The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #61840 Message #996500
Posted By: GUEST,cittern
04-Aug-03 - 11:36 AM
Thread Name: What makes you go to see a new act?
Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
Wow, what a community!
Mention something then turn your back for a few hours and return to find 26 comments posted on a new thread on the topic!
I have a vested interest in this, in that I am helping my partner Julie Ellison to progress her career. Anything to get the girl out of noisy, low paid, "cover"-laden pub gigs into quiet, low paid, original material gigs!
The clubs and many venues are often reluctant to book an unknown since they find people will not turn up on spec. We make it easier for them by offering to work on a percentage of the door if they prefer this to a fixed fee (Show of Hands give great advice!), and of course we work hard at generating the "buzz", doing floor spots and supports at every opportunity. And it works!
She also has some incredibly supportive and enthusiastic followers who do seem to take every opportunity to talk her up to anyone who is willing to listen. Incredibly important when you review the comments above (with word of mouth being the most common reason for taking in a new act/performer).
Interesting to see so many comments about disappointments when turning up on spec. Must admit I love trying new names and yes I have had a lot of disappointments. But without the need to find something new, I wouldn't have found the likes of Howden, Jones and Taffinder (now rarely off the CD player) and Acaysha. Oh, and I wouldn't have met Julie either. Life changing stuff some of this ...
Best regards John Robinson http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk PS - dare I say it - Julie's next pub gig is on Saturday 9 August 2003 at The Railway Tavern, Hensall, Nr Goole, the next folk club gig is on Wednesday 20 August 2003 at Wombwell, Barnsley and the next festival gig and guitar workshop is on Monday 25 August 2003 in Arundel, Sussex.