Guernsey Gigs Live Sessions – Artist Info Pack

Welcome to the Guernsey Gigs Live Sessions! Congratulations on being selected as a featured artist. We’re thrilled to have you on board and can’t wait to capture your music. This info pack will walk you through what to expect, what you’ll receive, and what we need you to do to make the most of this opportunity. Your active participation in promoting your session is crucial. The future of this project (and its funding) depends on showing that these sessions have an impact, so we need your help in spreading the word and reporting back on your success. Let’s work together to make your session a standout and ensure this FREE initiative can continue for other artists after you!

What the Artist Will Receive

As a Guernsey Gigs Live Sessions artist, you will receive a bundle of professional content and support to boost your music career. Here’s what’s coming your way:

  • High-Quality Live Session Video: A professionally recorded and edited live performance video of three of your songs. This could be a Full Band Live Session or an Acoustic Session, depending on your act – either way it will be top-notch video with professionally recorded audio. You’ll spend time in the studio (for full-band sessions) to capture something truly special​

    The final video is uploaded to youtube ready to share. It’s professional content you can show to anyone – promoters, fans, press – as proof of what you sound like live and what your performance/stage presence looks like​.

  • Social Media Clips: Alongside the full video, we’ll provide shorter highlight clips optimized for social media (think 15-60 second snippets perfect for Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, etc.). These will grab the best moments of your session to entice viewers. Use these to tease the release and to drive traffic to the full video​ We might cut a few different segments (e.g. a chorus, a cool solo, an interview snippet if available) so you have multiple pieces of content to post.

  • Stills and Photos: Our team will capture high-resolution still photographs during your session – both action shots of your performance and possibly some posed shots. You can use these images for your own promotion: social media posts, updating your banner images, press releases, or even album art if it fits. They are yours to keep. We’ll make sure to send you a selection of the best shots.

  • YouTube Upload on Guernsey Gigs Channel: Your full session video will be uploaded to the official Guernsey Gigs YouTube channel (and also embedded on our website’s Live Sessions section). This gives your music exposure to our established audience. All our past sessions have lived on our channel, and we’ll add yours to the collection. You’ll get a direct YouTube link that’s easy to share with anyone​

    The video description on YouTube will include info about you, links to your pages, and credit to any sponsors/partners.

  • Promotion Across Our Platforms: We will actively promote your session through Guernsey Gigs’ channels. This includes Facebook posts, Instagram posts/stories, shoutouts, and a feature on our website. We’ll announce your video’s release, tag your band pages, and hype it up to our followers​.

    Our team and committee will also spread the word through their networks. Essentially, we’ll shine a spotlight on you, across the local music community and beyond. You’ll also get mentions in our newsletter (if we have one running) or podcast, wherever we can give you a shout.

  • Recognition and Mentions: We’ll ensure that both you and the project supporters get their due credit. For example, the YouTube video and our posts will acknowledge that the session was made possible by Guernsey Gigs (us!) and our sponsor. We’ll be tagging you in all relevant content. Expect to gain some new followers and fans from these posts! (We’ll talk more about how you can amplify this promotion in the next sections.)

In short, you get a package of content that is ready to use for promotion. This video and the related media are evergreen assets – you can keep using them in your press kit, on your website, and when reaching out to industry contacts to secure gigs or festivals

Our goal is that this session isn’t just a one-off video, but a lasting tool that helps propel you to new opportunities.

Artist Responsibilities

Being chosen for a Live Session is a two-way street – we’ll do our part (as outlined above), and we ask you to do yours. Your responsibilities mainly involve helping promote the session and letting us know how it helps you. The success of the project (and our ability to secure funding to do more of these) relies on artists actively participating. Here’s what we expect from you:

  • Promote Your Session on Social Media: We need you to share and hype your video to your audience. Once the video is ready, please post about it on all your band’s social media accounts – Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc. Don’t be shy; multiple posts are great (see the Promotion Guidelines below for ideas on timing/content). Always tag @GuernseyGigs and @guernseyarts in your posts and use the project hashtag if we provide one (e.g. #GuernseyGigsLive). This tagging not only notifies us so we can reshare, but it helps consolidate the buzz. When you share short clips (Reels, Stories, etc.), make sure to direct people to the full video link (for example, “Full video on YouTube, link in bio!”)​ Essentially, be an enthusiastic cheerleader for your session – if you’re excited about it, others will be too!

