Getting your "originals" band booked at venues that generally book only "cover" bands. This can be challenging and may not suit bands that have a "concert style" show. Most of these venues are looking for dance oriented music and bands that have familiar tunes that folks feel safe to get up and ask someone to dance to. After 30+ years of playing covers, read $$, my band has decided to get real and play the 50 or more originals we have accumulated. Some venues know us and book us because of the built in following, but breaking into new venues takes a little more effort. One way is to open for the cover or tribute band that has already established a good relationship with the venue. Your music should compliment and not detract from the "headliner". See If your band can start earlier and play the dinner set if needed. Play to the room and keep the volume at a appropriate level. Be sure to "promo" the main act and the venue. First impressions are everything, so bring it! We have found success because the regulars at the new venues ask the club to bring us back more often than the Host Band. We end up as the headliner with cover bands opening for us. Most opening acts do not get paid the first time out, so "exposer" is still the name of the game. Your band must have the "it" factor for any real progress. Build your network one show at a time. Take lots of Pics and Vids to post on the Web. Create your fan club by staying as visible as possible, ie: Artwork/logo, hats/shirts stickers, radio and web casts. We have also landed gigs by doing charity work and picking the venue to do the event. Not only does your karma get better, but you will do good by others who can do good for you. O'Dark:30

Great post! Thanks for the information. Its great that you have so many people who request you back, that is definitely a testament to the quality of your live show.

Ok well you take a cover band, and then you take an original band. Pay attention to how many people show up to see the cover band over the band that plays their own songs all night long. Majority of people will go watch the cover band. No matter how good the original band is! Seems like the only way you make it as an original band is if you have your songs on the radio. If you do not, you could have all the talent in the world. But a cover band will always outdraw you. Why is this?