planning a music tour

How to Plan a Music Tour: AmptUp’s Tour Routing Tool

When you’re deciding on how to plan a music tour, the challenge is often finding the right tools to make it happen.

The dream is to create a geographically-targeted tour that meets the needs of your band, takes into consideration your audience, and gets you the most bang for your buck. Finding suitable Venues along the route you’re planning to travel along has always been the hard part. And there has been a lack of available tools to help.

More and more musicians are turning to AmptUp’s Tour Routing Tool , a game-changing platform that gives you the edge you need to plan a music tour.

We’ve done everything we can to help take the mystery out of touring , and this tool is at the heart of the work we’ve done.

7000 Venues

AmptUp’s Tour Routing Tool gives you access to more than 7000 live music venues across the US when planning a music tour.

You can use the map feature to easily pinpoint venues in the cities that you’d like to visit. Then you can create a custom pitch list with contact information for each one. Whether performing solo or with your bandmates, you’ll be able to plan a music tour from point A to B, even to point C and beyond.

Easier Searches

When deciding on how to plan a music tour for your band, our tool has searchability at its core.

Not only can you search for venues using laser-targeted filters, but venues searching in those cities will also be able to find your name in the search results. This is a key advantage— it’s the only place on the internet that venues can find touring bands before they announce their tour schedules.

Figuring out how to plan a music tour just got a whole lot easier.

Dashboard and Calendar

The ease of use doesn’t end there.

Inside the Musician Dashboard, you can stack up multiple tours and view key info such as start dates, number of locations, and starting cities. You can also add shows that have been booked off the platform right here, or in your calendar.

The additional TRT Dashboard gives you the ability to name your tour, apply filters such as Venue type, genre and capacity by stage, and customize a travel radius for each stop. Plus, if you find a venue that you’re interested in, you can check out their profile which includes the genres they represent, the number of stages and capacity, the social media links.

You can even see the equipment they have so you know what you’ll need to bring.

Messaging Center

When you’re ready to pitch an AmptUp Venue, you can use the Messaging Center to communicate with them.

This gives you more detailed information so you know what’s at stake and what you’re negotiating. Plus, when an offer is on the table, you can see it all in one place, and it even goes onto your calendar with the click of a button.

Communication with Venues is key when planning a music tour.

Demystifying how to plan a music tour

AmptUp’s Tour Routing Tool is an invaluable asset for musicians figuring out how to plan a music tour and take their music on the road.

With its detailed search filters, customizable pitch lists, and easy-to-use messaging center, the tool we’ve built into our platform that takes all the guesswork out of planning a music tour.

It also gives you access to more than 7000 venues across the US, ensuring you can find the perfect places to show off your music.

Whatever your touring plans may be, AmptUp is the first step to making them a reality.

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How to Plan and Organize a Tour for Your Band

Last Updated: February 28, 2024

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 37 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 360,576 times. Learn more...

Ready to hit the road and take your music across your region, country, or even overseas? To plan a tour, you'll need to save some money, consider transportation, come up with a route, and book your venues. Once your tour is booked, don't forget to promote it. Organizing a tour takes some work, but when you're rocking out to full houses in city after city, you'll be glad you took the time to plan it well.

• Make sure you aren't playing on a night when another, bigger band is in the same town. (i.e. If you are an AC/DC tribute band don't play in Denver on the same night that AC/DC is in Denver, because no one will go to your show).
• If you are trying to play in a city and there is another show of a similar genre across town that same night, try to get on that show. Do not book your own show if you're just starting out because, odds are if you are from out of town and are new to most people, there is not much demand for your show. However, if you get on a show with the biggest local band in town and you play right before them, a lot of people will be there to see the big local band and will, consequently, see you.

• The easiest way to send these contracts is through e-mail to each venue or promoter you have arranged a show with. Have them fill it out and send it back. Keep all of the forms they send back for use as an itinerary and also to make sure things go the way they were agreed on.
• Odds are that starting out, you will have shows canceled mid tour, have promoters "forget" to pay you and other things like that, and they are honestly nearly unavoidable. It happens to almost everyone so don't let it get you down (that's why you need to take more money than you think you'll need). A contract will, however, help to deter some promoters from just flat out being flaky on you.