  • Tag and Credit Partners (Logo Usage): In your posts about the session, please acknowledge the folks who made it happen. This means tagging Guernsey Gigs (as mentioned), but also mentioning the Guernsey Arts Commission (our sponsor) and any venue or studio partners. We will provide you with the GAC logo and any required wording. For example, on Facebook you might write “Big thanks to Guernsey Gigs and Guernsey Arts Commission for making this session possible!” The GAC logo and name should be visible in any official promo images or videos you create from the session​ (In fact, the Arts Commission requires logo placement on all promotional material as a condition of their support, so this is very important​.) We’ll have their logo in the video credits too. So when you’re sharing, make sure to credit them in the caption or even overlay the logo on a video teaser if appropriate. This shows appreciation and fulfills our funding obligations – a win-win.

  • Incorporate the Session into Your EPK and Website: We highly encourage you to add this shiny new video to your Electronic Press Kit (EPK) or whatever media portfolio you have. If you don’t have an EPK yet, now is a good time to make one (see Promotion Guidelines/Press Kit below). Having a live performance video in your press kit is a powerful tool – promoters and festival bookers love to see and hear what you can do live​. We will help by providing you with the video file or embed links and even guidance on how to do this​, but ultimately you should update your own website/press kit with the session content. Put the video on your site, mention the experience in your bio (“We recently filmed a live session with Guernsey Gigs…”), and include a link when you reach out to venues. Using this video in your booking emails or press outreach can significantly boost your credibility​.

  • Make Use of the Provided Assets: When we send you the photos and clips, please use them! For example, you can post the photos over time (maybe one photo on Instagram with a quote about the session, etc.). They are also great for stories and as visual content to accompany any news (like “hey, we’re playing a gig next week – [cool photo from the session] – did you see our live session video yet?”). The more you use the content, the more exposure you (and the project) get. We ask that when you do use these assets, you continue to tag us and, where feasible, mention the session project. This keeps everything connected. If we give you any template graphics or promotional material, take advantage of them. For instance, if we have an official poster or banner for the Live Sessions, you can share that too or use it as a Facebook event cover if you make a watch party event.

  • Document Your Own Experience: Don’t just wait for us to send you finished clips — use your own phone to capture behind-the-scenes content during the session itself. Whether it's a quick selfie in the studio, a story showing your gear setup, or a short video of the team filming you, this kind of candid, in-the-moment material is gold for social media. It adds personality, shows your followers the process, and builds hype before the official video is even out. These stories and posts can be casual — just share the experience as it’s happening. And of course, tag us in these too! We’ll be resharing some of the best ones, and it all helps build anticipation for the final video. Treat the shoot like a mini content day and milk it for all it’s worth — the more you post, the more people will be excited to see the final result.

  • Rehearse and Polish Your Performance: This is a filmed session, and what’s on camera is what the world will see. So please come well-rehearsed and performance-ready. Treat it like you would a festival slot or live showcase. Make sure you know your material inside out, and rehearse as a full group as if you’re going on a headline slot at a major festival, so the energy is tight on the day. Just as importantly, think about the visual side. If your act usually includes a certain look, stage presence, outfit, costumes, makeup, or set-up — bring that ready to shoot! This is your chance to show not just what you sound like, but who you are as an artist. Whether that means coordinated outfits, make-up, props, or just confident body language, we want you to feel proud of how it comes across on screen. It’s all part of telling your story.

  • Think About the Visual Mood and Style: Your session video is a creative opportunity — not just a recording, but a visual representation of your music. Take a moment to consider what kind of vibe you’d like to create. What mood are you aiming for? Is it intimate and stripped-back? High-energy and bold? Dark and moody? Clean and cinematic? We’ve included some visual references below to help spark ideas. let us know your thoughts before the shoot, and we’ll work with you to make it look as cool and visually true to your identity as possible.

  • Complete the KPI Follow-Up Form: A few months after your session, we will send you a follow-up survey (our KPI form) to gather info on what happened post-release​. Filling this out is not optional – it’s a key part of your commitment. We’ll likely email you a link (and it will also be available on our site at guernseygigs.com/follow-up). The form will ask things like: Did the live session lead to any new bookings (gigs or festival slots)? Have you seen audience growth on your social media or YouTube (new followers, more engagement)? Did you get any press or media opportunities (e.g. interviews, radio play) thanks to the video? Basically, we want to know the tangible outcomes and even intangible benefits (like “our confidence is boosted and we booked studio time for a new record,” or “a promoter in Jersey reached out after seeing the video”). We’ll talk more about why this matters later, but please be prepared to spend a few minutes at the 3–6 month mark to honestly report back to us. It helps us help you (and future artists).

