Dec 4, 2015 @KnowRayJones I wouldn't suggest just searching places to perform on the web, from what I've heard that will almost always get you nowhere. I've performed for Dizzy Wright, Trey Songz, Timbaland, Ma$e, Jidenna, Hopsin, Tink, Rotimi, and during different times of the year usually perform local shows a couple times a week (and I have never paid to open for an act). Here's some tips and info from my personal experience, I can't guarantee it's true in every area you go to, but this is how it is where I live. 1. I probably wouldn't ever pay to perform anywhere, that just isn't worth it 2. Many local showcases or performing at clubs and things of that sort will typically require you to sell a certain amount of tickets. Running these events is a business just like any other business, you won't just get paid to play somewhere if there is no guarantee that they will profit in any way from you being there (i.e. bringing in customers, having customers ACTUALLY enjoy you being there, etc.). You get exposure, potential fans, possibly money, but they want something out of it as well. This is why some people expect you to pay to perform places. The amount of tickets you need to sell is usually a reasonable amount (if you have a decent fanbase/following). Tickets to these type of things are usually just like $5 or $10, and you are usually asked to sell between 10-25 (depending on the place, event, etc). If you're able to sell tickets, that prevents you from paying anything to perform, and that gives the event/club/whatever a certain amount of people they can count on to attend. 3. Network with local businesses. I've performed at restaurants, bars, breweries, an ice-cream shop, a movie theater so many times. These are where my weekly shows typically happen. I have never had to pay a single thing to perform at these places and almost every time they allow me to set out a tip jar and the money adds up quick. On top of that certain places actually will pay me for providing entertainment for their customers. The thing with this type of thing though is you should try to be versatile with your music, have material that you can perform for different types of audiences. When I perform at the ice-cream shop or the movie theater, I make sure it doesn't contain explicit content, as opposed to bars and breweries where it is more acceptable. 4. Get in contact with local promoters, they will typically set up the events I mentioned in point 2 that will probably have you sell tickets, but they are great experiences and can lead you to bigger shows. 5. Enter performing contests for opportunities as bigger shows. 6. Meet other local performers, no matter what genre they play, if you see them out and about stick around until they are done with their set and network with them. Ask how they were able to perform at that location and ask if they know of any places looking for additional artists to perform or if they know promoters. Hope I was able to help! Good looks on @Ordinary Joel for keeping up with the creative section too
Dec 4, 2015 bruh you're not big enough to have an ego this large. no one know who you are. they aren't going to pay you because you aren't going to draw attendees. you need to get noticed by starting out and doing things like registering and paying to play. that's how you build people that actually want to check you out and will pay to see you. you're coming at this like you already made it.
Dec 4, 2015 Nah man I don't have a ego read everything else I said, s--- listen to my music and you'll be able to tell, s--- check out my social media. I'm not acting like I already made it, I just think its pitiful that promoters are hoeing artist out and charging close to a thousand dollars for artists to perform for 5 minutes infront of 5-10 people at a f---in Kidd Kidd show. I will perform for free (I think I said that earlier) I just want to be known, I am willing to travel around the country with my own money. I am a extremely talented artist/producer. I just refuse to pay some janky promoter to perform, I'll sell tickets though, I just want to perform. Twitter and IG: @KnowRayJones Soundcloud:
Dec 5, 2015 @KnowRayJones you're in Houston? Send me an email, I run shows and events in Houston every once in a while with Kitelines Music. We're starting to plan a small fest next summer. [email protected]
Dec 5, 2015 Im with you, Im trying get some shows too. Im feeling the songs too fam, we might have to get a collab going
Dec 5, 2015 Yes! I'm in Houston, I'm more than willing to travel too, I'l do any show you can get me on! I'll hit your email now, Look for [email protected]
Dec 5, 2015 Thanks man I really appreciate you listening, and Bet man hit my email, I'm always down to work with dope artists! [email protected]
Dec 5, 2015 All those old school rappers (Paul wall, trae) perform in low key bars across the greater Houston area and have like 30 dudes opening, just try to get into contact with their managers and show them your s---
Dec 6, 2015 Yeah bro Paul hit me up thru Instagram and told me I was dope, I hit him up about shows and never got a reply, Same for slim thug. I'll keep hitting them up, Hopefully I get a reply. Thanks bro!
Dec 6, 2015 can't really speak much on performing live or opening that door but the best way to "make it" is by working hard/catching an extremely lucky break or by sounding so different that your listeners have no choice but to recognize your voice/sound. it's probably harder than ever in this internet rapper world to get noticed so if I were you I'd continue to experiment until you find something that helps you stick out from the pack. best of luck m8.
Dec 6, 2015 I'm honestly at that point were I'm realizing its going to happen... I'm going to blow up and "make it"... I just gotta have patience. All these industry dudes, and major artists giving me hella props on the music and what I'm doing... but no one wants to help me grow as an artist. I'm seeing that maybe I should just chill out (not stop working hard but chill trying to force s---) keep making dope music, and the s--- will happen. It's low-key like I was meant for this s---. Thanks for all the positivity, and trying to help me guys. I appreciate this s--- so much.
Dec 7, 2015 @Nay Nay thanks for the advice in this thread, I been hella lost trying to make this step. @KnowRayJones glad you made this thread. Also, looks like your music is speaking for itself. I think you already heading in a good direction but then again I dont know nothing
