Advice on how to advertise as a session drummer

B

BFrench501

Senior Member
Hi guys,

I'm looking to get into the world of session drumming (more for local gigs then for recording at this stage...).

I'm thinking that it may be best to have a website to advertise myself but I'm not sure if it's viable at this stage. I don't possess decades of experience at my instrument, more like 5 years playing time but in a Rock/Pop covers scenario I am more than capable of handling the gig. I depped for one band who were extremely happy with not only my playing but being able to capture the essence of each song and play with energy.

I don't know how best to put this across, I don't want to lie. Its agonising though when I see deps on other instruments at gigs, they look like they have no soul left and they have been stripped down to complete boredom. I never want to be that way, it isnt all about the money for me I love playing with bands and energy is important.

Also as for repetoire - is it best for me to list down what songs I have played with existing bands? My repetoire stands at around 120 songs but I am a very fast learner.

Its important to state Im not doing this as a career choice, this is to supplement my normal wage.

Thanks
Barry
 
Advertise just like you were operating any other business. Tell people that you are available for work. I think it helps to get a deposit in advance, I've been fooled too many times.
 
Hey Barry, how's it going?

Firstly website is essential. Get one done ASAP and make it as good as possible. Search for drummers in any random city and see their websites. Which ones are good, which ones are bad. Take the best of each and put it into your site.

My first website was made by a final year college student.....for free! Mutually beneficial and they had the chance to add to their portfolio and I got a website which if I am honest has got me ALOT of work.

Giving people a place to go to see you (that you don't have 4 heads!) see/hear you play and generally get info on you.

As for content testimonials would be good.
ask the guy you did the gig for if you could get a short paragraph and put that up.

Never lie but you can 'bend' the truth slightly.

For example

120 songs but a quick learner become - Large and ever expanding repetoire of songs.

Inexperience become hungry/enjoy being on stage.

etc etc.

Have you ever done a SWOT analysis?

Basically list all your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities (ways to make money) and Threats (reasons you won't make money)

That would give you a clearer idea of what you need to do to get work and keep it.

Any more questions you know where I am

Dave
 
Post some stuff on You Tube.
 
Youtube presence is great though I wouldn't make a channel full of basic rock covers unless that's your game- a few relatively difficult, well-produced and rehearsed videos will be a much bigger boon IMO.

I use Squarespace for all of my websites and it's totally great. Here's my business's site, which has taken me... probably about 10 hours total to put together, including all the updates over the past 3 years (excluding the logo & images, which I did as well). Pricing is good too.
 
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