Community Q&A

• Buy a nice lock for your trailer and hitch. Try to get a circular one where none of the parts that could be cut are exposed. A lot of vans have had their cheap locks cut and had all their gear stolen or their entire trailer stolen. Always lock your vehicle when it is unattended, as band vans and trailers are huge targets especially in certain areas. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Start out small. Do a lot of small weekend tours around your home state or region. This is great for building a fan base and is more lucrative thanks to shorter drives. Once you start touring bigger and farther, keep your drives short, that way you aren't spending 8 hours a day driving, that is a waste of money and is also very exhausting. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Bring your own music to listen to, odds are you don't like everything your band-mates will throw in the CD player. Having your own music is also a good way to kind of get away from everyone else while on long drives, and you will want to do that. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• If you put all information on an excel spread sheet then you can work out worst case scenario and best scenario so you can work out how to get the most profit and what your loss could be. You may find it will be low. Things can change though when on tour. You may end up becoming broke or have a loss but it's always good to experiment before you go on tour. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure that your band members get along well with each other personally, and are all on the same page with regards to the reason for touring before setting out. There is nothing more miserable and counterproductive than being stuck with a band-mate(s) whose personal lifestyle or touring goals are incompatible with others. Such differences will lead to conflicts which are impossible to "manage" or "suffer through" in such an environment for any meaningful length of time. Choose your touring band carefully. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• It really does take a certain kind of person to be in a touring band. If you are a clean freak, claustrophobic, or anything like that it will be really difficult for you. To be in a touring band, you have to get used to being in uncomfortable places all the time, going without showers on occasion, having no personal space or privacy, missing people at home, and being really poor. If done right you can make some money off of touring as a band, generally though you will be lucky to break even. Just make sure you stay calm, relax and have fun. Sure, things will go wrong, but it is still an awesome adventure! Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

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General • 11 min read

How to Book a Tour: 7 Steps & 5 Tips on Getting Ready to Tour 

By Soundcharts Team

Published December 31, 2023

How to book a tour for your band

1. find out what are your most active local markets,  2. decide on the target region,  3. set up a date range , 4. set up your priorities and then fill up the details,  5. book venues, 5. once booked, set up your route, 6. start promoting, 7. (optional) find local openers, 5 tips for setting up a successful tour, 1. keep a tour budget, 2. plan a timeline, 3. plan ahead, 4. sign the contracts , 5. merch matters, conclusion .

Musicians usually get into the music industry for the creative side, not the business side, but touring is all about logistics, schedules, planning, and budgeting. That leaves many musicians woefully underprepared for booking a tour. You’ll be out of the studio and into an office-setting, interacting with music professionals of all stripes across different regions, countries, or even continents. The live industry is a complicated business : there are contracts to be signed, timelines to be drawn up, merch to be made, and much more. 

It may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry! We’ve put together this article to give you a step-by-step guide on booking a DIY tour, including all the considerations you’ll need to make and the actions you’ll need to take to put your band on the road. 

Booking a tour is a hugely complex endeavor, and the bigger the artist, the more complicated it gets. An international tour, for example, brings together booking agents, tour promoters, local promoters, artist’s management team, and labels across multiple countries — all working together to make the tour a success.

But if you are just starting out (and let’s get real here, it’s unlikely that you’re reading this guide if you’re Radiohead), then it’s a whole different ballgame. You don’t have a team of music professionals behind you, so you have to do most of the work yourself, expanding your expertise to cover all the holes. Here’s how you do it. 

There’s no point in trying to book a show in a city where no one’s ever heard of you. Start with the local markets that know you best! Instead of asking yourself which are the biggest cities you can tour, ask: in which cities do you have the most fans or listeners? Where can you sell the most tickets?

This is where music data comes in: there are plenty of data tools that include radio airplay trackers and local streaming data so that you can identify the best touring opportunities. A while back, we’ve compiled a list of music tools you can use — so check it out. 

With an idea of your strongest local markets drawn from music data, you can clearly define the scope of your tour. Will it be worthwhile for you to go overseas, or just tour across neighboring states or countries? If you’re an American band, will you focus on the US market and travel coast to coast? If you’re a European band, do you want to tour throughout continental Europe? Go wherever you have a fan base big enough so that your show makes financial sense — at least for the venue that’s going to book you.

Artists typically sync up their tour with the release of new materials: this allows you to synergize promotion for your tour and album, and ride off any buzz the release generates. But there are other things to consider as well: which date range works for you, personally? Your label, manager, and crew? And, most importantly, which dates work for your fans? For example, you probably don’t want to schedule a show in a college town during the summer when no students are around. 

