For a working band, bar venues are the bread and butter of their existence. A band’s first experience with touring is often a grueling combination of long nights and long trips as they continue to build a fan base. Finding new venues to play is second only to talking to booking managers. The large number of bands, both local and traveling, gives the bar an edge on choosing new acts. Many bands get turned away.

Traveling bands can use technology in their discussions with management. Using MySpace and Facebook, a band can provide an reputable image to the decision-makers of the bar, increasing their chances of playing.

I recently spoke with Trey Lane, Booking Manager at The Blind Mule about his use of MySpace in his decision-making process for bands. This interview provides some interesting insight into how a booking manager uses MySpace. Use this insider knowledge to craft and re-do your online presence, and you’ll start to see more work.

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What current online services do you use at The Blind Mule?

Trey: So far, I’ve primarily used MySpace. I am establishing a Facebook account now.

Note: MySpace worldwide has more than 110 million monthly active users. Facebook has more than 60 million active users and is expected to catch up to the MySpace numbers by the end of 2008.

How much time do you spend on MySpace?

Trey: There are very few waking hours of the day that I am not at least logged into MySpace, but I would say I’m actively on MySpace for 2-4 hours a day, between the Blind Mule, my personal account, and a few band accounts.

How do you use MySpace for music at The Blind Mule?

Trey: I use MySpace for every aspect of booking; from managing the calendar to promotion.What do I look for in a band online? Obviously being able to hear them is crucial, but the quality of the recording is not important. I like to see a few live photos and some flyers, just to get a sense of what is actually going on with the band, what kind of show we can expect from them, and what types of bills and venues they’ve been playing.

Compare the volume of band inquiries from MySpace requests vs. traditional means (phone calls/press kits).

Trey: I receive probably half-a-dozen or less calls or mailed press kits at the physical location of The Blind Mule every week.

Online, I receive booking inquiries at a rate of 12-25 a day, sometimes more. I almost never look at press kits and when I do it is for a laugh. It’s such an awkward format for presenting information. Your MySpace account, Website, or Facebook account should be your press kit.

I noticed you frequently change Top Friends and load new music into the player. Why?

Trey: I try to keep the top friends and the music player up-to-date, reflecting the next week or so worth of artists that will be performing, chronologically. I try to make it as easy as possible for page visitors to access the artists we are featuring.

Do you actively seek out musicians/artists, or do they find you?

Trey: While I could easily fill the calendar solely with the artists who approach me, I’m always approaching regional bands who may not be aware of the Mule or touring acts who aren’t aware of the fact that there actually is a great place to play between Atlanta/Florida and New Orleans.

As for approaching bands, again, usually MySpace. If I have the chance to talk to a band in person, I’ll certainly do that.

But, with MySpace, it’s like having every imaginable band’s cellphone number. It’s very direct.

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Trey Lane

website: http://treylaneish.googlepages.com

The Blind Mule

website: http://www.myspace.com/theblindmule

57 N. Claiborne Street

Mobile AL

36602