How to get pub gigs in Australia

Australian pubs are the lifeblood of live music. From the corner pub with a weekly acoustic night to the dedicated live music rooms in hotels, pubs are where most gigging bands cut their teeth and build a following.

Pub gigs pay, they're regular and they build your reputation. If you can get into the rotation at a few good pubs, you'll have a steady stream of gigs.

Not every pub books bands. Look for: pubs with a dedicated live music room or stage, pubs that advertise live music on their website or social media, pubs listed on local gig guides and music publications, and pubs in your genre's scene (rock pubs, acoustic bars, etc.).

In Australia, check your state's live music body—Live Music Australia, Music NSW, Music Victoria, Music SA—for venue directories and resources.

The Band Planned's Get Gigs feature searches for venues in your area automatically, including Australian pubs, and returns contact details so you can start outreach immediately.

Pubs book bands that draw a crowd. A publican's goal is to fill the room and sell drinks. If your band can bring 30-50 people on a Friday night, you're valuable to a pub.

Pubs prefer bands that are reliable, professional and easy to work with. Show up on time, don't be difficult about the PA and don't complain about the fee. Publicans talk to each other—a good reputation gets you more gigs.

Find out who books the music. It might be the publican, a venue manager or a dedicated booker. Check the pub's website for a booking contact, or ask at the bar.

Email is usually the best first contact. Keep it short, professional and specific—propose a date, mention your genre and link to your EPK. Don't walk in on a busy Friday night and ask to speak to the manager.

Australian pub gigs typically pay one of three ways: a flat fee (e.g., $300-500 for a covers band), a door charge (e.g., $10-15 per person who comes in), or a percentage of the bar. Some pubs offer a combination.

For original bands, pub gigs often pay less—sometimes $100-200 or a door split. Covers and party bands command higher fees because they draw bigger crowds.

Don't expect to negotiate on your first gig. Prove you can draw a crowd, then ask for better terms next time.

After a good gig, follow up with the venue within a week. Thank them, mention the crowd response and propose a date for the next show. Pubs that like you will book you again—if you stay in touch.

Track your venue contacts and follow-up dates so you don't let relationships go cold. The Band Planned's Get Gigs feature tracks lead states and follow-up dates automatically.