Hack a Radio Contest to Land a Brussels Gig (Like a Ghent Band’s Contest Win)
- Tapetown
- Aug 24
- 2 min read
Hoping to play a Brussels venue like Ancienne Belgique or Botanique but don’t know any bookers? Getting into Europe’s music scene can feel like picking a lock without a key. One way to get noticed: enter a local radio contest to gain exposure and catch a venue’s attention. This post shares a straightforward strategy to turn a contest entry into a club booking, no contacts needed. We’ll also look at how a fictional Ghent band used this approach to score a gig, with an odd twist.
Want to ride the airwaves and book gigs in Europe? Here’s the plan.
Enter a Radio Contest to Gain Exposure
A radio contest can put your music in front of fans and bookers, proving your appeal. Here’s how to do it in Brussels without connections:
Find a Local Contest: Look for radio contests on stations like Radio 1 or Studio Brussel that showcase new talent. Check their websites or social media for open calls, often tied to festivals or local showcases. Pick one that fits your genre.
Submit a Standout Entry: Send a polished demo track, ideally a 3-minute song with a catchy hook. Include a short bio that ties you to Brussels, like mentioning a local inspiration. Keep it authentic to stand out from generic entries.
Leverage Your Airplay: If your track gets played, share the news on Instagram or Twitter with hashtags like BrusselsMusic or BelgianLiveMusic. Message venues like Ancienne Belgique with a note: “Our song hit Radio 1 and got 300 likes online. Can we bring this crowd to your stage?” Mention any fan feedback to show interest.
This works because radio play signals demand, making you a low-risk booking for venues.
A Ghent Band’s Contest Win
Before fictional Ghent band Velvet Pulse played European stages, they were unknowns trying to break into Brussels in 2020. They entered a Studio Brussel contest for new artists, submitting a lo-fi track with a dreamy vibe. Their song, inspired by Ghent’s canal nights, caught the station’s ear and got airplay during a late-night show. Fans started sharing it online, building a small but dedicated following.
A booker from Botanique heard the track on the radio and checked out the band’s social media, where fans were posting about the song. Impressed by the response, she offered Velvet Pulse an opening slot at a 2021 showcase, a gig that led to more bookings. The odd part? Their demo was recorded in a friend’s basement, and a loud neighbor’s lawnmower almost ruined the take. They laughed about it in a local music blog later. Velvet Pulse’s contest win shows how radio can open doors, and Brussels’ vibrant scene is your chance to try it.
A radio contest is a simple way to book gigs in Europe’s music hubs like Brussels. Find a contest, submit a track, and pitch your airplay to venues. No contacts? Just a song and some hustle.
Read about the legendary recording studio 'Sound City' here: