Gigsmart

Here are some frequently asked questions from people who want to get involved in Gigsmart:

What is GigSmart?:

GigSmart is a limited company. Initially founded as a band co-operative to pool resources, it has developed beyond expectation and has adopted a more focussed approach, dealing with bands that input into the organisation to further themselves and other affiliated bands.:

In November 2004, GigSmart co-ordinators received notification by the revenue that the organisation had to register as a partnership or company or cease operation. Trev Mooney and Niall Stynes registered GigSmart Limited in February 2005.

What does GigSmart do?:

Our goal is to promote and work with developing bands and musicians of all levels. Our input and effort varies from band to band and expectations are clearly defined for larger projects. The primary emphasis here is to ensure that whatever the level of the band, they can benefit from involvement.

GigSmart does not have the time, resources or energy to help all bands to the same degree. GigSmart encourages participation by continually developing initiatives that bands and musicians can engage in at various levels. These initiatives are designed to provide the platform from which bands can develop. It is up to the bands and musicians to develop and demonstrate their willingness to achieve and develop. While GigSmart provides the platform, the infrastructure and the expertise (read organisation of general mayhem), the bands and musicians themselves must put the effort in.

Why should I get involved?

Get involved if you like music and you want to meet like-minded individuals involved in the local scene.

Get involved if you feel you have a bit of ambition and the willingness to work with up-and-coming bands and you like what you see here.

Get involved if you want to be a part of something positive that will make a difference to local music.

Get involved if you want to sponsor some local talent.

Get involved if you want to invest time, energy, capital or work in GigSmart’s future.

How do I get involved?

There are several ways to get involved with GigSmart and at different levels depending on your ambition.

The most common level of involvement is from bands looking for help. Consider why GigSmart should help you first; we are not obliged to do anything for you.

Primarily we look for people to participate, by going to gigs at this level of involvement. This is not a go to gigs, we give you a gig deal. Before we give any band a gig we try and ensure they have a good attitude, are willing to put a bit of effort in, and have a genuine interest in the scene they are in. In other words they are not just another band looking for a gig. We have enough of those bands.

You can also get involved by contributing to GigSmart website, helping at gigs, or offering assistance to the many bands that are currnetly alligned with GigSmart . Many people have submitted articles , reviews , photography , music and numerous other inputs to the site and this is the life blood that keeps us advancing.

People with a general interest in local music also particpate. In the past people have offered technical assistance in creating web sites , posters, producing recordings for bands , providing logistical assistance for tours etc etc. Whatever way you feel you can contribute, we hope to include you if possible.

Commercial groups have also provided sponsorship in the past and we will continue to fund raise to develop GigSmart in this regard.

Do I have to pay to be involved?

The short answer is No! Anyone can choose to be involved. It will cost you nothing but your time and graft (exactly what GigSmart puts in). This is why we choose who we work with carefully. If you dont achieve, we dont achieve. This is our free time, our resources and our responsibility. If you choose to get involved you do it on our terms, not the other way around.

Do Bands pay to play?

No GigSmart covers all costs for running gigs. If money is made, it gets distributed evenly in most circumstances. On occasion, GigSmart will run fundraisers to fund promotional tools to promote all the bands involved. Examples in the past have included, insurance fundraisers, single releases and compilation CD fundraisers.:

What role does the Forum play?

The GigSmart forum is in place to help develop the GigSmart community and for people to make comments, stay in touch, provide feedback and most importantly to make contacts. The forum is often the most controversial thing about GigSmart. Use it, dont use it, it matters very little if you are actually contributing to GigSmart in the real world.:

Is GigSmart a Clique?

Yes and No.

There are definite groupings of people who stick together and support each other ehthats the point folks, dont be offended if ya dont make a dozen new pals straight away. We take no responsibility for how you fare on the board. If you are offended on the boards please report it, dont moan cause no one loves you .

The directors of GigSmart deal with all bands and musicians on the same principle, if you input you get output - it’s that simple.

Finally, an official statement on any matter can only come from Niall Stynes or Trevor Mooney.

What has GigSmart planned for the future?

More Single releases, Album releases, increased distribution and media presence, a regular magazine at some point in the future and continued development of the regular Gigs to encourage further interest and development. GigSmart will also look at developing partnerships with other related organisations in an effort to help promote local bands.

How is/will this be funded?:

GigSmart to date, has been funded upfront primarily by Trevor Mooney, Niall Stynes and Thomas Brunkard . Usually all GigSmart activities are self sustaining, in so far as costs are always covered. Going forward all activities will be geared to cover costs and provide an additional margin to ensure we can progress and invest further in GigSmart’s development. With this in mind, projects will become increasingly ambitious and the rewards for bands and GigSmart should reflect this..thats the plan anyway. It is GigSmart’s intention to constantly re-invest earnings into the organisation.

Is GigSmart for real?

Yes :

Does GigSmart care what people think?:

No, most people dont matter, only the bands and the people who support the bands matter.