Fresh Features

So You Wanna... Rock Bumbershoot

The bright lights, the booming sound systems, the massive crowds chanting your name—for many musicians there is no greater thrill than performing live from the stage. Each year Bumbershoot receives over a thousand submissions directly from West Coast artists without representation hoping to play the Festival, yet only 30 to 45 of those bands make the final cut. So how do you make yourself stand out from the crowd? Keep it simple. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

With so many direct artist submissions flooding in each day, the programming department simply lacks the resources to review extensive material. That being the case, stick to your best two or three songs that most accurately capture your sound.

The same philosophy goes for the rest of the press kit and video. When presenting your product, less can definitely be more.

Often times, bands will seek to gain a competitive edge by submitting live video footage. Though this can be an impressive bit of material, tapes shot from far away, showing weak attendance, or relying solely on built-in microphones can distract from your performance.

In recent years, the submission process has become somewhat more streamlined thanks in part to a website known as SonicBids.com. The site serves as a networking tool for bands and promoters, and also keeps large press kits from stacking up.

SonicBids.com is the submission method accepted by Bumbershoot’s programming department, and provides you the benefit of a confirmation of receipt of your material, and a guaranteed response. Unfortunately, the Festival cannot guarantee a response to any unsolicited materials that do not come through SonicBids.com.

In addition to simplicity, promotion plays a huge role in the eyes of the selection committee. Generating interest within music community and consistently playing local venues are critical steps toward earning a slot on the Bumbershoot lineup. A steady booking schedule could lead to potential radio airplay and press coverage, the two major indicators of buzz.

Also keep in mind that in an effort to highlight regional talent, Bumbershoot only accepts direct submissions from un-represented artists based in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. However, bands from outside those areas can still make the Festival by contacting Bumbershoot through a national agent, or by being solicited by Bumbershoot programming staff.

And remember, just because you don’t make the lineup for a given year doesn’t mean you should break up the band and sell off your guitar collection. Practice can indeed pay off for bands willing to invest the time and energy.

The submission deadline for performers is March 16, 2007. Visit the applications page for more information, and good luck!

posted March 01 '07 at 12:38PM by eschwimmer in get involved, music, so you wanna

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