  • General Communication & Participation: Keep an eye on your email (and phone, if provided) for any communications from us. We might send you a schedule for when we plan to post about your video, or ask for a quote or a short artist introduction to include in our promotions. Timely responses help everything run smoothly. We also encourage you to interact with the comments on the video and our posts – engage with viewers, thank them for watching, etc. Show that you’re present and appreciative. The more interactive you are, the better the engagement metrics will be (which looks great on you and us). Lastly, if we invite you to any event (for example, if we do a showcase or an event around the Live Sessions), try your best to be there. You’re now an ambassador of the project, and your enthusiasm can inspire others.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, you’re not just promoting one video – you’re contributing to a growing movement of showcasing Guernsey’s music talent. Your effort directly affects whether we can keep doing this for more artists in the future, so thank you in advance for being a team player!

References

What to Expect on the Day

Here’s a breakdown of what happens during your Guernsey Gigs Live Session, so you know exactly what to bring, how the day will run, and what we’ll be capturing.

Arrival & Setup
You’ll meet us at the agreed time and location — either at Apocalypse Studios (location), or an agreed on-location site if you're doing an Unplugged Session.

Please arrive on time and ready to go. Bring everything you need to perform:

  • Your instruments, cables, pedals, stands, power supplies, etc.

  • Any essential backline gear you normally use

  • Spare strings, batteries, or leads (just in case!)

We’ll provide all recording gear: microphones, lighting, cameras, and audio engineering.

Soundcheck & Warm-Up Time
We’ll leave time at the start of the session to soundcheck and let you warm up. If you have any technical quirks in your setup (e.g. unusual tunings, loopers, in-ear monitors), let us know beforehand so we can be prepared.

Performance & Takes
We’ll be recording 3 songs of your choice. For each track, we’ll likely do at least 3 full takes to capture multiple camera angles and ensure good audio coverage. You’re welcome to do extra takes if needed — within reason. The goal is to get a great live performance, not perfection.

Note: These are live sessions. We do not track instruments separately or use overdubs. All effects or samples must be playable live, or left out. Sessions must reflect your actual performance — this helps bookers and promoters get a true picture of your act. Miming or faking performances is not accepted and can harm your credibility.

Photos, Reels & Extras
Between takes and during breaks, we’ll grab:

  • Behind-the-scenes footage (you should too!)

  • Short clips for Reels, TikTok, and other promos

  • A set of band/artist portraits for promotional use

Short Interview Segment
We’ll also film a short interview with you — nothing intense, just a quick way to give audiences and bookers more insight into who you are. Here are a few sample questions to think about ahead of time:

  • What’s the story behind one of the songs you’re performing?

  • What inspires your sound or style?

  • What do you love most about performing live?

  • What’s coming up next for you as an artist?

Playback & Review
After filming, we’ll sit down together in the control room and review your takes. You’ll help us pick the strongest version of each track to move forward with.

Session Duration / Rough Schedule
Expect the session to last around 2–3 hours. This includes setup, takes, photos, interview, and pack-down. Try not to schedule anything directly afterwards so we’re not rushing the process.

Post-Session & Delivery
Once the session wraps, we’ll edit the video and mix the audio. You’ll receive a private preview link for approval before it goes live.

Note:

  • You won’t receive raw video files or your own standalone copy.
    The final video will be hosted on our YouTube channel to consolidate views and maximise exposure in one place.

  • You’re welcome to share clips, stills, and short snippets, but please always direct viewers to the main video link and tag Guernsey Gigs and Guernsey Arts for credit.

Promotion Guidelines

We know promoting yourself can sometimes feel as daunting as performing. To help, we’ve put together some guidelines on how to promote your Guernsey Gigs Live Session effectively. These are tried-and-true tactics to maximize reach and engagement. Feel free to get creative, but use these as a starting point for your promotional game plan:

1. Teasers Before the Release: Build anticipation with your fans by dropping hints and teasers in the days leading up to your session video release. For example, 3-5 days before release, post a behind-the-scenes photo or a short 15-second teaser clip (we’ll supply you with a clip, or you can even film one on your phone during the session). Caption idea: “Something exciting is coming... We hit the studio with @GuernseyGigs to film a live session! Stay tuned for the video dropping this Friday 🎥🎶 #GuernseyGigs #LiveSession”. A day before release, consider posting a countdown or a teaser with a bit of audio and phots of your music gear ready to go. Teasers get people curious and primed to watch your video when it premieres.