The tour should be scheduled first around your biggest priority shows: the cities where you have the most fans, or a couple of key music festivals. From there, you can look for opportunities and fill in the rest of your tour around these priority shows. If you are headed to your biggest show in Phoenix, Arizona, and your tour bus passes through Flagstaff, and you know you have an audience there, then put together a show! 

Again, book venues for your biggest shows first, then fill out the rest of the route. Picking the right venue is a huge challenge: go for a bigger venue, and you might end up playing a half-empty room — go too small, and you’ll leave the fans outside the door, missing out on potential revenue. And those are just the sales considerations: you also want venues that have the right vibe and meet all your requirements. So, do your research! Check the venue databases like Indie On The Move (US-only) or Reverbnation’s venue listing (more international, but less informative).

While you obviously can book your tour by yourself, it might be a good idea to get a couple of booking agents on board to work your priority regions. Booking agents know the local venue landscape and connections with talent buyers, helping you maximize the impact of your show in exchange for a flat percentage of the shows’ revenue. The live industry is built on connections and reputation, so ask around with your fellow artists — chances are someone has a booking agent to refer. 

Contact local promoters and sell the shows — whether directly or through the booking agents! Let the local promoters know how many tickets you anticipate to sell — and bring your EPK (electronic press kit). Also, make sure you negotiate your tech rider before you sign the contract.

Now comes the logistics — you need to plan a route that makes logical sense, which means minimizing travel time and cost as much as possible. Then, get tickets and accommodation and get your equipment into the venue. Make sure to leave yourselves plenty of time to spare as well! You need your last shows to be just as strong as your first, so no burnout. 

With your tour booked, route scheduled, and accommodations made, it’s time to start promoting. Post frequently on social media reminding your fans of your tour, send out an email blast, raffle off a pair of free tickets — anything to get noticed and make sure your fans know you’re on tour. 

Collaborating with local promoters and venues for each show is critical when promoting your tour — they might have a lot to offer when it comes to regional promotion channels, including getting you on the radio, advertising at venues, and getting mentions in media. 

If you don’t have an opening act in mind, draw from local talent! Sometimes, small local bands will be openers for free just because of the exposure, ESPECIALLY if they’re fans of your band. 

If you want your tour to run smoothly, then your mantra should be: plan, plan, plan ahead. Everything from your tour route, to the amount of profit the venue will take, to the merch that you bring needs to be decided and factored in ahead of time. 

Before you set out on tour, you need to make sure that the financials work. That means calculating:

• What the promoter/venues will pay you
• Booking agent’s cut
• Cost of the crew
• Cost of backline equipment, if you need any
• Food, lodging and shipping
• Marketing & tour promotion
• Profit split between band members. 

Local promoters might cover some of those costs (like local promo and marketing), but if we’re talking DIY touring, the artists will have to cover most of the expenses (from logistics to lodging). To find out more about how tour’s budget is structured, check out our tour simulation , which provides a simplified but accurate example of the costs involved in an average tour. 

In essence, you will be selling your show to local promoters and venues. The structure of your revenue can be very different. Sometimes local promoters can take up to 100% of the ticket sales — meaning that you get only a flat fee for doing a show. This can be a nice and safe set up for artists — at least in the financial sense — since you get paid even if the show is a flop. 

However, that’s not a rule that applies across the board — you can take a stake in the show’s ticket instead, making up to 80-90% of the tour’s profits. That would be much more risky, obviously, but as it usually is in the music industry, the more the risk — the higher the returns if you succeed. 

From there, you can split your cut between your own crew and the band members. Got roadies going along? Make sure you set up a payment plan for hourly, daily, per show, etc. before you hit the road. Whatever’s leftover is the good stuff: profit (if there is any). Split up the profits however you’d like among the band members, just make sure everyone is on the same page. Don’t be TOO much like Freddie Mercury!

If it’s your first time on tour, don’t think about making a profit too much — even if you don’t make any money, you are working on building your reputation with promoters and developing your audience. If you prove yourself as a professional act that local promoters can rely on and get your fans telling their friends about that kick-ass show they’ve been to, the next tour might be much more profitable.

