how to get a gig at boomtown
“How do I get a gig at Boomtown?” is probably the question I’m asked most in life, so I figured it would be a great place to start for my new blog. Although I could probably expand on many of these points (and may well do in future), it will certainly give you an idea of the boxes you need to tick before getting on the bill. To be fair, it’s probably a decent plan for any festivals you might have your sights on.
Do a little research
In other words, are we the right festival for you? It’s incredible how many artists apply to play Boomtown who have absolutely no similarities to the other acts we book. Many of them have never even looked at a lineup, let alone been to the festival themselves. That’s not to say you have to, but if you can honestly picture yourself playing to one of our crowds then maybe I can too. Even better, if you know which stage you would be better suited to then let me know (think realistically, rather than going straight for the biggest stage).
Avoid the official applications
I’m pretty sure I shouldn’t admit to this, but most programmers know who they want to book before band or dj applications even open. That’s not to say they won’t help you get booked, I have certainly found some fantastic bands through our own applications and the level of acts who tend to apply is pretty low, so you have a strong chance of standing out if you have your shit together. The cold hard truth however, is that official applications are generally the last place us programmers go, this means spaces and budget are often slim on the ground by then.
Find a more direct route
A direct line isn’t always the best option, even if you have my personal email, you have to get noticed through the hundreds of other emails I received that day, but it’s a start and if this is your best shot, then make sure you personalise the subject line at the very least. You might get lucky and catch me on Twitter but this is reliant on me having the time to check out your link there and then. I’d avoid trying to cold call anyone on Messenger wherever possible, it’s by far the most intrusive and could put you into somebody’s bad books from the start.
This is where established agents can be useful, but also a “friend of a friend” route can be even better. At the very least I’m more likely to read an email if it’s from someone I know well, or, if it’s an act I’ve booked many times before, I’m more likely to value their opinion. Of course the best case scenario is to become one of those acts that we seek out to begin with, but if you’re still earning your stripes then I’d suggest cultivating some well connected cheerleaders.
Go that extra mile to be noticed
Ultimately all I need to make a decision is a brief description that catches my attention and a strong live video. Sure, if you have some impressive endorsements or stats then by all means add them in too, but ultimately I just want to know if you are relevant for the festival and if you can deliver a strong live show. That said, you are potentially competing with tons of other great acts so if you can find some way to stand out further then it’s a bonus. I’ve even had bribes but sadly for them, I don’t drink booze and I can’t eat cakes.
My favourite application yet was from a band called The Activators, who sent a mini treasure chest in the post with a tiny cryptic scroll. A few days later they sent the keys to the chest and inside was a personalised video to me on a USB. Thankfully they were also a great band, but I can’t promise I would have booked them (more than 3 times) without that extra effort.
Of course, the best way to stand out is to be better than everybody else! Worth keeping in mind before you spend all of your thinking up clever gimmicks.
Be patient
As I mentioned, I receive hundreds of emails a day so if you don’t get a reply don’t automatically write off your chances and don’t take it personally, even if the reply is a no. Getting a festival booking is a great way to connect with new people but shouldn’t be a measure of your worth, also the very worst thing you can do is take out your frustrations on the person you’re emailing, that’s a sure fire way to make sure they don’t open your emails next time. If you’re suitable for the festival, can perform to a high standard and remain polite and personable at all times, then there is a strong chance you will get booked at some point in the future.
