FIRST TIME BANDS
How do I go about getting a show at the Oakland Metro Operahouse?
Well, the first and absolute easiest way to play the Oakland Metro is to sign up for one of our Battle of the Bands series. The Oakland Metro hosts both a Sugarlight Productions Battle of the Bands and one of our own. You may sign up either here or at the following website:
Consider it an audition; this is a great way for us to get to know you. Some of the things we’re looking for when we meet you for the first time are:
1. What does your music sound like live?
2. What size crowd do you draw?
3. What kinds of people come to your shows?
4. What other bands are you friends with or do you go well with?
5. How easy are you to work with?
THE GROUND RULES
EACH BAND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HEAVY PROMOTION. We mean posters, flyers, mailing lists, etc. Do not think that just because you are booked here you’re going to have an awesome show.
When we put together a show for your first time through the Oakland Metro, we're trying to get a good vibe going in the club: a party atmosphere. The most important thing is to create the conditions that are most likely to bring out your friends and fans and make them feel at home.
The Oakland Metro has no "foot traffic." We mean ZERO. No-one comes to the club except to see the bands, which can be harsh considering we’re a pretty big place. This is why we want you to play out a little before coming to us. You should establish a rapport with other bands and musicians. You should build a bit of name recognition first.
How do you do that? Play the Battle of the Bands, Play the smaller clubs. Play the Sushi Sundays, and the demo Saturdays, play the Co-op parties, the rent parties, the frat parties, and start a mailing list. Send your demo to "Demo Tape of the Week" -- try to get some press. Target your audience, figure out who is likely to like your stuff and concentrate on those types of events. Make sure you go see other bands. If you like their work, introduce yourself. Give them a tape of your music. Make that connection. Often times your first fans will be other musicians.
When you start getting shows, know your audience and PLAY THE ROOM. Meaning: don't play at 150 decibels at the Hotel Utah. If your artistic integrity demands that you play at that volume, then DON'T PLAY THE UTAH. You are in the business of building a fan base and you don't do anyone any favors by blowing their eardrums while keeping your integrity intact.
To play the Oakland Metro Operahouse you must have a sizeable draw in the East Bay. In other words, you should feel confident that at least 50 - 60 people will come out to see you if you play here on a weeknight. If this isn’t the case, it’s ok; it just means you should wait before playing this particular club. You shouldn’t be in any hurry to play to nobody and that’s what happens if you play here before you’re ready.
If you feel sure you are ready to play the Oakland Metro Operahouse,
you may send a CD and press kit to:
OAKLAND METRO
ATTN: MIA STEADMAN, BOOKINGS
201 BROADWAY
OAKLAND CA 94607 |
www.gorillaproductions.net