The DC local music scene is alive and thriving! If you’re a musician looking to make some extra cash, gigging is a great way to do it.
But where do you start? Below, we’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know about gigging in the DC area.
Does Washington, D.C. Have a Music Scene?
Most people associate Washington, D.C. with politics, not music. However, the nation’s capital has a thriving music scene with something to offer for everyone. From intimate clubs to large arenas, there are plenty of options for live music lovers. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy live music or to perform, check out one of these venues:
- The 9:30 Club is one of the most popular music venues in D.C. It’s a large club that features a variety of genres, from rock to hip-hop. The club has two floors, so there’s plenty of space to dance and move around.
- The Black Cat is a smaller venue that’s known for its indie-rock shows. It’s located in the U Street Corridor, which is also home to many other bars and restaurants.
- The Kennedy Center is a world-renowned performing arts center that hosts everything from operas to concerts. If you’re looking for a more highbrow music experience, this is the place for you.
- Merriweather Post Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater located in Columbia, Maryland (a suburb of D.C.). It typically hosts larger acts than the 9:30 Club or the Black Cat, so if you’re looking to see a big name artist, this is where you’ll want to go.
There are also many smaller venues scattered throughout the city, so if you’re willing to explore, you’re sure to find something that interests you. With so much live music available, it’s no wonder D.C. has become a destination for music lovers from all over the world.
Ready to get out there and start playing? Sign up for music lessons and check out the video below for an idea of what you might learn in them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQyFZ6Lh-mc
What Music is DC Known For?
While the city of Washington, D.C. is federal government and politics, the District is also known for its music scene. Jazz great Duke Ellington was born in D.C., and the city has produced a number of influential hip hop artists, including Wale and GoldLink.
Go-go music is also closely associated with D.C., and the city even has its own go-go station, DMV.
But the music scene in DC isn’t just about the past – there are plenty of up-and-coming artists making waves in the city today.
From soulful singer-songwriters to hard-hitting rappers, D.C.’s musical talent is on full display. So if you’re looking for a new sound, be sure to check out what D.C.’s musical scene has to offer.
How to Gig in the Washington DC Music Scene: Quick Tips for Success
The DC music scene offers many great opportunities for gigging. Whether you’re a folk artist, a singer-songwriter, a jazz musician, a rocker, or a rapper, you’ll find the nation’s capital is full of awesome venues that book musical acts. So when you’re ready to get your gig on, there are plenty of opportunities, from the vibrant new Southwest area of town to the cobblestone streets of Georgetown. A major plus for new performers: many DC venues are all-ages, so even if you haven’t hit 21 yet, you can still perform on DC stages.
When booking some of the venues you can explore in the DC music scene, here’s what you should focus on:
Find Your Genre
First of all, you should hone in on your genre. Are you folk, jazz, rock, or something else? Are you part of a band or a solo act? The type of music you play will definitely affect the types of venues you should approach.
Have a Portfolio of Work
Second, make sure that you have samples of your work to provide to a venue. Whether it’s a link to an online sample or a CD, you can’t just tell a venue how good you are, you need to prove it! It’s relatively easy to find computer programs or apps that can record you playing, but if you’re serious about a music career, you may want to invest in some recording studio time to create a demo. In the DC area and surrounding suburbs, you can find many smaller studios that will record a two- or three-song demo for you at a reasonable price. Once you have a professionally recorded demo in hand, you can upload it online or burn CDs to hand out when performing. These days, online links are often the preferred way of hearing a musician’s work.
Make a Website
Create a website or a free Facebook fan page that includes samples of your music, photos of you and/or your band, and a bio. If you haven’t played in any venues previously, note your musical training and background. You can also set up a BandCamp, YouTube, or SoundCloud account to upload your music, and any videos of you performing, even if it’s just you playing in your backyard.
Know Where to Look
Look in local newspapers and online to find area clubs that feature live music. Armed with that list, you can find the right contact person and take the next step.
The best place to start your search for gigs is by checking out the websites of local music venues. Many venues post their upcoming events online, and most will list the bands that are playing. Once you’ve found a few potential gigs, reach out to the venue’s booking contact and introduce yourself. Be professional and polite, and be sure to include links to your music so they can get a sense of your sound.
Another great resource for finding gigs is through other musicians you know. Networking is key in the music industry, so don’t be afraid to reach out to your musical peers and see if they have any recommendations. You can also check out online job boards specifically for musicians, like Musicians Wanted (www.musicianswanted.com) or Music Careers (www.musiccareers.net).
Get Ready to GO!
Once you’ve landed a gig, it’s time to start preparing! First and foremost, make sure you have all of your equipment in good working order. Nothing is worse than having your amp blow out in the middle of your set! Second, practice, practice, practice. You want to make sure you’re tight as a drum before you take the stage.
Finally, it’s important to arrive at your gig on time and ready to go. This means having all of your equipment set up and tested before the show starts. arrives half an hour before call time to load in and set up. Doing a soundcheck is also a good idea; this will ensure that you’re happy with how you sound on the venue’s system and avoid any last-minute surprises.
Getting Booked in the DC Music Scene
The best way to get booked is through a venue’s website, which will often list exactly how you can get yourself, or your band, on their stage. Make sure you have all your materials prepped, because you’ll most likely need to submit some information to the venue – typically a bio and a sample of your musical work. Some venues will ask you to supply a link to your website or fan page to hear your sound, others will ask that you submit a CD.
While online contact is most often the way to go, sometimes you may need to pick up the phone and call. So never be afraid to start dialing!
Finally, if a club or coffeehouse has an open mic night, you might want to start by signing up to perform there, and then inquiring who books regular sets for the venue. You may wow the booking manager and get your foot in the door! Plus, it’s great practice for future performances.
So reach out, grab your instrument of choice, prep your band, and get ready, get set, and get going — right into the DC music scene. There are so many exciting venues to explore!
Enjoy the Music Scene in Washington DC!
Gigging in the DC music scene can be a great way to make some extra cash and meet new people. By following the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned pro in no time!
And if you’re still not sure how to get started, be sure to sign up for music lessons today!
Photo by Elvert Barnes
Megan L.