Hello everyone! i’m a guitar player from Italy and i just wanted to ask how you can find gigs with an artist whether it’s a big artist or not. i’m finding a hard time looking for tours or artists who needs musicians since most of them have already musicians they stuck with. so i want to know if you have any suggestions or any websites or agencies that can help you out to find gigs to do as a job. btw here in Italy the music industry is really hard. thanks to anyone who helps and let me know if it’s the same for you.
This probably isn’t the most relevant forum to post this question on, but I work as a professional musician and your biggest asset is in how you network. The fact of the matter is, everyone who is at some sort of professional level CAN play, and probably play well. You have to be the better hang/person/networker. I moved countries to pursue my career further, not sure if that’s an option for you.
That being said, don’t be afraid to cold-message artists you’re interested in working with. It never hurts to say “hey if you ever need a guitar player, I’d be interested in working with you”.
I don’t have any idea how the music industry in Italy works, but for me, word of mouth has been the thing that’s gotten me gigs. Sure, there’s lots of Facebook groups and stuff you can probably join, but if you can have someone personally recommend you for a particular gig, you’re gonna be way further ahead IMO
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Thank you so much for the feedback, really appreciate it. i’ll try your suggestion! btw where are you from?
I am from Canada but now live in Nashville
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Thank you again for your feedback! Do you have any suggestions regarding websites for networking or other stuff you’re using?
Check into Cruise Lines. It’s steady work, you get a regular paycheck, you usually play a lot of hours everyday, so you really get your chops together. By doing that you meet musicians from all over the world and can find out what the music scene is everywhere. You also meet a lot of guest entertainers. Some may carry a few musicians with them, but they may also know other entertainers that may need musicians.
As long as your networking with other musicians and entertainers it doesn’t hurt to get paid and see the world. I did it for 16 years.
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This is so helpful! than you so much for your feedback.