When scheduling the timeframe for your tour, you need to make sure that you both keep things running smoothly and efficiently, but allot enough time that you don’t easily fall behind. That means careful planning, all while accounting for potential delays.

The first step of your timeline is to calculate driving/flying time beforehand. This is easy: just plug your route into Google Maps, and you can see how long each leg of the tour is estimated to take. 

It might be tempting to rush everything and keep the tour moving as fast as possible, but for the sake of your sanity (and the sanity of your band/crew), make sure you allow enough time at each location to get set, plus some downtime on top. You’ll need time to check into the hotel, unload gear, eat something, etc. Sound checks are another factor that you have to schedule in. They can take a while, so make sure to arrive at the venue early. 

To nail down your tour timeline, don’t schedule everything so tightly that your tour bus taking a wrong turn will set the whole schedule back. You WILL be slowed down by wrong directions, delays, traffic, and probably a million other things (maybe a bit too much partying? It happens). Factor these setbacks into your timeline. 

Some venues are booked up as much as six months in advance, so to make sure you get the dates you want, start planning as early as possible! We recommend planning at least eight months ahead to ensure the whole process goes smoothly. Sure, there are examples of tours thrown together in 3 months, but that’s hardly ideal, and there’s nothing worse than missing out on a ripe opportunity for a sold-out show because you don’t book the venue in time. 

Touring contracts don’t have to be overly complicated — but you must stay professional, cover yourself, and make sure everyone is signed ahead of time. Booking contracts are often as simple as “an artist A, represented by the agent B, commits to play an N-minute show in the venue C on the day X for a $Y” — that will be enough to back up your words in case one of the parties has run-ins with the box office. 

Merch is an expectation for fans at your shows: if you don’t have the right stuff, or don’t have enough sizes for your tees and hoodies, then fans will leave disappointed. It’s less money in your pocket, less happy fans, and it can all be easily avoided with a little preparation! 

Remember: unsold merch doesn’t go in the trash; it just gets sold afterward online. Better to have merch on hand for every fan who wants it than to risk running out early. Make sure to bring your music too: band t-shirts and hoodies are cool and all, but you want to give people a way to buy and share your music as well! Bring along some vinyl or even CDs. 

And finally, accept as many payment methods as possible. The fewer payment options you take, the more you are limiting yourself and preventing people from buying your merch. When it comes to people giving you money, there’s no reason to discriminate: take credit card, Venmo, Square, Paypal, and any other commonly used payment method.

Touring is one of the most exciting parts of being a musician, but the behind-the-scenes mechanics of making a tour work are tricky (to say the least). Many artists experience massive burnout dealing with the logistics of touring than playing the shows (that’s the fun part). Just remember to take it one step at a time: first the big-picture stuff like figuring out where to tour and which are your most important shows, then the nitty-gritty details of booking venues, planning routes, signing contracts, and so on. 

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Soundcharts Team

Soundcharts is the leading global Market Intelligence platform for the music industry used by hundreds of music professionals worldwide.

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How to Book Your Own Tour: Tips for the DIY Musician

Planning a successful music tour from start to finish.

[ This article was written by guest contributor Kristine St-Pierre . ]

Do it yourself (DIY): the act of doing or creating something without the aid of experts or professionals.

Going on tour can often seem daunting, especially when you’re trying to plan the whole thing on your own. Where do you start? And how do you go about it? When I decided to do my first solo tour in 2010, I remember feeling scared, but also extremely excited for what was to come. While every day had its ups and downs, I came home not only feeling proud of what I had accomplished, but with a bunch of new songs and stories!

Having only done two tours, my experience cannot be compared to that of a seasoned touring artist. However, I’ve had many people ask me about my experience and about setting up their own DIY tour, so I thought I could share my own experience. So here are a few tips for conducting a successful tour on your own. No booker, no PR, no marketing agent. Just you.

In addition to my perspective, I’ve asked a few artist friends to share their own DIY touring tips. Hopefully these tips will prove useful when planning your own tour.

1. Map out your itinerary

Where do you want to go? Will you be driving, flying, or taking the train? L ook at a map and start identifying a possible itinerary and write down the cities/towns along the way and the distance between them . Are there specific areas where you absolutely want to go? Do you have family, friends or acquaintances with whom you could stay?

If you plan on taking the train, pick the specific route you’d like to take and identify the arrival and departure times, as these will be crucial when booking gigs and making sure you have enough time from one town to the next. For me, the choice of itinerary was based on the desire to go somewhere I had never been before and take the opportunity to visit a bit of the country.

