Here's
some hints for bands, old and new, on how to get that first gig at
Herman's, and how to handle New Talent Night. Please note that the
Webmaster doesn't do any booking, so impressing him isn't the key
thing here.
Lets review what Herman's
is looking for in a new band. Herman's wants to be the launch-pad
for the next big successful band from Denver. New Talent night is
one way for Herman's to check out a number of potential bands on
their way up and decide which of them can best capitalize on the
opportunity to build a strong following. First, the music, while
it doesn't have to be pop, should appeal to a broad demographic because
people from 21 to 50 (give or take a little) regularly show up at
Herman's without necessarily knowing who's playing. If they like
the band, they'll remember and come back to see them again. Of course,
a band which appeals strongly to a narrow demographic, like college
students, can also do well. Generally, bands that get people off
their butts and onto the dance floor tend to do better at Herman's
than those that don't. Herman's pays close attention to how many
people a band brings in through the door and how many leave when
the next band starts playing. We've seen bands clear the room because
they sounded lousy. If people stay to listen, the band must sound
pretty good to them. More people translates to selling more beer,
which is where Herman's makes it's profit. Second, the music should
be played well. New bands which haven't played out much, might do
better playing a few gigs at smaller clubs, building confidence,
experience, and hopefully, some followers. Third, Herman's prefers
to book bands playing primarily original music. Yes, some of our
headliners play a bunch of covers, but they also fill the room every
time they play. Finally, professionalism is required. On New Talent
night you've got to set up and tear down quickly, there's another
band just as eager as you are to get up and play, so don't play longer
than you've been told to, that one last 10 minute jam is more likely
to piss off the booking manager than impress him. Also, don't run
to the Manager right after you're done to ask how you did. He'll
be polling others, watching the door for a while, and checking out
the next band. Call the next day, you may be offered an opening gig
in the future, or you may need to try some thing, or place different.
Bands with established
followings should stress this point when contacting Herman's. A pretty
publicity kit is nice, but the club makes money by bringing people
in the door and selling them drinks. Any band that wants to headline
on a weekend must be able to fill the room. (Herman's can hold as
many as 500 people.) Many bands have come and gone who sounded great,
but never took the time to build up a mailing list, or distribute
flyers. Fans won't come listen if they don't know you're playing.
If you can fill the room and conduct yourself in a professional manner,
you can likely get a gig. Of course, how much you'll get paid is
confidential and only the club managers can negotiate this with you.
If your act has any members
under the age of 21, they must have a work permit issued from the
City of Denver in order to perform.
Bands from outside of
Colorado should call the Booking line at 303-777-2535 and be prepared
to answer some tough questions about how many people will come to
the show. If you've got a big following in Denver, a hit on the radio,
a review in a national magazine, or other big-time publicity, you're
more likely to get booked.
