Booking SXSW Like a Pro with Parker Woodland

Thinking about SXSW? Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland break it all down for you—from applying to playing like a pro. You’ll learn how to reach out to anyone and everyone to book your showcases, why hitting up radio stations and non-profits matters, and how to stack your SXSW week like a mini tour. Don’t skip the conference sessions—Sonic Guild Grants and mentor sessions can change your game (pro tip: show up for no-shows). And yes, tacos are essential tour fuel. On stage or off, it’s all about connection. Whether you’re delivering like you’re playing to ten thousand or sharing roles within your band, Always Be Performing means engaging the crowd and your bandmates. Erin and Keri talk vocal coaching, singing drummers, and the gear that keeps it tight—including using a click track! They even dig into arranging songs for a power trio and making standout music videos. Because anything can happen at a gig… and you’ll be ready. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 475 – Monday, March 31st, 2025 March 31st: National Crayon Day Guest co-hosts: Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland 00:01:50 Applying / Planning / Playing SXSW 00:02:53 The art of self-promotion 00:08:34 Deliver like you’re playing for ten thousand Bringing people in and then keeping the people there Always be Performing…and always be connecting with the crowd and your bandmates 00:12:32 Successfully booking SXSW Contact ANYone who is involved with booking shows Bands Radio Stations Non-profits Making sure musicians get paid 00:15:57 Applying to Showcase at SXSW Booking multiple shows at SXSW It’s like planning a tour 00:17:45 Attending the conference as an artist Don’t skip the sessions! Sonic Guild Grants 00:20:51 Pro-tip: Go stand in line at Mentor Sessions and you can grab a no-show appointment! 00:22:21 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up! 00:23:34 Tacos are the fuel to a successful band 00:26:06 Long-standing musical collaborations 00:27:42 Divvying up roles in the band Vocal coach 00:31:28 Singing drummers! Heil PR-31BW Gooseneck with a boom stand 00:35:19 Arranging Songs for a Power Trio Parker Woodland covering Sir Duke Bands covering Rebel Girl 00:41:56 There’s no Such Thing as Time — Parker Woodland 00:44:21 Create music videos! 00:45:18 Gear Gab & Playing to a Click Tama SLR Bubinga Snare Tama Rhythm Watch 00:50:32 Anything can happen at a gig! 00:52:52 Gig Gab 475 Outtro Follow Erin Walter and Parker Woodland Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram [email protected] Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Booking SXSW Like a Pro with Parker Woodland — Gig Gab 475 appeared first on Gig Gab.