In the UK I would recommend getting out as often as possible to singers nights at Clubs that book artists. Visit themm regularly and stay the whole night. Be seen and always give a good performance. Choose an eclectic range of your material and never repeat yourself at the same club (unless requested to).

We have booked more than one regular visitor because we can see their quality, variety and become comfortable with them. Also our audience often asks us to book people who they have become familiar with and who they want to see doing a full night. When you get the gig work your socks off for weeks until you can do your whole set standing up in a hammock. If you're are well recieved ask immediately for a repeat booking in whatever cycle the club uses (we repeat minimum of 12 months if they give us a good night) This builds up a diary for you.

In short get out there often. Some majors won't do floor spots but we have more than a few who drop in on an idle night just to remind us they are still there.

Dave Wynn