2. Release Day – Share the Full Video Everywhere: This is the big moment. On release day, make a dedicated post on every platform you use:

  • Facebook: Share the YouTube link or the embedded video. Write an enthusiastic caption inviting people to watch (and maybe why it’s special). e.g. “It’s here! Watch our live session on Guernsey Gigs now 👉 [YouTube link]. We gave it our all in this live performance – let us know what you think!” Include a nice screenshot or thumbnail image to catch eyes, and tag our page (@GuernseyGigs) in the post.

  • Instagram: Post a short clip or an eye-catching still frame from the video. Since Instagram doesn’t allow clickable links in captions, direct people to “Link in Bio” (and put the YouTube link in your bio for at least a few days). If you have swipe-up in Stories or a link sticker, use it. Tag @guernseygigs in both the post and the story version of it. Use hashtags liberally: examples: #GuernseyGigs #LiveSession #GuernseyMusic #LiveMusic #YourBandName. We’ll likely provide an official project hashtag too. Hashtags help new people find the content.

  • Twitter/X: Post the link with a punchy one-liner like “Just dropped our live session video with #GuernseyGigs! Watch here: [link]”. Tag @GuernseyGigs if we have an account there, and use a couple of relevant hashtags.

  • YouTube: If you have your own YouTube channel, create a playlist that includes the session or make a community post about it (if your channel has that feature). Also, feel free to comment on the video on our channel from your band’s account – something like “Thanks Guernsey Gigs for this opportunity!” – it looks good and pins you as the artist.

  • Others: Share in any Facebook groups or Discord servers where it’s appropriate (for instance, the “Guernsey Musicians” or Guernsey gigs group or similar, if allowed). If you’re on TikTok, maybe do a quick self filmed TikTok video telling people “hey, our live session is out – go check it on YouTube” (some fans might then comment or search it out).

The key on release day is don’t be shy and don’t assume one post is enough. The social media algorithms might only show it to a fraction of people, so it’s okay to post a couple of times (e.g. morning and evening on Twitter, etc.). Also, encourage your band members, family and friends to share your posts or the video link. It’s all about creating a splash on day one. This is a key signifier to an algorithm that people are interested in this video and you as a band/artist.

3. Tagging and Hashtags (How-To): Whenever you post, double-check that you’ve tagged @GuernseyGigs (and any other relevant account). On Facebook, start typing “@Guernsey Gigs” and select our page; on Instagram, our handle is @guernseygigs. Tagging ensures we see it and can engage. For hashtags, use a mix of:

  • Project and local hashtags: #GuernseyGigs #GuernseyMusic #ChannelIslandsMusic (so local audiences or those interested in CI music find it)

  • Genre or vibe hashtags: e.g. #AcousticSession, #LiveRock, #IndieMusic (choose ones relevant to your style)

  • Your band name hashtag: if you have one you use, include that too (#YourBandName).

  • Popular music hashtags: #NewMusic #LivePerformance etc., for broader reach.

We will likely track the success via these tags and hashtags (we’ll be looking at engagement metrics across social media), so using them consistently helps us gather data as well​.

Also, small tip: if posting on Instagram, put the majority of your hashtags in a comment right after posting (to keep the caption tidy), or at least separate them from the main message.

4. Behind-the-Scenes & Personal Stories: Audiences love to see the human side of things. Along with your polished promo posts, consider sharing some candid behind-the-scenes content. This could be on Instagram Stories, TikTok, or a follow-up Facebook post. For example, share a short video clip of the studio setup, or a funny moment from the day (maybe your drummer warming up, or a picture of you with the session crew). Caption it with something like, “Behind the scenes at our Guernsey Gigs session – we were so nervous/excited here! 🙈 Huge thanks to the crew who made us sound and look fab.” This kind of content makes your fans feel included in the journey and can actually drive more interest to go watch the finished video. Tag people in the BTS content too (tag band members, @GuernseyGigs, the studio if they’re on social). You can do this on release day (e.g. morning of, “today’s the day!” with a BTS pic) and in the days after release.

5. Post-Release Follow-ups: Don’t let your session be a one-day news item. Spread out additional promo posts in the weeks following:

  • A week later, post a reminder. e.g., “ICYMI (in case you missed it): our live session is out now on YouTube! We’ve been getting amazing feedback. Watch it here [link]”. There’s always someone who didn’t catch it the first time.

  • Celebrate milestones or share fan feedback. Example: “Wow, 1,000 views in two weeks! Thanks for watching and sharing, everyone 🙏” or “So cool to hear people are enjoying our live session – shout out to @RandomFan who said it gave them goosebumps!”. This not only promotes the video again but also shows that it’s making waves.

