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The Beam

What’s the Difference Between Gigs and Live Events on The Beam?

🎤 Two Opportunities, Tons of Possibilities! 🎤

On The Beam, we’re all about connecting artists with opportunities to grow their careers and engage with their audiences. Our platform offers two key avenues for collaboration: Gigs and Live Events. While they might seem similar, they serve different purposes and open up unique possibilities for artists and their collaborators. Here’s a breakdown of the distinctions between Gigs and Live Events to help you make the most of them.

The Beam Artist Guide

What Are Gigs?

Gigs on The Beam encompass any form of booking that can occur between artists and other artists, or between artists and organizations such as venues, companies, and brands. These opportunities go beyond traditional live performances to include creative and collaborative projects.

Examples of Gigs:

  • Collaborative Sessions: Artists partnering on songwriting, production, or recording projects.
  • Corporate Bookings: Brands hiring artists for ad campaigns, private events, or product launches.
  • Workshops and Classes: Artists offering music lessons or hosting educational workshops.
  • Social Media Partnerships: Collaborating with influencers or brands for promotional content.
  • Music Licensing: Providing original tracks for films, games, or advertisements.

Pro Tip: Gigs are perfect for artists looking to diversify their revenue streams and explore new creative avenues.


What Are Live Events?

Live Events are more specific—they refer exclusively to live music performances where artists play in front of an audience, either in-person or virtually. These events are about sharing music in real-time and creating memorable experiences for listeners.

Examples of Live Events:

  • Concerts: Solo or band performances at venues.
  • Festivals: Playing at music festivals for diverse audiences.
  • Virtual Shows: Live-streamed performances for online audiences.
  • Private Events: Performances at weddings, parties, or corporate gatherings.
  • Residencies: Regular gigs at a particular venue or location.

Pro Tip: Live Events are ideal for artists looking to build their fan base and connect with audiences directly.


Key Differences Between Gigs and Live Events

AspectGigsLive Events
ScopeBroad, includes creative and collaborative projectsFocused on live music performances
ParticipantsArtists, brands, venues, and companiesArtists and live audiences
PurposeCollaboration, licensing, promotionSharing music in real-time
Revenue StreamsDiverse (licensing, teaching, branding)Ticket sales, tips, merchandise
FormatFlexible and variedIn-person or virtual concerts

How to Choose the Right Opportunity

Deciding between Gigs and Live Events depends on your goals as an artist:

  • Choose Gigs if: You’re interested in expanding your creative portfolio, building brand partnerships, or exploring non-performance revenue streams.
  • Choose Live Events if: You want to focus on performing live, engaging directly with audiences, and growing your fan base.

Why Not Both? Many artists use The Beam to book both Gigs and Live Events, creating a well-rounded career strategy that balances creativity and audience connection.

So Gigs Can Be Live Performances, but not vice versa?

That’s correct. An artist can promote a live performance on The Beam, similar to event on Facebook or a tour date on BandsInTown

For example, an artist can offer a slot on a live music performance to another artist on the Gigs Marketplace: “$500 To Open for My Band At The Knitting Factory”

For example, other paid opportunities can be offered on the gigs which are not live music performances: “$1500 To Feature Your Song In a TV Commercial”


How The Beam Supports You

On The Beam, both Gigs and Live Events are designed to:

  • Simplify Connections: Use the Gigs Marketplace to find opportunities that align with your skills and goals.
  • Showcase Your Talent: Highlight your experience, performance data, and fan engagement to attract collaborators and organizers.
  • Drive Your Growth: Whether it’s a Gig or a Live Event, each opportunity builds your experience, network, and reputation.

Ready to Start Booking?

Explore The Beam’s Gigs Marketplace to find the perfect opportunities, whether you’re looking for creative collaborations or unforgettable live performances. By understanding the difference between Gigs and Live Events, you can take full advantage of what our platform offers and craft a career path that’s as unique as your music.

🎶 Discover your next big opportunity on The Beam today 🎶