2. Identify venues & local performers

Once I had an itinerary in mind, I looked up similar artists whom I knew had previously toured the area and made a list of all the venues on their tour . In addition, I searched for live music venues, which I thought would suit my style, and looked for open mic nights.

Another way of going about this is to find a local artist to open for or with whom to play, a tactic used by both Heather Hill and Jessica Speziale on their respective tours. Heather found it extremely valuable to open for someone who can draw, especially in a city where she didn’t have an established fan base. Jessica, for her part, found that getting in touch with local artists directly and contacted the venues with a full bill of familiar names was a great way to address the lack of a fan base.

Randy Young of the band Cherry Suede has a slightly different approach, given their already thriving fan base, but one worth mentioning. They use a  rough rule of thumb: a 10:1 ratio of their known and active fans vs. their expected draw. If they have a 1000 fans in a region, they estimate a draw of 100. Randy also warns artists to choose their venue carefully: “Your venue needs to be the type of place that YOUR fans will enjoy. Don’t set up a show in a grungy bar if your fans are the type to prefer a theatre. EVERYTHING matters. And most importantly, play only a venue you can fill. If you expect only 20 people, then play a venue that holds 18. So many bands book a large venue based on ego and not data. 100 people in a room meant for 400 is empty. 100 people in a room meant for 90 is a sellout.”

3. Contact venues

Start early! I usually start thinking about a tour 6 months in advance and start contacting places 3 months ahead of the tour. However, even that is a little last minute! Justin Lacroix who has toured across Canada multiple times suggests starting 6 to 12 months in advance. “Start planning 6-12 months ahead of time. Lock in your key shows, find other musicians to share the stage. There is a lot of organization needed to book an efficient tour. For me, I often get caught up in the booking. More specifically, waiting for venues to get back to me… or not get back to me. So the greater challenge for me is in the prep – timing it right so that more dates can be booked well ahead of time and so that I can send out posters and press releases 1-2 months ahead of time instead of 2 weeks before the show or worse or not at all.”

In addition to timing, there is the challenge of credibility. Award-winning singer-songwriter John Allaire explains that his main challenge when booking himself is just that. “There seems to be a lack of credibility when you book yourself, as opposed to an agent doing it. It’s still a struggle to get venue owners to believe in you.” I find this extremely unfortunate, especially as more and more artists, both emerging and established, are trying to go at it on their own.

4. Save/Raise $$$

While the ultimate goal would be to make a profit, or at least break even, the reality is much different. That said, there are many ways of ensuring that you do at least cover your costs so that the money from your CDs and other merchandise goes to you directly.

* Apply for funding.  There are numerous organizations (in Canada) that give out funding for national and international tours, including the Ontario Arts Council and Canadian Council for the Arts.

* Raise money. Crowdfunding is becoming increasingly popular as a means of financing the production of a cd or a tour. Look into it and talk to artists who have done it.

* Be creative! Check out Amanda Rheaume’s “Loons for Tunes” campaign , which she launched in 2010 to help her pay for gas during her 8-week tour across Canada!

5. Don’t be afraid to do this on your own! 

Sure, doing things on your own can be scary. How many of us are scared of going for dinner on our own, let alone going on a road trip for two weeks or even a month. It’s not easy, but you can do it! Plus, you’re never really alone if you’ve got your music, right?!

I like doing these trips alone, because for me it’s a time to explore and reflect. It’s also a way to prove to myself that I can do this. That said, you can also take this opportunity to travel with your friends, partner, or family! Heather is a perfect example. As a mother of two, she used her tour as an opportunity to travel with her husband and kids!

“Travelling with my family was very fun. While it was tiring, it was so great to wake up each day and know I could explore a new place through their eyes. I used to travel with work in my past and I never liked going to new places and living in different hotels. With kids, it was fun doing things they would like – having breakfast in bed and trying out all of the pools were highlights. It was nice having them at a few gigs and watching me set up my equipment and cheer me on!”

6. Don’t give up, be persistent, and have fun! Seriously 🙂

To finish off, I asked each artist to share a final thought or one of their favourite venues (I’ve played at all three mentioned here and completely agree with the selection!).