  • If any media feature comes out (say, a local blog writes about it, or you get a mention on the radio), definitely share that in your feed: “Big thanks to BBC Guernsey for featuring our live session on air!” – and include the link or details.

  • You can also do a “throwback” post a month or two later, perhaps tying it in with something current. Like, “Throwback to our Guernsey Gigs session – that experience gave us such a boost! Now we’re writing new songs, hope to perform them live soon 🤘”. This keeps new followers (who might have followed you after the session) aware that the video exists, and drives latecomers to it.

6. Press Kit & Media Outreach: This overlaps with self-promotion but in a more traditional media sense. We’ll mention EPKs in Artist Support, but from a promotion standpoint: consider sending a quick press release or personal note to local media when your video comes out. We have a template press release available here that mentions the project and your involvement – you can customize it and send to the Guernsey Press, BBC radio, local music blogs, etc. Something like “Local band XYZ releases live session video as part of Guernsey Gigs project” can be a newsworthy angle. Because the Guernsey Gigs Live Sessions have a community/cultural aspect, media might be interested in covering it. Click on any of the links above for press contacts you can approach. Also, update your EPK PDF or page with the new video link and photos – then when you send out gig inquiries or festival applications, that updated EPK (with “Featured in Guernsey Gigs Live Sessions 2025” noted) could catch their eye. If you’re not sure how to create or update a press kit, don’t worry – we offer support on that (and have examples on our website we can share). The main point is: use this achievement as a selling point for your band. You’ve got a pro video – flaunt it!

7. Timing Tips: Generally, try to post when your audience is most active (check your page insights if available – usually evenings are safe, or lunch hours). And don’t dump everything at once. Spread posts out across a few days and weeks as described. Also, coordinate with us – we might suggest an initial announcement time that syncs with our posts. For instance, we might schedule the YouTube video to go live at 7pm, and we’ll post at that time; you should ideally post around then too for maximum impact. We’ll communicate to ensure we’re in sync.

Remember, these guidelines aren’t strict rules – they’re best practices. Feel free to put your personal spin on things. The biggest take-home message is be active and enthusiastic in promoting your session. If you put energy into it, the results (views, shares, opportunities) will multiply. We’re here to amplify you, but it starts with your voice to your fans. So go for it – brag a little! You earned this spotlight.

Best Practices for Maximizing the Session’s Impact

Beyond the initial posts and promotion, there are some broader best practices that can help you leverage this experience into further opportunities. Here are some tips and ideas, in no particular order, to get the most long-term benefit from your Live Session:

  • Craft Engaging Stories in Your Posts: When you share content about your session, don’t just drop a link – add a bit of storytelling. For example, you might explain why you chose the song you performed, or how it felt to record live on camera. E.g., “We chose this song for our session because it’s one that our fans always sing along to at gigs – we wanted to capture that live energy on tape.” Or, “We were super nervous to record live, but after the first take it felt just like a gig (minus the audience!).” Sharing personal reflections or anecdotes makes your posts more compelling. It gives people context and emotional connection, which can lead to more shares and comments. Also consider asking a question to fans at the end of a post: “Have you watched it? What do you think of the acoustic arrangement vs. our studio version?” – inviting engagement can help the post get more reach.

  • Express Gratitude and Acknowledge Contributors: A little thanks goes a long way. In your communications (posts, videos, interviews), acknowledge the team behind the session. For instance, mention the cameraman, the sound engineer, the organizers by name if you can. “Shoutout to Elliott from Guernsey Gigs for the amazing Video, and Mikey for the Audio editing – you guys rock!” Not only is this gracious, it also encourages those folks (and their friends) to share your content too, because who doesn’t like being thanked publicly? Tag them if they’re on social. And of course, thank the Guernsey Arts Commission in at least one post – remember, their support funded the session, and they like to see that artists appreciated the opportunity. This also shows other organizations/funders that you’re the kind of artist who values partnerships, which is a good look for you professionally.

  • Use the Video as a Booking Tool: This has been hinted at, but let’s emphasize – use your live session video to get more gigs! When reaching out to a new venue or festival, include a link to the video in your email or application. Say something like, “We recently did a live session video – check it out here to see us in action.” Many event organizers or promoters will prioritize acts who can show a solid live performance video. In today’s music scene, promoters rely heavily on visual proof of performance ability​. A well-shot video can sometimes be more convincing than your studio recordings. It shows what you actually look and sound like live. We’ve seen artists in other communities land festival slots and support gigs on tours because of videos like these​, so we really want you to capitalize on it. Essentially, treat the video as your “audition reel” for any big opportunities. Also, add the video link to your email signature or a pinned post on your social pages for a while – make it unmissable for anyone checking you out.

