The blog is a place for me and a few others to talk about what life is like in the local music business in the Austin metroplex. My name is Erin and I am the publicist/fan club president/girlfriend of a local musician, Shawn Rogers. I've been an amateur promoter for half a year now and am learning the ropes.
The most important tenet I've learned so far, is consistency. Develop your press kit and send them out. Write down when you've sent them and to whom, then follow up. If nothing comes of it, wait a few months and send a new one. It could be that the venue owner forgot, was busy, was booked, whatever. But the second time they'll recognize the name.
And don't get bummed if you can't land a venue. They know their audience and won't book you if you don't fit. And not being booked is better than the ego crushing that would happen should you end up playing an unreceptive crowd.
From what I've seen, live music has left 6th street for the most part. It's moved north -> to Red River, some spots on 183 and to the smaller towns around Austin. I think the reason is that its nearly impossible for local, unlabeled acts to get booked downtown. It's also moved south along SoCo and South Lamar.
I'm going to try to compile a list of Open Mic spots, which are notoriously hard to find, as well as rate how dedicated the venue is to not cancelling it at the last minute. Also want to rate venues on sound quality and fun-ness. :)