John: “ The key to touring is persistence and not getting discouraged by a few poor turn-outs here and there . Use it as an adventure. Go play somewhere out of your comfort zone. Work for your money. Win people over. It’s the only way to improve. I was playing Ottawa to 100 people per solo show… getting complacent until I booked a show in Manhattan. I had to make people like me there. To them, I was just the next guy on the bill. Push them hard enough…make them like you. When you come home, your audience will see how you’ve matured and will appreciate your shows even more.”

Heather: “ LopLops in Sault Ste. Maire . Steve the owner worked so hard to make the night successful. He put up lots of posters helped contact the media, etc.”

Justin: “ Networking, pooling resources, staying flexible, sustained efforts and perseverance are key. Oh, and once you get to the gig, it’s all about the musical sharing experience…give it all you got and it always comes back tenfold. The Apollo in Thunder Bay. Why? Character, caring owners who do their share of promoting. You charge what you like at the door and keep the earnings. There’s a great sound system and a good sound guy. They also put you up in their “hostel-esque” abode above the venue.”

Jessica: “The Griffin Gastropub in Bracebridge, ON . It’s a full night, it pays well, and the people LOVE music!!”

Randy: “ Be a master of your hometown first. If you can’t sellout a venue in your hometown – you will have an even tougher time on the road. Touring is a lot of work and a lot of detail – and it takes a team. I’m not talking about an artist needing an “agent” or a “manager” – if you are a band, you have a team built in. Assign tasks, deadlines and accountability. I would book ONE show every 8-12 weeks in your hometown until you sell out the venue. This will reveal any strengths and weaknesses at EVERY level of your show – from performance to promotion. And only then – try a town nearby and do it again – until you build a few markets within a radius that you can re-visit.”

*I’d like to thank the following artists who contributed to this article: John Allaire ( www.johnallaire.com ); Heather Hill ( www.heatherhill.com ); Justin Lacroix ( www.justinlacroix.com ); Jessica Speziale ( www.jessicaspeziale.com ); and Randy Young ( www.cherrysuede.com ).

For more information about booking your own tour, download our free guide:

[hana-code-insert name=’touring-dont-miss’ /]

[ Picture of North America from Shutterstock . ]

6. Finalize a date and time.

The optimal date and time for your event will depend on your audience and your event concept. Some themes and concerts work better in a nighttime setting, where you can use lighting and backdrops to set the mood and tone. Other concepts and venues, especially outdoor ones, will be logistically easier to manage in the day.

Keep in mind that your audience has times that will work best for them as well. Take into account things like school, work, and holiday schedules to determine what day and time is best for your concert.

7. Determine what equipment is needed.

Speak with your musical talent and your venue to determine what equipment you’ll need for the performance and whether the venue can provide any of it. This could include a stage, speakers, microphones, sound system, lighting, and other audio/visual equipment. Check with your musical talent to determine what equipment they will be bringing themselves and what you are responsible for. 

Think about the acoustics of your space and whether you’ll need any amplification for the musical performance, as well as what types of seating arrangements make the most sense. If your venue is outdoors, make sure that you have a way to protect the equipment from the elements. As you speak with vendors, talent, and the venue to determine your equipment needs, make sure to ask how long they will need for setup and breakdown, and whether they need access to power, a loading dock, or any other special access. These details will be key to add to your plan to avoid costly mistakes.

8. Create a comfortable environment.

Keep your talent comfortable and help them prepare by creating or outfitting a backstage area. This can be any semi-private or private area in your venue, but it should have easy access to the stage as well as restroom facilities.

You can create a comfortable experience backstage by providing water, soft drinks, snacks, and other small necessities for your musical talent. Ask them in advance whether they will need somewhere to change, warm-up, or rest between performance periods.

Your audience’s comfort will depend on access to restroom facilities, refreshments, and appropriate seating. If your venue is outdoors, make sure there’s enough shelter in the case of inclement weather, or have a backup plan for when a storm rolls in.

Don’t forget to make a plan for everyone’s safety, too. You should have adequate security, medical assistance, and event assistants for the size of your audience and for your venue.

9. Start selling tickets.

If you’re planning on making money from the concert, you’ll need to sell tickets . You can partner with a ticketing service to offer print or digital tickets for your event. Some ticketing services offer the ability to use custom branding on the tickets, accept multiple payment methods, and offer tiered pricing. Many will also include a website for your ticketing and integration with your social media accounts.

