I am new to the world of singing and need some advice on promoting myself and finding gigs. I have been taking voice lessons and feel ready to try myself out on stage. I have a pretty good voice and musical ear, a decent appearance, and a charming foreign accent. My repertoire consists mostly of torch songs, sultry songs (Marlene Dietrich style), standards, some showtunes, and a limited number of classical pieces (like Habanera from Carmen and such).

Now what? Do I need an audio sample of myself singing? Do I send that sample to restaurants, lounge bars, websites, etc.? How do I make that audio sample if it is needed? Should I just keep going to piano bars in hopes to get some information or even get noticed there? How do I find a band or an accompanist?

Any help will be appreciated. I know how to promote myself in my primary work but I have no idea how to do it with singing? I don't even know what things would be considered faux pas and what things would never bring any results.

Thank you kindly,

Paulina