  • Connect with New Contacts: The Live Session might put you on the radar of new people – maybe industry folks, other bands, or event organizers. If someone from, say, a UK venue comments on or likes your video, consider politely reaching out with a thank you and keep that connection. Networking is key in the music world. Likewise, within the Guernsey scene and nearby (Jersey, etc.), you being part of this project gives you a bit of spotlight. Use that! Perhaps send a friendly message to that festival organizer you met once, along with the video link: “Hey, just wanted to share this with you – we did a live session and we’d love to play at your event next year!” No guarantee, but it’s a conversation starter. The project has its own clout too, so mention you’re part of Guernsey Gigs Live Sessions – it signals that you’ve gone through a selective, quality process (which reflects well on you).

  • Leverage the Timing for Releases: If you have other things going on – like an upcoming single or album – coordinate your promotion efforts. For example, if you have a new single coming out a month after the session, continue to use the session video to keep momentum: “If you enjoyed our Guernsey Gigs live video, stay tuned – a brand new studio single is dropping next month!”. Conversely, if you just released something, use the video to draw more attention to it: “This song is from our new EP we released last month – check out the EP if you dig the live version!”. We’re happy to subtly plug your releases in our posts too (e.g., we can mention “this session features a song from their latest album”). Just let us know what you have going on. Overall, think of all your publicity efforts as interconnected rather than separate silos. The live session can amplify your other news, and your other news can drive interest to the live session.

  • Engage with the Buzz: As people start watching and commenting on the video, engage with them. On YouTube, respond to comments – even a simple “Thanks so much!” or answering a question. On Facebook, if someone shares the video and tags you or the band, drop in on that post and leave a comment. Show that you’re actively involved in the excitement. This kind of personal touch often encourages people to share more and champion you. If someone posts the video on Twitter and you find it, retweet it with a comment. Essentially, nurture the word-of-mouth that begins when the video is out. Sometimes one enthusiastic fan who feels seen by the band can turn into a mini street-team, spreading the word far and wide.

  • Plan a Watch Party or Live Q&A (Optional but fun): One idea to get even more engagement is to treat the release like an event. For example, you could schedule YouTube Watch party (we can coordinate a YouTube Premiere so there’s a live chat as it goes live). Invite fans to join you at a certain time to watch together. After it’s aired, you could go live on Instagram for a few minutes to talk about the experience or answer questions. This creates an event feeling and can maximize the initial view spike. It’s not required, but if you’re up for it, we’d support it. Let us know and we can help set something like this up.

  • Keep the Professional Momentum: After your session, you now have high-quality content that many independent artists would envy. Use this as a stepping stone. For instance, you could approach local bars or venues that haven’t booked you yet, with the video as evidence of your professionalism. Sometimes, seeing you in a slick video might change someone’s perception from “garage band” to “serious artist.” It’s unfortunate, but visuals do matter in the industry’s perception of an artist. Now you have that covered. Also consider applying to off-island festivals (there are often open calls for new artists in UK/Europe festivals) – your application will be stronger with a live video link included.

By following these best practices, you’re setting yourself up not just for one successful video release, but for ongoing growth. We’re sharing these tips because we want to see you succeed well beyond this one session. Nothing would make us happier than to hear that six months from now, you played a big show or gained a ton of new fans, and that the live session played a part in that. So, try these strategies out, and of course feel free to talk with us if you want more ideas or to brainstorm promotion strategies – we’re here as your support team.

‘KPI’ Follow-Up and Why It Matters

You’ve seen a couple references above to a “follow-up form” or KPIs. Let’s explain that a bit more. KPI stands for Key Performance Indicators – basically, measures of success. We have certain KPIs for this project (like video views, social reach, and what happens in artists’ careers after the sessions) to help us gauge how well it’s working​. After your session has been out in the world for a while (we’re aiming at the 3–6 month mark post-release), we will ask you to fill out a KPI Follow-Up Form​. This is a simple online form (hosted on our website) with a bunch of questions. We might send a reminder email or message when it’s time.

What We’ll Ask: The form will likely cover questions in these areas (so it’s good for you to keep mental or actual notes over the months):

  • Gigs/Bookings: Did you secure any new bookings because of the session? For example, did a bar owner see it and offer you a slot? Did you submit it to a festival and get selected? We want to know if it directly or indirectly led to more live performances for you.

