“Nobody in Nashville goes out to shows anymore.”
That was/is the cry of many an artist when show after show in Nashville, the amount of people they wanted to be at their show didn’t show up.
Saying “Nobody in Nashville goes out to shows anymore” is a great way to minimize the feeling of failure. Because after all, it’s Nashville’s problem not yours.
But if that’s truly true, now you also have to admit that you’re acting like an idiot by booking a show in Nashville and expecting people to be there, “knowing full well” that Nashville is a city where people don’t go to shows anymore.
If you want people to come to your shows it’s best to book shows in cities where people go to shows.
If you’re correct in thinking “Nobody goes out to shows (aka the type of show the I put on) in Wherever-ville”,then never ever ever book a show there.
However, if you’re honest (about Nashville and most markets) and looking to learn something you would change your reaction to:
“Nobody in Nashville came out to THIS show tonight. Why?”
With this new statement and question, you now open yourself up to things that you could do better and also what factors might be out of your control on a given night that you need to plan around. And you’ll do better next time.
And that’s the great thing about shows…there can always be a next time.
p.s. The next step of this idea is to not have to play in a city before you find out if there are an adequate number of people in that city who want to go to a show like yours…in turn saving an immense amount of time, money and emotional energy.
So how would you know? Ask around.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com