How to Book a Gig in the UK (Even if You’re Brand-New!)
Hello, my fellow musicians of all gigging skill levels 🤘
We’re going to cover all aspects of gig booking today, so if you’re looking to book your first gig, start here, and if you’re a seasoned veteran looking to book even more, feel free to skim ahead until things get interesting.
Note: If you're already booking gigs like a pro, check out our advanced gig booking guide for more nuanced tips and tricks.
What Is Gig Booking?
Gig booking means finding a place to perform your music (like a pub, café, or music venue) and agreeing on a date and time.
You also discuss and negotiate payment (we at mélo stand against “playing for exposure” or “pay to play” schemes).
You also coordinate logistics (how long you play, is there a backline, who brings the equipment, etc.).
Think of it like inviting friends to a party, except you and the venue are deciding how to make that party happen together.
Why Book Gigs?
Meet New Fans
Playing live is one of the best ways to find people who love your music.
Earn Money
Many musicians earn a big part of their income from live shows.
Even small gigs can help.
Streaming services have devalued music royalties and focusing solely on being a recording artist is not a sustainable way to earn a living as a musician (especially when you are starting out).
Your career, your income, and our live music culture depends on your ability to book as many gigs as possible!
Grow Your Skills
Performing in front of a real crowd helps you become a better musician—fast!
How to Prepare Before You Book a Gig
Pick Your Best Songs
Choose a handful of songs (maybe 4–6 if you’re super new) that show off your style.
This is your setlist as well as how you will sell yourself to venues.
Bonus points for rearranging these to best fit the vibe and genre of the venue.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Make sure you know these songs so well you could sing/play them in your sleep.
Make sure you know your bandmates’ parts too (just in case).
Gig booking is business and business means be prepared!
Make a Simple Online Profile (EPK)
Okay this headline is misleading.
It’s 2025, seriously, don't worry about an Electronic Press Kit (EPK).
There are so many cheap and free workarounds that are WAY BETTER than an EPK.
The best, cheapest, and most straightforward “EPK” is by using a simple link in bio tool in your Instagram or TikTok like Linktree, or my favorite, super underrated link
in bio tool: Bento (it is so good - just trust me on this).
Not recommended: You could make a simple website, and yes I am going to tell you exactly which sites are cheap, free, and easy to set up (DON’T use Wordpress or Webflow or Wix unless you’re familiar with website building or code - otherwise it is such a pain in the faff).
Sidenote: Whenever you search “best website builder” you’ll always find the typical B.S. recommendations like Wix, Wordpress, Webflow, Squarespace, etc. Seriously, these are overkill. Lucky for you, we’re not just musicians, but also tech nerds—at your service 🫡. What you’re really looking for is a “no-code website builder” for your band.
Actually cheap, free, and easy to use website builders for better band EPK’s:
- Carrd: it is ridiculously easy to make a 1 pager site (all you need)
- Siimple: basically Carrd but a different flavour.
- Google Sites: a little more complex but still super simple and free.
Again, we don’t recommend going in on a full website site this early in your gig booking career, so we are going to go the “link in bio” route with our EPK examples:
In this link in bio, you can link everything that you need for an EPK that screams “my band books gigs”:
- A Google Drive link to a PDF band flyer
- Make sure there is a short bio (like, “I play mellow acoustic songs—think Ed Sheeran meets a friendly campfire vibe!”)
- Professional photos or "press shots" (see below)
- Links to any music or live videos you have:
- Professional photos (continued):
- Find professional live music and gig photos posted from other local bands or the venues you want to play at and reach out to the photographer.
- Look for hashtags like #livemusicphotography or #londongigphotography on Instagram or TikTok to find photographers in your local area who specialize in gig pics.
- For inspiration @brodograph is one of my favorite indie gig photographers (he is based in Boise, USA though).
Professional band photos (AKA press shots) are essential.
They help venues see who you are.
Put yourself in a venue owner’s shoes for a second.
You’re scrolling through hundreds of bands and artists.
Which band’s cover photo catches your eye?
The grainy webcam photo of you playing guitar in your messy bedroom?
Or the professional photo of your band posing in Brick Lane with your gig equipment and a ton of attitude?
My money is on the second photo.
Alright, now that you look ready to book gigs, let’s show you how to make some venue moves—moving on.
Finding the Right UK Venue
Start Small
You might have to start out in the open mic circuit before you’re practiced enough to book actual paid gigs.
If you’re reading this, hopefully you’re in a position where you and your band feel confident to perform for money.
If that’s the case, then local pubs, cafés, or community centers (churches, social spaces, etc.) are perfect for first-timers.
They’re often more open to new acts.
Many of these places may not traditionally book gigs, or may be wary of the legal implications of booking gigs.
Don’t worry!
We lawyered up for you and did some extensive research on how to best navigate the UK’s Live Music Act of 2012.
It’s a long, in-depth article, but definitely worth a read if you want to take booking gigs in London seriously.
TL;DR:
- If the venue serves alcohol and the venue’s audience is less than 500, they don’t need a license for you to play between the hours of 8AM and 11PM.
- There are a even less regulations for acoustic and unplugged gigs (use this as a bargaining chip for venues who are particularly cautious about hosting live music)
Look Online
Many UK platforms list places searching for musicians.
You can search “gig booking in London,” for example, or try websites like Gigmit, or GigPig (more of a Manchester-based app) while you wait for the mélo app to launch.
Ask Local Musicians
Got a buddy in a band?
Ask them where they’ve played.
Musicians love to help fellow artists find gigs.
To take this further, you’ve got to get out and be involved in your local indie music scene.
