailing your packages, wait a week or two, then call the person who does the booking. Find out if they received your promo package and if they have any performance dates in mind. If not, ask when you should call them again.
Looking for work in nightclubs is much like looking for any other job. Some clubs will hire you and some won't. Be persistent and you will find work.
Working with agents
Some nightclubs only hire bands through booking agents. Often these clubs are inside large hotels where the hotel managers don't want to hassle with auditions, so they have agents bring in the bands. The agent takes a percentage of what you earn in exchange for getting you gigs. Their take ranges from 10%-25%, but you'll end up doing fine because the hotel gigs generally pay better than other gigs.
To find agents, talk to the musicians in the hotel nightclubs, or look in the yellow pages. Send them your promo package and call them in a week.
Assembling your promo package
Whether you look for work through an agent or go directly to the club owners, you'll need to present a promo (promotional) package. Your promo package will be the equivalent of a resume. You'll present it to club owners and agents. A good promo package consists of the following: