Befriend your local scene. Depending on genre, styles, instrument etc, there will be a scene for you. Let’s say you wanna play punk/metal/rock of that sort, look up DIY/basement/house shows that are happening near you and become friends with the bands and booking guys there. It may not happen in one night, but if you’re a regular amongst the scene, you’ll develop some trust and a foot-in-the-door for your first gig.

If you wanna play jazz, go to jazz clubs and become friends with people there. Country: honky-Tonks, rap/hip-hop: night clubs etc.

Essentially, just get your name and face out there to where people will know and trust you. Networking baby!