How to Land Gigs as a Musician in 2025

Live shows remain one of the most powerful ways for artists to build fans, grow revenue, and make meaningful connections. Even in the age of streaming, music and gigs go hand in hand, because no algorithm can replace the magic of a live performance where you get to interact with your audience in person.

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-digital world, the growing lack of true “community time” is creating a powerful cultural shift: audiences are increasingly seeking out live experiences that bring them together. For musicians, this is a huge opportunity.

But getting your first shows (or scaling up to bigger ones) can feel challenging. The good news? With the right preparation, approach, and persistence, you can steadily secure gigs for musicians that move your career forward.

In this guide, we will walk you through every step of the process - how to prepare, pitch, perform, and grow. Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up, this is everything you need to know about how to get gigs as a musician in 2025.

In this blog, we’re breaking it all down:

1. Prepare Yourself to Be Bookable
   
   
2. Research & Target the Right Places
   
   
3. Make Your Pitch
   
   
4. Deliver & Grow Once Booked
   
   
5. Strategic Planning for Long-Term Growth
   
   
6. FAQs
   
   
7. Conclusion
   
   

1. Prepare Yourself to Be Bookable

Before you start reaching out to venues or promoters, you need to ensure you’re in the best position to say yes when opportunities come your way.

Build & Maintain Your Brand

It is so important to brand your music as an artist now more than ever. Your brand is not just your logo - it’s the way people perceive you as an artist. It’s about your story, your values and what you stand for as an artist. 

• Define your sound and niche: Know what kind of artist you are and which audience you serve.
• Release your music: Have at least some tracks available on streaming platforms for promoters to hear.
• Visual identity: Use consistent photos, cover art, and a style that represents you.
• Social media presence: Share live snippets, behind-the-scenes moments, and interact with fans.

Pro Tip: Promoters and venues book acts that they know can bring an audience and deliver a professional vibe so make it easy for them to trust you.

Create an EPK (Electronic Press Kit)

Think of your EPK as your digital résumé, as your portfolio to showcase who you are and what you are all about. Make sure to include these important aspects when creating one:

• A short bio that highlights your story and genre
• High-quality live photos and press shots
• Performance videos and music links
• Social media and streaming profiles
• Press quotes or notable achievements
• Contact information

Pro Tip: Keep your EPK concise and updated because a good EPK can instantly set you apart from other musician gigs applications.

2. Research & Target the Right Places

Not every venue or opportunity is a fit. Your goal is to play shows where your music makes sense and where you’ll actually reach potential fans.

Know Your Local Scene

Start with the places you already have access to:

• Attend other local shows and network with other artists/musicians.
• Take notes on venues that host your style of music.
• Build connections with promoters, sound engineers, and event organizers.

Pro Tip: Being part of your local ecosystem increases your chances of hearing about opportunities before they’re public.

Find Suitable Venues & Events

Think strategically when it comes to finding and selecting venues for your gigs and performances.

• Small venues and bars - Great for early-stage artists building experience.
• Clubs and mid-sized venues - Perfect once you can draw a steady crowd.
• Music Festivals and showcases - Higher visibility, but usually more competitive.
• Non-traditional spaces - Breweries, art galleries, community events, and private functions often need live music.

Pro Tip: The best gigs for musicians are those where the audience genuinely wants to hear your style. So make your decisions accordingly!

Live Gig Booking Platforms & Networks

In 2025, digital tools make it a lot easier to connect with opportunities, so try to use them to your advantage and make the most of them ~

• Use platforms that connect artists directly with venues and promoters.
• Check out online directories of festivals and booking contacts.
• Find local musician groups on social media.

Pro Tip: These resources can save you hours of cold outreach and help you spot how to get a gig opportunity faster, so make the most of it.

3. Make Your Pitch

Once you’ve identified where you want to play, the next step is convincing bookers to take a chance on you.

Contacting Venues, Promoters & Festivals

Find the right contact (which is often listed on the venue website or social pages).

• Personalize your outreach: mention why you fit their space or event.
• Include your EPK and links to live performance videos.
• Keep it short, polite, and professional.
  

Pro Tip: Remember, boomers receive dozens of requests every week. A concise and targeted message stands out.

Email / Message Do’s & Don’ts

Timing Your Booking Requests

Booking cycles matter:

• Smaller venues may confirm shows 1–2 months ahead.
• Mid-sized venues and festivals often book 6–12 months out.
• Submitting too late or too early can hurt your chances.

