“This may seem obvious, but many new artists fall into the trap of simply uploading their music online and waiting for people to discover how great they are.” – Jason Spiewak, President of Rock Ridge Marketing

Here at The Underground we’re looking for the best in local, regional and national talent. If your band is well rehearsed, professional and ready to promote a show like it’s your last, then please read everything on this page and let’s get the ball rolling.

Local talents: Many local bands if not all of them have been playing once at The Underground. We are making available to them two rehearsal spaces and sound systems as well as two stages to perform. Some of the proven local bands have been giving the opportunity to open for national talents in each of their genre.

National talents: we are doing both our own booking and partner with some of the most talented booking agents AND promoters throughout United States.

There is history at this location as over 3000 bands have played at The Underground in the last 5 years.

Music Genres: Originally known for booking mostly Rock bands, we have been diversifying our music offering to better respond to our customer’s requests and expectations. We are currently booking bands from indie rock/alternative, Pop, Funk, Hip Hop, Latin, World, Acoustic, Jazz, Electronic and much more.

Booking a show is an easy process. Simply fill out the relevant booking form below.

NO PHONE CALL / NO REQUEST THRU MYSPACE WILL BE RESPONDED

Blanket emails sent to the masses with a prefabricated EPK get deleted. We want to know that you want to play OUR Venue and not just “Let’s see which club responds”.

The best slots are booked 6 – 8 weeks in advance.

We want to host your next album release party and will work with you in making the night special.

Be smart about booking your band. Space out your shows so as to have maximum draw at whichever venue you choose to work with. It’s a respect thing too. We are requiring bands that perform at The Underground not to have other local engagement at leat 15 days prior and after their scheduled performance at The Underground.

How we do things:

Your show will be 21+, 18+ or All Ages.

The cover charge varies depending on shows and nights. It can go from a Free show, $5, $8, $10, $15 up to $30 occasionaly. We tend to keep our door cost or promoters cover charges as low as possible!

Compensation will be based on draw. Our Management and Door personal will keep track and will make sure your peeps know to name drop. We offer different ways and options to compensate you. Again, it depends how your band will draw at the show! You can receive up to 50% of your draw based on minimum draw and pre-sales tickets. Pretty simple!

Doors: all ages 6:30pm, 18 &21+, varies between 8/9pm to 10pm

Performers load in time varies per show. it is usally about 2 hours before door, depending how many performers and bands’s type of set-up.

Your set length is 30 – 45 minutes depending on day of week and how much material each band has. Weekend headliners perform 75 – 90 minutes.

Where does The underground promote its shows?

Our website is constantly being updated and maintained. We list the band name, genre, hometown, photo, bio and links. We promote each show thru the venue during previous shows.We advertise in the Reno News & Review and couple other local print media outlets. We hand out show cards at shows and hang up posters . We also utilize facebook, ReverbNation, MySpace, Eventful and about 30 other events and music related online media outlets and databases.

What are you looking for in the bands you book?

We’re looking for bands that are well-rehearsed and act professional. Career-minded or just a hobby, we want the bands who will appeal to our crowd and independent music lovers.. Here at The Underground, we take great pride in promoting new and upcoming bands; and expect the same in return. As we check out your music and websites, we want to know that you’ll be promoting just as hard as we do. It also helps to have a half-decent band photo and well organized website.

We’re promoting the heck out of our show – can we send promotional posters to your club?

You can mail them to POBOX 2576, Reno NV 89505 .Please send at least 3. If you are local, feel free to drop them off personally. You’re also welcome (and encouraged) to promote your show during other shows at our venue by handing out out flyers and/or promo CDs or just talking to the patrons.

Any other suggestions for promotion?

Yep. Every weekend you’ll find hundreds of college kids visiting the many bars, including ours, in Reno. And, as you yourself know, college kids are hungry for new music. Take some time to come down and meet them – hand out flyers and/or demo CDs. This will absolutely help to build your fanbase in the area.

If we send you a digital poster

It’s certainly possible, just send it to booking@renounderground.com. In fact, we would like you to send us a draft of your flyer prior of printing or posting online (just want to make sure all information on it are all accurate.

We’re a touring band – can we get a show?

Yes, if you can find strong local support that will help to promote the show locally. Depending on how many bands and if it is a tour package, we usally add 2 to 3 local bands on shows.

Does the venue take a percentage of merch sales?

Absolutely not. That’s lame.

Can we play on a Sunday?

We’re usually closed on Sundays, but will make exceptions for special events or shows.

What genres do you book?

We book anything from solo acoustic performers to hard rock, Reggae to Metal.

My band has never played your club before. Can we have a weekend slot?

*sigh*

We have a van and trailer – is there parking?

We do not have our private parking, but plenty parking spot right around the venue. Parking never been a problem for bands to load in/out or patrons to attend shows.