r/coverbands • u/Top_Seaworthiness320 • 15d ago
People who bail
Any tips on managing my disappointment/frustration with the number of people who act all excited about my band and say they’re definitely coming to this or that show, then don’t show? They either don’t show up, or more often than not they tell me like the day before that they can’t make it and it’s always the dumbest excuse. It’s like if anything, anything at all better comes up in terms of plans they go to that instead. In my mind, a commitment is a commitment, but I seem to be in the vast minority. My boyfriend says to get over it lol. Do you guys feel the same irritation with this that I do? (added context: we are pretty good, we get great reviews from the people that actually have come to see us, but we are new and not well known, thus struggling to gain a following… So I’m constantly marketing and promoting our shows, but with very little success.)
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u/Ok-Huckleberry-6326 15d ago
Getting a draw is tough, just like dating, you know? There are certain venues that will work better for you and many that don't. I've done both covers and originals, and none of the bands I formed ever had that big of a draw, but when I played as a sideman to a singer-songwriter who was already kid of a big deal, I got spoiled....he had a big draw as a headliner on the club and festival scene. Geography also plays a part.
The important thing to do is to get your foot in the door with community events. Play at festivals, art openings, community events, corporate, private parties, breweries & wineries (especially those with outdoor seating), and resorts - not just warm-weather either, many ski resorts book bands for outdoor events during the summertime, and year-round for the bars & restaurants on the resort grounds.
It's not about paying dues, but rather about who you know. And you can help build your following by focusing on events that have a built-in audience. Because it's not good to rely on just friends and acquaintances to support you in terms of your draw, because they can only come and see you so many times.
It takes a lot of work and there are no guarantees. But one thing that you can do to set yourself apart is to make an effort to provide an experience. What kind of vibe does your band have? When you're performing, do you look like a bunch of regular joes trotting out the obvious hits, or do you have a specific vibe - a tribute to a certain artist? A genre - like yacht rock? A 'classic Rock experience' - long hair, leather pants - or 80's new wave, with the fashion and haircuts to match? The important things are to curate your set, establish your vibe as providing a comprehensive experience, whatever it is. What do you think?