Please read this before sending a demo package.
While we commit to listening to every demo, please understand that its not a business priority nor a weekly task that we can engage in. Demo packages are grouped and reviewed five or six times a year. The Claddagh books bands months in advance reserving only a small few dates for special band requests and/or special events. While there is no driving requirement to review demos as they arrive, there are things you can do to trigger our interest significantly when your package comes in.
What makes a good demo package? Use this checklist as a guide.
1. CD of your music (homemade or live recording is perfectly fine).
2. Your Web Site address and MySpace address or equivalent
3. Your postal mailing address (very important).
4. A band contact name and phone number.
5. List the towns that each band member lives in.
6. Your song list and state the genre you play best.
7. State what you expect your audience draw will be (this number is specific to the bands following and excludes regular Claddagh customers)
8. State the pay range you are looking to receive.
9. Identify what night best suits your following.
We spend considerable time researching bands so we also have an expectation that any band seeking gigs at the Claddagh have done their own research. Please familiarize yourself with the type of bands that play at the Claddagh on a regular basis, know what their style is and what song list they use at the Claddagh, then decide if your style will really fit our model. Remember good sound alone is not enough, we are looking for an all round package, good sound, good following, respectful band members, entertaining stage presence, good promotion and a good draw.
Advice we give bands:
Good Sound
Basically play the songs you do best, stay away from classics that everyone knows unless you do the well. If your slightly off on an obscure song most listeners won't notice, however if you are off key on a well known song everyone knows it and remembers it.
Band drawing power:
As a benchmark each band member should be able to bring 10 or 12 of their own following. This means a 5 piece band should have a minimum draw of approximately 50 people.
Band promotion:
Anyone engaged in active promotion of their band has a web site and a MySpace account. Having at least one of these active and current is a minimum requirement. We need bands committed to promoting themselves and the Claddagh in order to sustain a customer base.
Genre of Music:
Hard Rock and Classic Rock Bands: Market saturation, with so many out there the market is very competitive for this style of music. Support base is middle aged and generally harder to draw.
Tribute Bands: Depending on the band you cover there is limited demand for this style. At locations where variety of music is required there will be few tribute acts that can carry the audience. Draw is limited to the pool of supports for that band.
Top-40: Dance music is where the demand lies today. If the girls dance everyone is happy. For the past few years the market has defiantly leaned towards Top-40 bands.
Jazz/Funk: While very entertaining this style is suited best to smaller more intimate venues. The setting in which it is played is a big part of the whole experience. There is not hugh demand but it does have its own niche.
Business v Hobby:
For some bands playing out is a hobby, for others its business. Entertaining the public in a safe and consistent manner is our core business. We need to work together in order to meet customer expectations in a safe and friendly fashion. The management at the Claddagh do not necessarily play the music they like, instead they play music that the customers like. Nor does the Claddagh play the music that is most profitable, instead choosing to play a variety of music that promotes an atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of age groups and tastes. We support this by working together. The Claddagh supplies a proper stage paired with $30,000 worth of installed sound and lighting equipment run by our own in-house sound engineer. You provide the talent and the showmanship along with a good set selection.
Open Mic Night:
Every Wednesday night is open Mic night. Feel free to come down and give the room a try. Earl runs the stage each Wednesday and keeps the night pretty informal. Its one way for you to see what the Claddagh is all about.
Above all please do not keep calling the bar line regarding having your band play.
It interferes with our focus on the customers and reflects negatively on your band.
Send or drop your package at the Claddagh, marked attention Paul.
