Beginners struggle

[Snowblind Sodomy]

Let me ask all the real musicians on the forum, especially those with even a small established fanbase: I've been shopping my new band around to different venues, and seem to have discovered a trend previously unknown to me. Many places are requiring you hit the streets and sell a pre-determined number of tickets. Benefits of reaching this ticket goal include both getting paid for the gig, and being considered for re-booking.

The guys I'm playing with have never heard of this bullshit, and I was wondering: when the many bands represented here were just starting out, what tactics were helpful in making the most of your band?

[holly]

You are n00bs.
This is how shit works for small bands.
It may be a newer concept in Atlanta, but major markets work this way almost always.

[God of Brutality]

This is not a new concept. They have been doing this for years. Its bullshit, but on the bright side you get some of the money for pay. On the dark side, the money you get back barely if at all covers the tickets you had to pay for.

Masquerade used to let bands give shows on thursday nights. The tickets would be free and you could bring as many as you could get to come. The club made money on booze and parking anyways. If you brought enough people they would book you opening for touring bands.

The norm is also for locals to play free. Exposure is what they call it. The local bands work just as hard, however touring bands do need a little more money for gas and food. Kind of a you scratch our back we will scratch yours deal. The venue however still makes a door % and they get to sell booze and charge parking.

We are trying to start a venue( all be it a small venue) that pays bands equally. The house would get money from booze sells. No charge to park. As far as booking bands,the only rule is the band has to be death metal. You can sell your own merch.
Hopefully we can start having decent local shows monthly and then all the bands get at least something to help fund the band.