Live music is an excellent investment for your venue. From increasing spend per visit by 64% and dwell time by 61%, to driving footfall by 36% - it’s a no brainer. Live music can transform the atmosphere of a venue, giving it a unique charm and edge — it’s what keeps guests returning time and time again.

According to the Live Music Index, 87% of venues plan to increase their live music offering in the next 12 months, so it’s clear that there’s a demand to be met. But where do you begin?

If you own a venue and you’re looking to expand with the help of live music events, we’re here to tell you how. And when you’re ready, GigPig will make it easy and efficient to find and book live singers, bands, and DJs.

But first, the basics…

What are the benefits of adding live music to a venue?

Live music is a great way to drive visibility for your venue. It helps create an immersive atmosphere and adds value to your customers’ overall experience — all while encouraging longer stays and increasing your revenue. 

It’s worth remembering that a successful live music event can boost your venue’s visibility, drawing in locals and passersby looking for venues with live music. Local live singers or bands are more likely to bring their own crowds in, increasing footfall without advertising costs from your pocket.

Venues with live music gigs can also collaborate with other artists in the area, opening doors to on-trend social media opportunities and shared promotions.

How do I start booking live music acts?

For venues new to live music, there’s no need to feel anxious about booking your first music artist. It’s natural to feel apprehensive, but instead, feel excited for all the opportunities live music can bring to your venue. We only work with trusted artists, too, so you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands.

The first and most important step is knowing what type of live music suits your venue. A cosy bar might benefit from an acoustic live singer, while a hall venue could host larger live music acts made for getting on the dance floor. Think about your usual customers — would they want background music during drinks or music which will amplify the energy and atmosphere of your venue??

Once you have an idea, the next step is to connect with artists. This is where we come in. Our platform lets you browse and book live musicians, DJs and entertainers that match your vibe. Set your preferred date, time, pricing, and budget to streamline the booking process, and you’re all set for an amazing night of live music.

What equipment do I need for live music events?

At a minimum, you’ll likely need a PA system, microphones, and decent lighting. Larger live music acts may require more advanced setups, such as sound mixing boards or a small stage. With GigPig, you’ll have time to chat with your chosen artist to ensure everything is covered between you.

Don’t worry if your venue doesn’t already have a setup. Renting equipment for your first few events could be a cost-effective way to test the waters.

How can I promote live music events at my venue?

Once you’ve booked your live music act, it’s time to spread the word. Effective and thoughtful gig promotion is always the way to go if you want a busy event.

Start by creating a buzz through your venue’s social media accounts. Social media has the potential to connect you with many potential customers, so be sure to share event details and tag the artists. You could also encourage your chosen music artists to share it with their followers, too.

If you’re just starting out and worried that you won’t get enough footfall, incentives like discounted drinks and early bird ticket releases for live music UK enthusiasts are always well received, too.

For even more exposure, you should list your events on local gig and event websites, as well as platforms like ours, where artists and music lovers are always scouting for new live music venues.

Ready to bring live music to your venue?

Live music is the perfect opportunity to create a memorable experience for your guests, attract a loyal following, and boost your business. Getting started with GigPig is quick and easy, and in return we can offer you a simple and seamless booking platform for venues and artists alike.

If you're ready to take the next step, get in touch with our team at GigPig to find out how we can help you find the best live music acts for your venue. In the meantime, don’t forget to check our FAQs for more information.