  • Audience Growth: How have your numbers changed? This could be social media followers (did you notice a spike on Instagram or Facebook after the session release?), YouTube subscribers, Spotify listeners – any metric that indicates your fanbase is growing. Also, engagement counts: more comments, messages, etc.

  • Press and Media: Detail any interviews, radio plays, blog articles, newspaper mentions, etc., that you got after the session. Maybe BBC Guernsey played a track of yours and mentioned the video, or a local blogger reviewed the session – include that info. Even if it’s not huge press, it’s still something we want to log.

  • Industry Opportunities: This is a bit broad, but anything like a record label contact, an opening slot for a bigger act, a collaboration offer from another band, or mentorship, etc., that came about or was helped by the session. Essentially, doors opened or connections made that you feel were linked to having this video as a calling card.

  • Qualitative Feedback: We might ask for any cool stories or feedback you’ve gotten. Like “an audience member from Australia saw the video and bought our merch” or “we were recognized on the street because of the video” – any anecdotes that show impact. Also, your own reflection: do you feel the session benefited you? In what ways? If something didn’t work out as expected, that’s okay to tell us too.

When the time comes, please be honest and thorough in your responses. This data is incredibly important.

Why It Matters: The continuation and future funding of Guernsey Gigs Live Sessions hinge on proving that this project delivers real results for artists and the community. We have to demonstrate to our sponsors (like the Guernsey Arts Commission) and potential future funders that these sessions are not just fun videos, but that they lead to meaningful outcomes. Those outcomes are the things we ask you in the form. When we gather data like “Band X got 3 festival offers and a 20% increase in followers within 4 months of their session,” that is gold in our reports. It shows a return on the investment made in you​. Each metric ties back to project goals – e.g. audience reach, artist development, cultural impact, etc.​ – and we compile all artists’ data to paint a picture of the overall impact.

We will aggregate this info (along with quantitative data we collect ourselves, like your video’s view counts, watch time, shares, etc.) and include it in our project reports​. These reports might go to the Arts Commission, other potential sponsors, and even be shared publicly to highlight the success stories. If we can clearly show that “In Year 1 of Live Sessions, artists collectively secured 15 new gigs, gained 5,000 new social media followers, and two got national media coverage,” for example, then it becomes much easier to get funding for Year 2. Conversely, if we don’t have data (or the data shows nothing happened), it becomes hard to justify continuing. In short, your follow-up feedback is a major factor in keeping this project alive.

On a more personal note, your feedback also helps us improve the program. If multiple artists report that, say, the biggest impact was getting festival slots, we’ll double down on that aspect and maybe invite more festival promoters next time. If someone says “I didn’t know how to use the video and so it didn’t do much for me,” that tells us we need to provide even more guidance on promotion. So think of the follow-up as your chance to help shape the future sessions and help future musicians too.

We understand life gets busy, and 3-6 months can fly by, but we urge you to set aside a few minutes to complete the form when it comes. It will be online guernseygigs.com/follow-up and straightforward. We’re not looking to invade your privacy or anything, just gathering outcomes. All data will be handled respectfully. We might quote some of your successes in our marketing (which is also extra promo for you!), but if there’s anything you prefer not to be shared publicly, you can note that.

Lastly, the why for you: By reflecting on these questions, you also get to analyze how you’ve grown. It can be a rewarding exercise to see “wow, since that session, we’ve actually achieved a lot!” – sometimes you don’t realize it until you list it. And if there are areas where the session didn’t seem to help, that’s useful for you to know too (and maybe something we can advise on further if needed).

To sum up: expect a follow-up form in a few months, fill it out conscientiously, and understand that in doing so, you’re directly contributing to the longevity of opportunities for the local music scene. We truly appreciate it – it completes the cycle of this project and keeps the support flowing.

Artist Support and Additional Resources

When we say “we’re all in this together,” we mean it. Beyond the video and promo, Guernsey Gigs is here to support you in your musical journey. We don’t just film you and wave goodbye – we want to see you succeed and we’ll help in various ways even after the cameras are off:

  • Post-Session Mentorship: After your session, consider us part of your team. We offer mentorship and practical guidance on how to maximize the value of your video​. This includes a debrief if you want one – we can sit down with you and suggest ways to use the content (a lot of which is covered in this guide, but we can tailor advice to your situation). We can also connect you with contacts or opportunities that we’re aware of. For example, our committee members and network include people linked to festivals, venues, and media in the region. If we think your video would impress a certain festival booker we know, we might proactively share it with them or at least drop their name to you so you can follow up​. Don’t hesitate to ask, we’re be happy to introduce or recommend you to our contacts.

