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Okay - i hate this bit - but over the years i've set some rules, please read em all... they will ensure you don't waste your time.
Please make sure you are the type of band I actually book shows for - ie punk/hardcore or ska - don't waste my time and yours if you are indie / metal / pop etc.. even nirvana type grunge - it's not the sorta stuff i promote.
ALSO - NO COVERS BANDS -- no disrespect - but they simply don't float my boat!
please submit a demo on CD - i listen to the bulk of submitted demo's while i'm driving. we're all aware of how great a tool myspace is but i simply don't have time to chase your links up - so emailing me with a link to your myspace is as good as wasting those two minutes of your life that it took to type the email staring into space. Make sure the CD has your details on it - i often lose the accompanying letter that comes with CD's so a mobile and email written on the disk is a good send!
please put your best songs first up on your demo! i'll very rarely get past two duff songs before the CD get's removed. also ensure they are reasonably well recorded.
don't insert loads of sheets of paper with articles from the filey herald stating you're the best punk band to play there since the clash nearly never quite played there in 79, likewise quotes from your bassists mum's best friend, or indeed how you finished third in the osset battle of the bands.... i only listen to the songs, if i think you'll fit on a bill it won't matter what you've done or who you've impressed.
this next one is a super pet hate - do not - under any circumstances tell me who you'd really like to support... everytime i have a big band play suddenly i get an influx of demo's all stating how they are either A) the number one UK fans of said band, B) bestest mates - cos they once saw the singer in a chip shop and nodded... C) their manager (dad) want's them to play tp increase their profile... (and his bank balance/ego etc). If i like you i'll put you on a bill i feel your suited for.. strangely if you sound just like the misfits and they are your biggest influence i'd probably not use you - cos - well the misfits are playing aren't they so why put on someone else like them!
BE REALISTIC - if you've never played sheffield before and thus have a fan base of approximately 0 - don't ask for £75 expenses... i'm in (and have been in since 95) a band so i'm well aware of how much it cost's etc etc.. sadly the opening band never does get very much - normally cos their heroes require a nice big fat guarantee to pay for their tour bus/hookers/record collection/cars/life/family/hairspray etc.... the smaller gigs at cricketers and DnR tend to be more a door split with all the bands, but the larger shows at Plug will inevitably involve guarantees, so what left after that is divvied up between the openers... i always try n make sure you get your petrol covered.
Let me know what gear you have - i know when your starting out it costs an absolute fortune to get your hands onto equipment but if your going to play a support at the Plug you will need a full backline - the big boys don't like sharing!! actually not totally true - but truer more often than not! for smaller gigs i will attempt to ensure the local bands provide the bulk of the backline - but a touring band should (in my eyes anyways) always have a full backline, no matter what size you are... turning up on the day with a drum pedal, a guitar and a couple of cymbals with no warning, will not make me the happiest bunny.
Still reading - my, you are keen! Take all the above with a pinch of salt, but do the important things and i may be hooking you up with a show - one more thing - i very rarely reply about the demo, i only get in touch to offer a show, if you submit a demo and don't hear within about months assume i didn't like it / couldn't use you / never played it ;)
Send the Demos to the address listed under my contacts page.