Jessica Thompson (executive director, Foundation of Retaining Creative Energy)
When booking gigs, bands should look at what else is going on that weekend to see if there might be conflicts of audience. Musicians should also reach out to all media outlets and let them know of their upcoming shows. Listings and flyers are always important in spreading the word.
Darwin Sampson (entertainment coordinator, the Annex; member of the God Damns, Way off the Horse, Helliphant and Ladybeard)
Bands need to promote better. Booking a show at the big club in town doesn't mean folks are going to show up. Flyer, call your friends, utilize all of your resources to their fullest capability. There are a ton of good bands in town. Give people a reason to come out and see yours.
Tom Klein (promoter, the Journey Music)
I think it's important for bands to realize that they are marketing their music. Limiting the number of shows they play in order to add a sense of urgency to seeing them is always a benefit. I also think it's important for bands to not take certain promotion opportunities for granted. Enjoy the nice weather and put up flyers on State Street. Or get involved in the music scene by going to other shows and maybe handing out a few flyers there, too.
Jake Shut (promoter, Crustacean Records owner, WORT DJ)
Increase [the] synergy of DJ and live music events, since it seems like this younger generation values beat matching on turntables as much as or more than seeing top-notch bands. Also, local bands showing some restraint in the number of local gigs they play is a sensible idea.