Songwriters Network Qld

What is SNQ PRESENTS

Our gigs are all about YOUR ORIGINAL MUSIC and all members are welcome and encouraged to join in the live performance nights called ‘SNQ Presents’ at various venues

No competitions, judging or peer pressure – SNQ is about YOU expressing YOUR music YOUR way in a supportive environment where everyone accepts you for who you are!  Besides, the gig is usually filled with other songwriters who appreciate the courage to walk on stage and perform.  You don’t have to be a professional either, if you are wanting experience on stage, to perfect your stagecraft, try out new material and of course, to have fun, then SNQ Presents may be just what you’re looking for…

 Remember – we are an all inclusive group and …. ‘together we are stronger’

WHO CAN PLAY AT AN SNQ PRESENTS GIG?

Anyone who is a member (see below) can register to play at our gigs:  soloists, duos, trios, acoustic bands, any age, any instrument, any genre, any style and most importantly ANY EXPERIENCE!  We take first time performers who are looking for a safe place to share their music, no matter where you are on your muscial journey.  At our gigs, you will be welcomed with open arms, we will pay attention and listen to your songs, we will clap, cheer and generally make you feel great, and if you make a mistake, no one really cares, they just cheer you along anyway….

**This is not a walk up, open mic or jam session – all artists are booked in by Melinda and confirmed via email, usually one-two months in advance.  The nights run on a loose format with no stress or pressure, just a night full of live, original music

STEP ONE:  JOIN OUR COMMUNITY (for everyone)

To be part of SNQ community, all you need to do is join the facebook group under ‘Songwriters Network Qld’ - anyone can join, whether a songwriter, performer, agent, supporter, manager, photographer, videographer, web designer, graphic artist, promoter, record label or supporter of any kind.  We are a community of supporters for original music and our members range across many different aspects of the industry.

STEP TWO: JOIN OUR MAILING LIST (for those wanting to play their music live!)

To join the growing number of members who are willing to perform at our SNQ Presents gigs, please send Melinda an email directly to songwritersnetwork@bigpond.com or text/call Melinda on 0408 938 030 or 0408 079960

NOTE:  All members who wish to be considered for live gigs must register on the email: songwritersnetwork@bigpond.com

STEP THREE:  READ THESE GUIDELINES

 SNQ offers a safe, friendly gig for any original artist who is interested in peforming live, solos, duos, groups on any instrument are welcome (acoustic only – no bands at this stage).

There are no auditions or requirements, you will be welcomed and supported no matter what your style or experience.  There are, however, two levels to being a song-writer performing artist (SPA) – as a support artist you are required to be able to play up to 3 original songs on stage and you can be at any level, there is no payment as a support.

As a feature artist, you are required to be at a resonable standard of performance and able to complete at least a 45 minute set of originals and you will be paid to perform when offered a gig.  There will be standard contracts involved, just to ensure your committment and give you all the guidelines.

As a feature artist, you will be promoted through this website and facebook, through our contacts and posters/flyers BUT you are responsible for bringing your supported along to watch your gig, the more you bring the more you expect to earn!!

The point and purpose of the above-mentioned guidelines is that we are designed to support each other, therefore we usually book between 4 and 10 support artists and 1-2 feature artists  (depending on the venue and event) at any given gig.  Because our payments are usually based on the bar tab or number of drinks sold, we aim to bring our own crowd of songwriters in the form of support acts and the rest is up to the feature artists!

We hope to create a self-sustaining calendar of gigs that will give you – as the artist – an income from your music and there are, at this stage, no commissions taken out of performance fees.

Most of our current venues have a sound system for us to use.  Feature artists are required to supply mics and leads for all artists on their given night and be at the venue half an hour prior to the commencement of the gig, we suggest two mics and up to three instrument leads for any given event.

STEP FOUR:  BECOME A SUPPORT ARTIST

If you’re not already, then check the gig guide to see when you can come and play as a support artist.  We like you to come and watch our live gigs as well, basically we are asking you for your support so we can reciprocate and support you.  Tell your friends, bring your friends, come to as many of our gigs as you can, whether you play or not – be part of the wonderful community that is SNQ…  Once you’ve been around a little while and you can play a full feature set, then let Melinda know that you’re ready….

STEP FIVE:  BECOME A FEATURE ARTIST

Feature artist requirements (as stated above) are listed here for your information:

Have played as a support and been to our gigs regularly

Have around an hour’s worth of original music that you can play in either one long or two shorter sets

Be able to confirm your given time and date quickly and commit to the gig

Have access to 2 x vocal mics and 3 instruments leads and your own instrument to play (keys, guitar or other)*

*If you don’t have all this gear – then please call Melinda to arrange alternatives

Promote your gig to your fan base, family and friends and bring a crowd of as many people as possible**

**Your gig will be promoted via our fb group, website and email contact list as well

Turn up on time, dressed for the gig and ready to have fun and enjoy the atmosphere and the other performers

Engage with your support acts (they are there to SUPPORT YOU!), entertain your audience and sing your tunes as best you can

STEP SIX:  VENUES DETAILS

 

STEP SEVEN:  READ THESE SCHEDULING GUIDELINES

 FIRST HALF:  Support acts

 The support artists are not paid, but come along to support the feature acts.  Even if you have as little as one song, you can be included in the support line up, up to a maximum of three songs played during the first hour, sometimes longer depending on the night.

 We are not too strict on times, except when the feature artist is advertised on at a certain time.  Remember as a support, you’ll be sharing the first half of the gig with a bunch of other musicians, we ask that you be ready with instrument tuned just before you’re due on.  You are expected to arrive at the venue about half hour before the show kicks off unless you can’t, then just let Melinda know so we can adjust the schedule to suit you.  Bring your people along too to support your feature artist - spread the word and help us help our artists.

SECOND HALF:  Feature artist  

You must be able to complete a whole 45 minute set, 2 x 30 minute sets or something equivalent – we are flexible so long as you are the feature and play for these minimum times.

 The idea is to bring your family, fans, friends – anyone you can think of to watch you play!  Not only will you feel good to have an audience but it will lift the bar tab and allow you to make a little more money.

Depending on the venue and the support artists (sometimes we have special guests or other things happening that might affect timing) all you have to do is play the second half of the gig till it’s finished, that’s usually 10pm.  We can go later if that happens, as long as it’s okay with all concerned, and if you want to bring someone to play with you or have your own guest then please do – just let us know so we can promote you better.  You can split your sets up if it’s easier, giving you a break in the middle – and if it’s impossible for you to fill the time then TELL SOMEONE, we’re all here to help and we’ll work it out….

Most important, enjoy, have fun, be inspired and play your best!