  • Build Your EPK with Our Help: If you don’t already have a press kit, don’t worry — we’ve made it easy. We’ve put together an online EPK builder form at the bottom of ths page that walks you through the exact info you need to include. It’ll ask for things like your social links, a short bio, your genre, a few high-res images, and any key links (Spotify, YouTube, etc.). Once you’ve filled it out, we’ll format your EPK and host it on our website in a dedicated space for Live Sessions artists. This way, bookers and media can easily find you, and you’ll have a professional-looking link to share in your emails and submissions. We’ll also include your live session video in the kit — making it a one-stop portfolio you can be proud of. It’s optional, but we really recommend taking advantage of it — and it only takes a few minutes to complete. We also recommend making an offline copy of this for yourself so that you can keep it up to date and add in new achievements as your band progresses. (We can’t guarantee that we can keep your page 100% up to date at all times!)

  • Strategic Career Advice: Our team and committee have a breadth of experience – from gig booking and event organizing to marketing and even grant applications. We are happy to offer advice on questions like: Which festivals should I apply to? How do I approach an overseas venue for a show? What’s the best way to release this new song – any marketing tips? While it’s not the core of the Live Sessions project to do career coaching, we genuinely care about our artists and will share any knowledge we have. For example, if you’re looking to gig off-island, we can perhaps connect you with contacts in Jersey or UK cities, or advise on the typical process to get a support slot. If you’re considering applying for Arts Commission funding yourself (say, for a tour or an album), we can guide you on that application, as we’ve been through those processes. Essentially, use us as a sounding board or resource – we might not have all the answers, but we likely can point you in a helpful direction.

  • Networking Opportunities: By joining the Guernsey Gigs Live Sessions roster, you’re now part of a little Live Sessions group of local artists who have done this. We encourage you to connect with each other. Maybe we’ll create a private Facebook group or email chain for session artists to share experiences and tips. We might also organize a showcase event or mixer in the future where past Live Session artists get together, perform, or just chat. The idea is to foster a community where artists support each other. You all share the common experience of filming a session, and there’s a lot you can learn from one another (how one band promoted and got on a festival, etc.). So keep an eye out for communications about that. Also, if you haven’t already, consider joining the broader Guernsey Gigs community events – like our open mic nights, jam sessions, or forums. The more involved you are, the more you’ll get out of the island’s music network.

  • Continuous Collaboration: This project is as much yours as it is ours. If you have ideas – say, you want us to do a follow-up written interview about your session, or you want to collaborate with another Live Sessions artist on something – let us know. Guernsey Gigs is all about supporting local music, and we’re open to various ways of doing that. We can feature updates about you on our website news section which could talk about any new releases or big gigs you’ve gotten – which again gives you extra publicity. We can also share your future music videos or releases on our social media (we love highlighting what our Live Sessions artists are up to). So stay in touch with us beyond just the session itself. Think of us as part of your extended PR team – we’re always looking for good news to share.

  • Problem-Solving: Lastly, if at any point you feel stuck or unsure how to use the session content, or if you’re disappointed with any aspect (hopefully not, but just in case), communicate with us. If the video isn’t getting the traction you hoped for, we can brainstorm together ways to boost it. If you’re not sure how to approach a promoter, we can help draft an email. If you feel your social media reach is lacking, we could perhaps give it another boost. In essence, we don’t want the support to stop at “here’s your video, good luck.” We want you to feel supported through the whole journey of turning that video into real opportunities.

To wrap up: Guernsey Gigs has your back. This Artist Info Pack is a guide, but the real support is the people behind it – us, ready to help you make waves. We’re immensely proud to have you in the Live Sessions project, and we’re invested in your growth. The better you do, the better we all do, and the stronger our music scene becomes. So never hesitate to reach out with questions or for help. We’ll also be proactively checking in (remember that 3–6 month follow-up) and you can expect us to cheer you on when we see you achieving new things.

Once again, congratulations on being part of Guernsey Gigs Live Sessions. We’re excited for your session and what comes after. Now, let’s make some noise – both on stage and off – and show everyone what Guernsey’s music talent is all about!

Mark your calendar for the recording date (this will be in your email inbox) and start thinking about those teaser posts. If you have any questions or need anything clarified, reach out to your Guernsey Gigs contact person (or email us at guernseygigs@gmail.com). In the meantime, follow us on social media if you haven’t already (we’ll be tagging you soon!), and maybe announce to your fans that you’re doing this (build that hype early!). We can’t wait to film your session and watch the journey that follows. Let’s make it a huge success together! 🚀