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So why am I qualified to write about how to get a gig?

Well, in a former life I was in a band which pestered many a promoter to get on stage in clubs and pubs in England, Scotland, and The Netherlands.

I also used to hire bands to play club nights and get them to come from all over the world (Japan, USA, The Netherlands again) to play in venues around Teesside, and I learnt a lot along the way.

Practice makes perfect

One thing bands often do is try to get gigs before they are ready. Unless you're a musical genius resist the urge to do this.

I'm not saying be over rehearsed as spontaneity is one of the most exciting things about playing live, but at least make sure you have a set of songs you can all play and all enjoy playing.

Take a look around

When it comes to getting a gig make sure you find out what you're asking for first.

Don't pursue promoters who have no interest in your genre of music.

Locally, this is easier, and if you're wondering where to ask further afield, ask other bands who are like you where they get booked. It’s a lot easier to send a cheeky message to someone than to ester a metal promoter with your indie band’s CD and website over and over.

Keep on keepin’ on

So you know where you want to play, next stop is finding out which person or company promotes the nights of your choice.

In Teesside, although some nights are run by the clubs or an independent promotions company like Ten Feet Tall, some are put on by DIY promoters, who work alone on limited budgets.

There are different ways of dealing with these two types of promoters:

The big fish don't have time to read lengthy emails about your influences and just want to know what you sound like and if you'll bring people in. So do your research.

Check their website or call them up and find out what they require from you. Some will ask for a CD and covering letter, others, an email and links to your myspace.

With DIY promoters, best thing to do is contact the promoter directly via their website,Ìý it’s likely they do this for fun so won't have time to take phone calls when they're meant to be working.

The key, the secret…

With both types though the trick is to be polite, friendly and concise. It’s a waste of time trying to be too flash or arrogant. I've deleted emails that boast their prowess but had no links to a band’s website or tracks. I also have no use for shiny photos taken in ‘gritty’ alleyways other than to use them as coasters.

Once you've sent your email if you haven't heard anything in a week or so, don't be afraid to send another or call the promoter. People who put on gigs regularly are usually up to their eyes in mp3s and fliers, so a gentle nudge can often be key to getting booked.

If the answer is no

Like most areas in life, rejection is part of the experience. Don't take things too personally and DON'T, I mean DON'T throw a strop if you don't get booked. This applies to arsey emails, ranting blogs and gossiping with other bands. Not only does this make you look like a stroppy kid, but it can also burn bridges with people who could help you in the future.

Be gracious!

If you get the gig, expect the worst

People start bands to look cool, meet girls, get famous - oh and follow their vocation yadayada – but don't expect gigging to involve any of this. The biggest bands in the world play hangars, with full riders, groupies and flash hotel rooms. If you're starting out, you'll be lucky to get free water and a cupboard toilet to get ready in...it’s known as the toilet circuit for a good reason.

I played in a few nice venues - clean, safe and with some food and drink. The rest, well, they were interesting.

No matter what type of venue you turn up to, there'll always be things that make you cringe – manky flooded toilets, a haunted squat, or a pub filled with leery bikers (all of which have stayed with me) – it’s all part of the fun of being in a band.