Gigs / Performance, Competitions and media publicity, are all great ways to get the name of your band known to the public.
Competitions are a particularly good of way of doing this and they're pretty much free. Always remember that any publicity, good or bad, is publicity all the same. They are also a great way of gaining experience in a pressure situation.
Another way to gain experience when you start out, is to put your hand up to play in community events, such as fetes and festivals. They are often an easy way to break in to public performance, as the event organisers are normally on a budget and in search of inexpensive acts and entertainment. All types of people attend these events and you never know who might be listening - maybe a talent agent that could get your band it's first record deal.
When doing your first few gigs make sure you stick to cover songs. The reason is that these cover songs are already popular songs. People recognise and like them. Therefore they will not be critiquing your material so much. Instead you can concentrate on winning over your audience with your voice and instruments. Try to pick cover songs that reflect your style as a band.
After you've played a few gigs and developed on-stage confidence it maybe time to think about playing some of your own songs. Perhaps drop one or two in to your set and see how the audience reacts. If they’re screaming for more, then give it to them. If they don't seem too enamored, maybe you need to review your venues, to ensure that you’re playing in front of a suitable audience, that appreciates your bands style.
Another way to gain experience when you start out, is to put your hand up to play in community events, such as fetes and festivals. They are often an easy way to break in to public performance, as the event organisers are normally on a budget and in search of inexpensive acts and entertainment. All types of people attend these events and you never know who might be listening - maybe a talent agent that could get your band it's first record deal.
When doing your first few gigs make sure you stick to cover songs. The reason is that these cover songs are already popular songs. People recognise and like them. Therefore they will not be critiquing your material so much. Instead you can concentrate on winning over your audience with your voice and instruments. Try to pick cover songs that reflect your style as a band.
After you've played a few gigs and developed on-stage confidence it maybe time to think about playing some of your own songs. Perhaps drop one or two in to your set and see how the audience reacts. If they’re screaming for more, then give it to them. If they don't seem too enamored, maybe you need to review your venues, to ensure that you’re playing in front of a suitable audience, that appreciates your bands style.