There’s a cautionary tale that Tom Araya, founding member of Slayer, tells about breaking into the music business.

Araya’s story unfolds in 1982 when he, Kerry King, and their bandmates were approached by Brian Slagel, owner and founder of Metal Blade records. In their excitement, the young musicians funded their first recording and signed over the masters to Slagel. That move has cost the group financially throughout its history, said Araya.

“That shows you how it works when you’re an indy,” said Araya. “I tell everyone there’s nothing wrong with being excited, but have a lawyer look at the contracts.”

Plenty has changed in the years since a young Araya signed that contract, but enthusiastic young musicians still make serious missteps. Consider these ideas to strategically book and tour:

Plan a strategy. Yes, it's important to play frequently, but it's equally important to understand your target fan base, said Jeri Goldstein, a former agent and manager for Garrison Keillor & The Hopeful Gospel Quartet and others. "I spend a lot of time with my clients helping them come to grips with who their audience is," said Goldstein, author of "How To Be Your Own Booking Agent." It's important to know that fans will come to where you play.  A group of 25 50-year-olds may not go to a midnight show where they stand all night.

 Respond with caution. Some well-known clubs, such as Los Angeles’ famed Whiskey a Go Go, will frequently send out notices via MySpace calling for bands to play  on certain dates. Before jumping in, consider if this booking makes sense. “There are clearly some places bands need to play eventually, but perhaps not at a certain time,” said Jeri. “Are you filling a date or are you planning a career?”

 Consider non-club events. Playing a concert at a mall or at the opening of an auto dealer is a great ways to build a following. True, you won’t be paid for the gigs but you will develop a fan base. But again, don’t just accept any gig. Dick Weissman, a member of the folk trio The Journeyman, said that he declined one such offer early in his career when he weighed the costs of the gig vs. the payoff – a promised interview with a local radio station. That interview was of no value to Weissman because the station had a heavy metal format. 

 Consider house concerts. They work especially well for singer/songwriters that don’t require a lot of space, said Weissman, who has authored several books including “Making a Living In Your Local Music Market.” Sometimes musicians are paid a nominal amount to play to these audiences of 25-100. “These are very much listening audiences,” he said. “Musicians also sell huge amounts of CDs [at the shows] because people want them as keepsakes.” 

  Know your representatives. Keep loyalists close and ask other musicians for referrals to agents and managers. “Generally musicians are very open about sharing that information,” Weissman said. Of course, Araya did know his associates and that still didn't prevent a misstep. That's why he thinks it's important to consult an attorney before signing any contracts.