Gigging weekly - now what?

[xrleroyx]

We have had 8 shows in the past 7 weeks, with more to come. What I'm trying to figure out is, what next? We're actually making money too, it's awesome because I can afford gas.

BTW if you're in the Detroit area, come see us with PumpkinPieces' band at The Old Miami Dec 11. </shamelesspromotion>

We don't have an EP or anything recorded.

Should we....

Record (and take a break from gigging)
Put out merch like stickers and shirts and cool shit like that
Record just one or two songs and make a video
Gig moar
Buy moar fuzz
Lurk moar

[Chankgeez]

Start going on short tours?

[xrleroyx]

I don't think we have the widespread audience to go on a small tour honestly. At least not yet. We've had great responses from our live shows (that's how we've been picking up more gigs), but I don't have anything to send out of town venues.

Also it snows a fuck ton in Detroit/Grand Rapids where we usually gig. I'd love to go out of state though.

[neonblack]

I would record a couple songs and get someone to record a good quality live video as your music video.

[DarkAxel]

Record (and take a break from gigging)
Put out merch like stickers and shirts and cool shit like that
Record just one or two songs and make a video
Buy moar fuzz

these seem like good options

I'd start working on promo first though. Merch, video, microtour - would not go into the studio before that. Then record an album or something and go on small tours to promote it - you will already have some audience and you can attract more people with new material and lots to offer. Plus videos always help promotion

[Chankgeez]

I don't think we have the widespread audience to go on a small tour honestly. At least not yet. We've had great responses from our live shows (that's how we've been picking up more gigs), but I don't have anything to send out of town venues.

Also it snows a fuck ton in Detroit/Grand Rapids where we usually gig. I'd love to go out of state though.

Yeah, in that case, this:

I would record a couple songs and get someone to record a good quality live video as your music video.

[xrleroyx]

My girlfriend has a degree in animation from CCS, I was thinking maybe have her do something for one of the songs?

+1 for dope animation video
+1 for her portfolio

[Chankgeez]

I think slick looking product is all good , but quality live footage really shows what you're capable in front of an (enthusiastic) audience.

[xrleroyx]

Good call!

[OddKnowledge]

I would record a couple songs and get someone to record a good quality live video as your music video.

that's what i'm doing

[backwardsvoyager]

I would record a couple songs and get someone to record a good quality live video as your music video.

I agree with this.
If you don't have an EP or album planned out don't rush that, but getting good sounding recordings of your current material is super helpful for getting gigs and a live video is a really good way to pique people's interest if someone recommends your band to them, they can check it straight away and if they like it they'll more likely come to your shows than based on someone's word alone. Once that's done then I'd be going the merch route with cool t shirt designs that aren't too expensive. Also those thin collared sports jackets are awesome, cheaper and less daggy than hoodies.
I also like printing about a thousand stickers at a time then giving them to people for free at shows. It's something to reward fans and if they look cool it generates attention when they stick it on stuff that other people are gonna see.
Also if you have the means to, save as much money as possible from gigs so when you're ready to record an EP or whatever you don't have to save up as much for recording beforehand. Careful financial planning is important, it's so insanely frustrating being ready to put something out but having to wait to afford it.

not to be a downer but buying more fuzz is probably the least helpful thing to do as far as pushing the band forward

[kbit]

If you don't have merch yet, get merch. There's a lot of potential to get your name out there and make some cool shit (and money).

Also consider this article on merch: http://aristake.com/?post=44

[jrmy]

If you're getting gig-tight, see if you can find anyone with a good mobile (ideally multitrack) recording rig. Play a show, record it all, get a good mix that you can refine in the studio. Whittle it down to a super-tight EP, get a short run of CDs made for cheap with Kunaki.com and put the digital version up on Bandcamp. Also take video of the gig, pick the best song, use the refined multitrack mix as the sound, put it up on Youtub & Vimeo. Use both the vid and the EP to start getting out of town shows. Get merch. Book short tours, in widening areas. Work your way up to New England. Bring Mudwest with you, and play a show in Providence with my band.

From there, do whatever you like. That last point, though, that's the crucial one.

[xrleroyx]

Book short tours, in widening areas. Work your way up to New England. Bring Mudwest with you, and play a show in Providence with my band.

From there, do whatever you like. That last point, though, that's the crucial one.

An ILF tour? Make the US deaf one city at a time.

[jrmy]

Book short tours, in widening areas. Work your way up to New England. Bring Mudwest with you, and play a show in Providence with my band.

From there, do whatever you like. That last point, though, that's the crucial one.

An ILF tour? Make the US deaf one city at a time.

I have been wanting PRECISELY THIS for about... oh, seven years now?

Srsly. You guys, MUDWEST, The Weaks. Get in the van. Team up with ILF locals as you go. I bet you could work your way up and down the East Coast, easy. I would be more than happy to hook you up with a PVD gig (assuming the timing worked out).

Then hook up with Behndy for a little West Coast tour.