^{My name is Dustin also known as “D” from the Christian rap group “Elite”. Just a brief history of myself in the music field, I have not always been a Christian artist so I can be honest for both sides. I began singing in the church at the age 3, I fell in love with music all over again when I first heard hip-hop at age 11,  I began writing lyrics and songs at the age of 12, discovered at age 15, and made my first underground LP at age 16. So, now just shy of 26 years old, I have been through the ups and downs of an artist.}

     ^{From the verge of signing with Sony Records in 2005 to becoming what GOD intended of me now.. In early 2009 I along with some help from the people in my ministry became [a] Christian Night Club Owner in my hometown of Gainesville, Georgia. So, I guess these things I have mentioned [may give] me the qualification to write this Article on “getting Venues to recognize you as an artist”.}

      ^{I must first tell you, to look at the age timeline mentioned in the introductory paragraph. Overnight superstardom does not exist. Becoming a successful artist is a major key to getting venue representatives to notice you. Being a successful artist requires a lot of time an effort. Simply, having amazing songs and/or tracks does not make you desirable. You must have great stage presence and crowd interaction; this sometimes could be a better benefit than having great songs. My advice is to gather some friends or even people you don’t know together, [and] perform in front of them and ask for honest “non-sugar coated” feedback. Another great tip is to video your performance and gather the group/band around and critic it.}

     ^{The next tip is to be marketable, most venues are looking to use (yes I said USE) you as a band/artist to draw a crowd in. Sometimes [this may done] for money, sometimes [this may done] just as a challenge to see if they can gather large numbers. The next point of interest to you is money. Do Not Expect to get paid for every show. If you are doing this strictly for a paycheck you are wasting your time. Your best and wisest option as a fresh group is to work or as I like to say “hustle” the crowd and make them want to buy your merchandise. This requires the first step mentioned awesome stage presence.}

     ^{Now, if you are (which if you are reading this you most likely are) an unsigned artist, chances are the venues have never heard of you. Probably the best tip I can offer in this field is to create a “Press-kit”. A Press-kit is a simple yet very valuable asset. Your press-kit should at a minimum contain a biography of the bands [or artist] history, a video [of an] interview and/or performance, and a professionally recorded demo CD... Another good piece of information is a “Rider”. A rider is a document that states your group’s requirements of the venue. This should include everything from food and lodging preferences to stage preferences. (Remember you do want the venue to book you so don’t demand anything criticizing)}

     ^{The last bit, of information I can leave you with from my experience is to network, network, network. This is one thing you can never do to much of. To network means to go to venues/concerts to just hang out and meet people and promote what you are doing. (you don’t just perform all the time) This is a great way to meet other artist who may have advice for you, and also a great way to show you sincerity to the venue owners and operators. You may also meet DJ’s to give demos to, remember you can never do wrong by giving your music to a DJ. Find area/locally established groups whom you can open up for. You are not too good to be an opening act, you got to start somewhere. Well, maybe the information I have given you is sufficient to your needs as a rising performer. Remember if this is truly what you feel GOD has called upon your life, NEVER GIVE UP, for, I am living proof that dreams do come true!}