For any aspiring musician, touring and sharing the music your create live is often considering one of the coolest parts of the gig! There’s not many things as exhilarating and exciting as that. But the road to playing in packed venues is going to take a bit more than just AMAZING music (which we know you’ve got.)
Booking a successful tour, especially your first, is going to require some planning, strategy, and obviously, a whole lot of hustle. Here at Musicians Institute, we’ve nurtured countless students who’ve gone on to conquer the stage, either as individual acts, bands or touring musicians. Let’s break down the key steps to booking your band’s first tour and turn that dream into a reality.
Know Your Band’s Brand
Before you start sending emails to venues, take a step back and solidify your band’s identity. What kind of music do you play? Who are your influences? More importantly, who are your target fans? Knowing your demographic will help you select cities with thriving scenes that embrace your sound. Utilize your band’s social media analytics to understand where your online fanbase is concentrated.
Building Your Foundation
Solid foundations are crucial for any undertaking, and touring is no exception. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Music: This might seem obvious, but ensure your band is tight and your setlist is engaging. Practice makes perfect, so hone your live performance before hitting the road.
- Online Presence: It’s 2024, this is one of the main ways to build your foundation as an artist. Your website and social media profiles are crucial digital storefronts. Showcase high-quality photos and videos, and keep your content engaging.
- Press Kit: A professional press kit containing your bio, high-resolution photos, music samples, and positive press mentions can open doors with venues and potential promoters.
At Musicians Institute, we offer many classes that help support independent artists for careers after graduation, including courses in social media and marketing, as well as guidance in building electronic press kits and resumes.
Look for the Right Music Venues
Now that you know your band’s identity and target audience, it’s time to research venues. Look for music venues that cater to your genre and have a capacity that aligns with your expected fanbase. Utilize online resources like Bandsintown to filter venues by location and genre. Research local promoters in your target cities who might be interested in showcasing your band. And because social media is always so important, start following promoters and venues on your social media channels to keep tabs on who is looking for any acts!
Decide On Going DIY or Using A Booking Agent
For a first tour, the DIY approach allows you to maintain control while gaining valuable experience. And let’s face it, your budget will probably only allow for this to be DIY (at least in the beginning.) However, once you find more success, you can always start contacting and looking for booking agents that can leverage their industry connections to secure better deals and wider reach. Consider your band’s experience, budget, and long-term goals when making this decision.
Budgeting for Success
Touring involves various expenses, from travel and accommodation to backline rentals and merchandise. Create a detailed budget considering all potential costs. Factor in potential revenue streams like merch sales and ticket sales.
Logistics and Routing
Once you secure some gigs, map out your tour route. Look for efficient travel options that minimize long backtracks. Consider factors like travel time, rest days, and potential off-days for additional gigs.
Promotion is Key
Don’t underestimate the power of promotion! Leverage social media to announce tour dates, highlight city-specific support acts (if applicable), and offer exclusive content for fans on the road. Run targeted online ads to reach potential fans in each city you visit. Partner with local media outlets to generate pre-show buzz.
Remember to Network When Out On The Road!
The tour itself is your chance to shine! Above all, deliver fun, memorable and great performances, isn’t that why you went through all this trouble for anyway? Before and after your shows, make sure to network with local musicians, promoters, and venue owners. You never know where these connections can take you next!
Remember, touring is a marathon, not a sprint. Build a strong foundation, start small, and leverage the valuable lessons learned with each gig. With dedication, planning, and the skills honed at MI, you’ll be well on your way to rocking the world, one city at a time.
Musicians Institute is the leader in contemporary music education offering certificates to Masters degrees in programs spanning instrument performance, electronic production, music business, and everything in between.
For more information on all programs offered, please visit here: mi.edu/programs/
For more information on MI Online programs, please visit here: mi.edu/programs/mi-online/