Here are a few little hints, tips and suggestions to get a hot band on board at your next event! How do you find a band? If you’re after someone local, it’s simply a case of tracking down a mate who has their number and giving them a call. Failing that, you can try ringing venues that they’ve played at before to see if they can give you a contact number. If you’re after a big name headliner it can be a bit trickier. Most bands that are signed to a label will have a booking agent or manager who organises their gigs. Try checking out the band’s website or MySpace page for contact details. info go to For more dia.com.au e www.imm For more info go to www.apra-amcos.com.au. There’s also an awesome music directory that is published by IMMEDIA that lists bands, venues, booking agents and more – it’s a fabulous resource, particularly if you want to peruse the list of bands for inspiration. How much do you pay them? Most bands will have a usual rate that they charge depending on how long their set is, and how experienced they are – headline acts can go into the $1000s so make sure you know your budget! But if you’re running a not-for-profit event, try and talk the band down to a lower price – you never know your luck. Another way of charging, usually for smaller gigs, is that the performer will get a percentage of what you take at the door. For example, if the cover charge is $10, the band might get $2 per ticket sold. This is a good incentive for the band to drum up interest in the gig and get a crowd along, but obviously this won’t work for the free gigs! 050 SHARE! MUSIC, DANCE AND FESTIVALS If you’re bringing in a headline act from out of town, there is a chance you might have to pay for their accommodation and travel costs too so make sure you check this first. Do you need a music licence? APRA is the Australian Performing Rights Association and they sell licences to businesses and community groups that allow you to play music from CDs in public, as well as hold live performances. The money you pay APRA gets distributed as royalties to registered performers. If you are using a venue that regularly hosts live music, chances are they already have a licence but check with them anyway. And if you’re thinking ‘no one will ever know!’ then remember that illegally copying, downloading, playing and performing music is taking away rightful income from artists and performers. What about insurance? Permits? Insurance can be a pain but it is something you DEFINITELY need. You should think about your insurance needs when it comes to public liability, equipment, the venue, volunteers and paid employees at your event. Ask for advice. If you don’t know who to ask, try your local council who will have either an Events Coordinator or Youth Development Officer who might be able to point you in the right direction. You can also contact the Insurance Officer at NCOSS (which supports and resources community groups) - see www.ncoss.org.au/insurance or contact [email protected]. Insurance may already be covered by your venue so don’t forget to ask them about that. Also, if you’re working with an organisation, their insurance might already cover events. If someone you are working with tells you they have insurance, get a copy of the documentation. It is also possible to get insurance coverage for a one-off event. Don’t forget you may also need a permit from your local council. Every council is different, so give yours a call. Equipment and technical stuff Bands and soloists will have their own instruments and usually their own equipment, such as amps and microphones. The norm is to supply a PA sound system at a minimum, and often fold-back speakers as well. If you don’t know about sound, get a sound tech person in. It’s worth it to make sure your music sounds ace! Get the band talking with the sound tech but stay in the loop so you know what’s going on. Also, if you’re having an event with lots of bands, such as a battle or festival, and you want to get them on and off stage quickly, you may want to consider hiring a backline. This is basically a couple of amps that all bands use, so they each just have to come on stage (dragging their drum kit with them), plug in, and play. One last hint: headline bands will often have a ‘rider’ as part of their contract – this is a list of food and beverage they want at the gig. This list can also include alcohol, which is a no-no at youth events. Check the contract, and make sure that the band understands there will be no free beer, or they might not be impressed when all they get is a case of Coke. aling about De erial t u o d in F t yright Ma with Cop 5. on page 3