Pro Tip: If you don’t hear back, follow up politely once, but avoid spamming. You don’t wanna look too desperate either, that might just push them further away.

4. Deliver & Grow Once Booked

Securing a gig is only the beginning. What you do before, during, and after matters even more.

Pre-Show Preparation

• Rehearse your set until it feels natural
• Finalize your setlist with a mix of energy and flow
• Confirm logistics: arrival time, equipment needs, payment terms
• Prepare your merch and ways to capture fan contact info

Pro Tip: Showing up well-prepared makes you memorable to promoters and increases your chance of future bookings.

Day-of-Show Best Practices

• Arrive early, introduce yourself to the staff, and be respectful
• Perform with energy and connect with the audience
• Mention your socials or mailing list during the set
• Sell or display your merch without being pushy

Pro Tip: A professional attitude often matters as much as the performance itself. Venues like working with reliable artists.

Post-Gig: Follow-Up & Relationship Building

• Thank the promoter, sound engineer, and staff after the show
• Share photos and clips on social media, tagging the venue and event
• Keep in touch with other artists you met on the lineup

Pro Tip: Relationships built from musician gigs often open doors to bigger stages down the road. So don’t miss out on this important aspect of relationship building.

5. Strategic Planning for Long-Term Growth

While individual shows help in the short term, thinking strategically ensures your momentum compounds over time.

Choosing Gigs Strategically

Not every show is equal. Some gigs are better for exposure, others for income.

Ask yourself:

• Does this gig bring me closer to my goals?
• Is it worth the travel, effort, or low pay for the opportunity?
• Will this show connect me with the right audience?

Pro Tip: Choosing wisely helps you avoid unnecessary stress and burnout and builds a stronger reputation.

Balancing Frequency & Quality

It’s tempting to play every show you’re offered, but quality matters more than quantity. Too many low-impact gigs can dilute your draw. Focus on shows that give you growth potential and fan connections.

This mindset shift is key when figuring out how to get gigs as a musician that genuinely move your career forward.

Monetization & Negotiation

As you grow:

• Learn the common payment models (flat fee, ticket split, guarantees).
• Track your expenses so you know when to negotiate.
• Be professional—venues are more likely to pay fairly if you show up organized.

Pro Tip: Over time, you’ll naturally shift from asking how to get a gig to managing offers that align with your worth.

FAQs

What is the best way to book live music gigs?

The best way to book gigs is to combine online and offline strategies:

• Network in your local scene by attending shows and connecting with promoters.
• Use gig-booking websites and directories.
• Send personalized, concise pitches with your EPK and live performance links.
• Consistency and professionalism are key.
  
  

Do I need an EPK to get gigs as a musician?

Yes. An EPK acts as your résumé and portfolio. Promoters expect to see a short bio, music links, live performance videos, high-quality press photos, and contact info. Having a professional EPK increases your chances of getting booked for gigs.

How far in advance should I contact venues?

Smaller venues usually confirm shows 1–2 months ahead, while festivals and mid-sized venues may book 6–12 months in advance. Timing matters, so research booking cycles and send your pitch early enough.

How can new musicians find their first gigs?

Start small: look for open mics, local bars, and community events. Build relationships with other musicians, join local music groups online, and gradually work your way into larger venues. Even non-traditional spaces like art galleries or breweries can help you gain experience and grow your fanbase.

What should musicians do after a gig?

After a gig, thank the venue staff and promoter, share highlights on social media, and stay connected with other artists on the lineup. Post-gig follow-up helps you build lasting relationships, which often lead to more and bigger shows.

Conclusion

Landing gigs in 2025 is about preparation, persistence, and professionalism. From building your brand and EPK to networking, pitching, and performing with consistency, each step strengthens your chances of securing better opportunities.

Remember: live shows aren’t just about playing songs—they’re about building relationships, growing your fanbase, and creating unforgettable experiences. Keep showing up, keep improving, and your calendar will steadily fill with the right gigs for musicians.

If you’re serious about building a career, focus on the essentials: present yourself well, target the right venues, and always deliver value. That’s how you combine music and gigs into long-term growth.

We at GreaseRelease, have a bunch of curators on our network who are looking for new & exciting music to push on their massive playlists. If you make music and want to reach a wider audience, check out our submission platform and get a chance to reach millions of listeners! Submit your tracks now!