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
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