Promote for other artists, join music collectives, attend local shows, talk to their audience.
Don’t know any other bands in your area?
Look at your target venues’s “followers” list on Instagram and find bands that follow them with less than 2,000 followers.
They are most likely local, know the booking manager for the venue, and are approachable (hence the less than 2,000 followers bit).
Gigging is business and to make a business work, you’ve got to be the CEO and network and sell your band.
How to Book a Gig (The Simple Way)
Contact the Venue
The old fashioned way (sometimes works):
- Send a short email to your target venues or fill out their website contact form.
- Say who you are, what kind of music you play, why you’d fit their space, and when you’re available.
Example:
- Subject Line: “Had a lovely time at your Café, but I have a suggestion”
- Body Text: “Hi, I’m James. I play fun indie-pop songs on guitar. Would love to bring a chilled, happy ambiance to your café! Here is my availability this month (link to a free calendar booking app like Calendly).”
Seriously, that’s all you need to say for the first email.
The subject line is tailored to make them open the email (relevant to them, not just another gig booking request).
The link to the calendar booking app is a nice touch to make you seem professional and in demand—again, gig booking is business, so you’ve got to treat it as such.
Talk About Money (*gulp*)
Some places pay a fixed amount (like £50–£100). Others do a door split (you split the ticket money).
If it’s your very first time, you might just get tips or a small fee.
That’s okay—it’s still experience!
The only things we don't do—repeat after me:
- “I do not play for exposure”
- “I do not pay to play”
Agree on a Date and Time
Pick a date that works for both you and the venue.
Ask what time they’d like you to start playing and how long your set should be (often 20–30 minutes for new acts).
Get the Booking Details in Writing!
An email confirmation is usually enough.
Make your confirmation email covers:
- How long you’ll play
- How much you’re paid (and how!)
- Any load-in/soundcheck times
- PA/equipment requirements
What to Bring to Your Gig
Your Instrument and Gear
Guitars, cables, drumsticks—whatever you need to perform.
Extra Stuff
Spare strings for guitars, extra picks, a small tuner.
Merch (If You Have It)
Some people love to buy t-shirts or stickers.
If not, a simple tip jar or phone-based tipping app is fine.
Bonus:
If you don’t have any merch, this simple lead generation trick does wonders:
- Have a notebook open that asks for name, email, instagram handle, and/or shipping address.
- Tell your fans you don’t have your merchandise with you, but if you get their contact info, you’ll send them a free sticker.
- Now you have contact info of your fans to not only send them those free stickers once you get them, but you have an email and instagram list for a band newsletter, gig updates, a list of instagram accounts to create a “lookalike audience” for Facebook/Instagram advertising, and even a list of social proof to show new venues if you need to prove you can bring fans through the doors.
Soundcheck and Setup
Arrive Early
If your show starts at 8 pm, get there 30–60 minutes before to set up.
Plan for delays, especially in the UK / London where trains and the Tube lines are always behind schedule.
If you are taking public transit, have a plan—things can get pretty rammed during rush hours and you’ll need to find a way to carry your bulky gig equipment.
Meet the Sound Person
If the venue has a soundcheck person, let them know how many mics or plug-ins you need.
You should also check to see what equipment they already have so you don’t have to carry as much stuff.
Test Your Volume
Sing or play a little snippet to make sure everything sounds good.
This is not only important for sound quality, but also for legal compliance.
Most venues need to adhere to a 34dB limit.
If the venue has directional sound equipment, face them away from any residential spaces or windows.
Playing the Show
Greet the Audience
Say hi, thank them for coming, and introduce yourself.
Play Your Songs
Enjoy the moment!
Don’t worry about small mistakes; most people don’t even notice.
Don’t forget to be yourself, and engage the audience!
Stage presence is what sets gigging artists apart from studio and recording artists.
You’re not just here to play your music, you’re here to perform, entertain, and connect with your fans.
Don’t forget to read the room.
People yawning?
Switch it up with something more upbeat.
Fans seem to be annoyed by how loud you’re playing?
Chill it out.
Remember, when you are playing a gig, it’s business, and business means it’s not about you, it's about your customers (your fans).
Say Thanks
After your last song, thank everyone again, mention your social media or website, and say you hope to play there again.
After the Gig
Collect Payment
You should have your payment terms in your confirmation email.
Make sure you have this ready, in case your payment terms say you will be paid after the show.
Gig booking apps like mélo make the payment process much smoother because we hold the venue’s payment as a deposit and pay you out when the gig is complete.
Chat with People
See if audience members want to say hi, ask about your music, or buy merch.
Your fans want to connect with you.
If they leave your show thinking that you’re not only a great performer, but also a lovely person, you get bonus points!
Pack Up
Don’t forget your equipment.
Offer to help the venue tidy up if needed—being polite can get you invited back!
Keep Growing
Ask for Feedback
If someone in the crowd or the venue manager has tips, listen kindly.
Audience feedback is super important in helping you refine your setlist and performance.
This is essential for getting your music out there.
Stay in Touch
Send a thank-you email or message to the venue.
This makes them remember you.
Remind fans to tag you AND the venue in their socials.
Book More Gigs
The more you play, the better you get.
Try new songs, new venues, and keep practicing.
You Can Do It!
Gig booking doesn’t have to be scary.
By following these simple steps, you’ll know how to book a gig and have a great time sharing your music with others.
Whether it’s a small London café or a lively pub in Manchester, get ready to rock the stage—one song at a time!
And that’s it!
Now you know how to book a gig, who to contact, what to bring, and how to wow the crowd.
Remember, every famous artist started somewhere.
This is your chance to shine and show the world your sound.
Good luck and happy gigging!