We are the place to know what's happening on, in, and around the water.  Now, we want to be the place you go for local "live" good music!

Support our Local Musicians

"Getting people that love good music in front of people that love to perform
at places that love to see it all come together.  That's our goal."

(Note:  If you have a band and would like to be included in this section, contact us.  Rob@RiverRatRob.com)
We can include audio, video, links, photos, schedules, and more!
(and we do video and audio editing, too!)

Musicians, please read!
RRR tips for local bands / musicians trying to improve (at the bottom of this page, scroll down))
(a work in progress)             
 

Supporting / Promoting "Live Local Music" is one of our passions.  Let us know how we can help you!  

Fans, tell your favorite band they should be here.

Our Local Bands

(Scroll down to see Acoustic Acts)

Keep an eye on this section of the website and watch us improve and expand!

Note:  Some bands have members that do a smaller, simpler, acoustic set (usually on weekdays).  Don't get confused by this.

Acoustic acts that are working with us:

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RRR tips for local bands / musicians trying to improve 
(a work in progress; got a suggestion, we'd like to hear from you!)

"Things I have learned being around the music business."

1.  Have a professional looking promo package
2.  Have a Facebook, MySpace, Website (preferably all 3).  Communicate, expand, and interact with the public.
3.  Update and keep the above current, especially with your appearance schedule!  Update, update, update.  Keep it fresh!
4.  Promote yourself don't expect the bars to do it all! (much more on that later)  Very Important!
5.  Keep your passion for music AND performing for the people.
6.  DON'T totally rely on the venue to promote the event.  Impresses those booking you if you do some of the work, too. 
    (Print flyers and posters).  Especially for bigger gigs!  We can help with this.  contact rob@riverratrob.com
7.  Got T-shirts, photos, etc., for your band?  We probably can save you money on that, too!
8.  Playing a big event?  Need our {low wattage local} FM Radio Station Transmitter?  rob@riverratrob.com
9.  Need professional photos?  Videos of your 'best' songs?   yeah, we do that!
10.  Remember the Bars need to make money, too.  If you playing someplace and it is just not
      happening (small crowd for whatever reason), ask the owner /manager if he'd like to shut it
      down early.  Offer to work with them and reduce your fee.  That goes a long way with them
      booking you again.  (Be flexible).  You probably will get your full price playing to two people one time, but they probably
      will not be booking you anymore.  Bar owners, if you have a great night, it means a lot to our musicians to tip them a little
      something extra. 
11.  Don't sell yourself short, but don't over price yourself, either.
12.  Always strive to improve and not get stuck in a rut.  Learn new songs.
13.  Play some benefits for free.  (Be selective and learn how to say 'No.'  If you don't you will go broke playing everywhere
      for nothing.
14.  The biggest complaint I hear from club owners is bands taking too many breaks AND too long for breaks.  Keep an eye on that.
       Think about this:  When it starts getting late, people look for a reason to leave.  When you go on break after 11:00 pm or so,
       the owner / manager is walking money walk out the door.  I'm not suggesting everyone must do what my buddy Kane Glaze use
       to do and take one break at the end of the show, but a lot of bar owners really appreciated it.  Something to think about.....
15.  Have a clear understanding with the owner / manager where you are performing about money, bar tabs, breaks, etc.
16.  As you progress, consider a contract.  Many of the smaller venues are not too receptive about it, but make this one of your goals.
17.  Bands, do your best to avoid this:  "Don't play too close, too often."  It's easy to do, especially when you are trying to fill a calendar
       with gigs.  Bar owners appreciate it when you don't play across the street (or just down the road) the night BEFORE you play their place.
18.  Bands, ask yourself, "What makes you different from other local bands?"  If you don't have an answer, that's not good.  You will,
       at some point, be asked this by someone doing the booking (that has not heard of you).
19.  On a personal note, I really appreciate talent that writes their own music (or at the very least, does lesser known songs).  If all you
      is covers, you are 'just' a walking jukebox (more or less).  Think about it.  Sure, the public wants to hear songs they are familiar with,
      but usually they are merely comparing you to the original artist and 'rating' your ability.  If you ever want to take it to the next level,
      break away from "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Boogie Shoes" at some point.  Original, sincere music is like a breath of fresh air. 
20.  Have regular band meetings (besides practice).  Money, egos, and girls are what breaks up many bands.  Stay on top of things.
      Agree on how often you play and how far you are willing to travel to play.  Solve problems before thy start. 
21.  If bar owners are a bit reluctant about your "set" price, offer a lesser amount and take the "door" (or negotiate a percentage thereof).
       Demonstrates you are willing to work with them and have confidence you can draw a crowd.
22.  Trying to get into a place for the first time?  Offer to cut them a deal and work with them, especially if they haven't heard or seen you before.
23.  Videos of your band are great.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a thousand pictures.  Please tell the person doing the
       recording to use a tri-pod OR be very still.  (The quality of that video represents
       your band).  Request people talking to move away from the cam-corder (ambient conversations are a distraction).
24.  Photos:  make sure the members of the band can be clearly seen in the photo.  (Full body shots are O.K., but give very little detail as to what you
       look like, (especially at a distance).
25.  Do your best to avoid "dead time" on stage.  Avoid talking back and forth between band members.  Watch "good" bands and do what they do. 
26.  Have a "set" list of songs you will play.  Watch the crowd and adjust accordingly.  (If they are leaving in droves....something is wrong).
27.  Only one person with the band does the booking, sets price, handles money, etc.
28.  Know what else is happening locally.  Once you get past trying to book any (and all) gigs, let the bar owner know if he is trying to
       book you at a time something huge is happening.  For example, a big LSU home game.  If you suspect a very low turnout, let them know. 
       You will look good and the club owner will appreciate the "heads up."   

***The one thing I use to remind my son, Jonathan, all the time.  Make people feel special and have fun playing and you will do just fine!***      
          
                                                                                                                  More to come.
 

Supporting / Promoting "Live Local Music" is one of our passions.  Let us know how we can help you!  

(Note:  Check back on this section, we are just getting started!)

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