“Let’s talk about… Getting Gigs—and What Comes Next” – Open Peer-to-Peer Exchange for Musicians
12 October 2026 · 4–6 pm · Music Pool Berlin
Moderated by Melissa Perales
Melissa Perales is a Music Pool Berlin consultant and board member, curator, promoter and cultural worker who has been active in Berlin’s independent music scene since the 1990s. Through her M series, she has been promoting concerts and putting artists on stages across Berlin since 2004.
The group session “Let’s talk about…” expands Music Pool Berlin’s consulting work into a small-group format focused on exchange, reflection and shared learning.
Getting ready, making contact and following through
How do you get gigs when you don’t have a booking agent? What should you prepare before approaching a venue or festival? What does the person receiving your email need to know—and what happens once someone is interested?
This session explores the practical workflow of booking your own shows: identifying suitable opportunities, presenting your live project, communicating with bookers and promoters, and following through on the details that make a concert happen.
Melissa will share tips and perspectives from both sides of the conversation: supporting artists in their careers and working as a promoter and curator. Together, we’ll consider what makes an approach relevant, clear and easy to respond to, and how to build professional relationships over time.
We’ll also look at how artists can support one another. Could you share a bill, exchange local knowledge, organise a show together or connect with artists in another city? Booking your own gigs doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone.
How the session works
The session combines moderated input with a strong focus on peer-to-peer exchange. Participants are encouraged to bring their own experiences, questions, challenges and examples—whether they are approaching venues for the first time or already booking regularly.
The knowledge and experience in the room are part of the session itself.
Topics may include:
– Preparing your live offer: artist information, music, live videos and an electronic press kit (EPK).
– Doing research : Identifying venues, promoters and festivals that fit your music and stage of development.
– Writing a focused booking email: what to include, what to link and how to make a clear request.
– Understanding the perspective of the person receiving your pitch.
– Following up and keeping track of enquiries, responses and dates.
– Moving from interest to confirmation: fees, conditions, written agreements and responsibilities.
– Preparing for the show: technical requirements, schedules, travel and promotion.
– Working with other artists to share contacts, resources, bills and opportunities.
Session structure
1. Check-in & Introductions
A brief round of introductions. Participants share their experience of booking shows and one question or challenge they would like to discuss.
2. Getting Gigs: Preparation & Workflow
Melissa introduces practical approaches to preparing a booking pitch, communicating with promoters and venues, and managing the steps from first contact to the show itself.
3. Peer-to-Peer Exchange
The group explores participants’ questions and experiences, sharing useful approaches, lessons learned and possibilities for collaboration.
4. Closing & Next Steps
Each participant identifies something to take forward: one material to improve, one contact to approach, one collaboration to explore or one change to their booking process.
Format
The core of the session is moderated peer exchange. Melissa brings her experience as a consultant, curator and promoter, while participants bring their own knowledge, questions and perspectives.
The aim is to help artists feel better prepared, understand the work involved and discover ways to create opportunities together.
Duration: 2 hours
Group size: Maximum 6–8 participants
Moderated by: Melissa Perales
Language: English
Location: Music Pool Berlin
All experience levels welcome. Please bring your questions, experiences and willingness to share.