How do you get on stage?

A booking agency sells your shows. It talks to clubs, festivals and promoters and negotiates your fee. The promoter then organises the show: venue, tech, tickets and advertising.

Money

• The agency takes a commission, usually around 10 to 20 percent of the fee.
• You're paid either a fixed fee or a share of ticket sales, the door deal.

How to start

An agency usually only takes you on once people buy tickets for you. So you start small:

• Open mics and jam sessions: this is where you learn to be on stage.
• Support slots: you play before a bigger act and show yourself to new people.
• Your own show: in a small club in your city.

What matters isn't how big the club is but that it's full. Sold tickets are your best argument later.

All figures are rough guidelines for beginners and focus on Germany. They are no substitute for legal or tax advice.