Raise your profile with support slot

Musicians who want to raise their profile and attract new fans could consider trying to get a support slot with another act.

However, bands will not come asking you to open up for them, so it is important to network and make yourself known with anyone who could help.

Get in touch with venues and gig promoters. Sometimes these people are in charge of picking the opening act for a concert. Or at the very least, they know the person who is.

Put together a list of acts that you would like to support. Contact their agents and offer your services and they may just give you a ring further down the line.

Look for specific gigs you could play at. Concert organisers have a lot on their plates, so if you ask for a support slot at a particular event, you might just get lucky. Promoters and agents can then take care of everything else, while you eagerly look forward to your big night.

But a word of advice to any aspiring support act - don't expect to receive a massive cheque. A support slot typically doesn't pay well, so your reward comes in other forms.

You'll get the thrill of playing on a bigger stage, performing to a new crowd and maybe appearing on the bill with an established name - all of which can help you progress further up the career ladder.

Product category: Electronic musical instruments