The time and date of the concert should be clearly marked on the ticket, along with relevant seating information and a clear return/refund policy.

10. Promote the concert.

Just like any other event, the promotion for your concert will directly correlate to its success. You’ll need a marketing plan that takes into account your event concept, audience, and the musical talent that you’ve brought on board. If the talent has certain channels that work well for their marketing, make sure to double down on those channels and partner with the talent to spread the word.

You can increase your reach and spread your message further with the help of event partners . Sponsors, merchandisers, concert promoters, ticket sellers, and the venue can all be helpful in the marketing of your event. Get everyone on the same page about the event concept and goals and make it easy for them to promote the event by providing social media, email, and print assets that they can share.

Make sure to capture high-quality photos and videos leading up to and during the event, too. These will become marketing gold in your event follow-up and could be really useful if you’re considering making the event into a series or repeating it next year.

Now you know how to plan a concert!

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Complete Guide To Planning Your Next Tour

______________________________

Guest post by Maryn Mcdonnell

Ready to hit the road and show off your music across a planned route, which could be across many countries, cities, or even overseas for bigger acts? Touring is a lot of fun, and it will allow you to network and gain more fans. Playing live is also a fantastic way to grow and learn as a musician and a good test of your resilience.

Without a shadow of a doubt, a lot of effort and time goes into planning a music tour. You will need to embark on organising your tour a year or months in advance to have the most successful one. Now, let us look at how to organise and plan a music tour on the road.

Get a team together

The size of the team varies on whether you have a financial backing maybe from a music label and a large following. Large music tours can consist of a booking agent, a tour manager, production managers, videographers, sound technicians, and much more.

For most bands and musicians, the team requirements won’t be that expensive. They will probably want to begin with a booking agent or tour manager.

Plan your route

Try to come up with a route that makes sense. A route that takes the distance between live shows and potential earnings into account.

In addition, ensure that your music tour locations aren’t too far apart to avoid unnecessary pressure of arriving on time. You need to focus more on putting on an incredible live show for everyone.

Get a car or a van

A conversion van is most preferred. It is not only roomy, but is comfortable, can power a small television, a video game system, VCR, and has rear seating that folds into a bed. Other vehicles to use during the music tour are Honda Element, Mitsubishi Outlander, or a Toyota Prius.

when getting a van, is also important to go for models that can fit a slide on camper. There are a number of slide on camper manufacturers with great deals out there.

Tour logistics

Figuring out the support system of your team, logistics, should be a top priority. You don’t want running over your budget or risk people and equipment not arriving on time.

Transcontinental tours need a lot of staff, and forward-thinking is needed. The tours are mostly split into ‘legs’ to simplify travel logistics.

Having a tour manager or a booking agent

A tour manager will plan and organise everything from the finances to the logistics of your team. They will liaise with the venues and promoters to ensure everything runs perfectly, smoothly. Tour managers can session artists should you require them and take charge of things like hiring drivers and vans, if necessary. They can also help in managing tour routing and budgets.

Having a booking agent is worth considering; he or she will take a large burden off your shoulder. A booking agent will put together a list of venues and book and organise the dates you visit which venues. Their task is liaising with venues and promoters to get you every gig, mapping out the tour, and booking tours.

Perfect the setlist

Creating a setlist is arguably a more creative and fun aspect of how to plan a tour. Factors to consider, include the feel, tempo, and key of your songs. You should pay attention to how the crowd reacts to every song on your setlist.

It is also essential to regularly change things to keep your audience or crowd on their toes.

We hope this guide has helped you learn how to organise a music tour. Have set goals for your music tour; otherwise, it won’t have much success. Have conversations about what you strongly hope to achieve on your upcoming music tour realistically.

Also, accommodation and food budgeting are crucial. It is a great idea to talk with other musicians or bands you are touring with to arrange accommodation.

[PS: Don't forget to post your tour dates and promote them for free using the new Bandsintown For Artists. ]

Maryn Mcdonnell is a creative content writer. She spends her days working closely with many entrepreneurs and creative thinkers from various fields. Her interests include travel, self-improvement, and technology. Find Maryn on Twitter @MarynMcdonnell

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Tips for Musicians: Tour Promotion, How to Plan and Organize a Tour

Touring: How to Plan and Organize a Tour

Tour Promotion: Ready to hit the road and take your music across your region, country, or even overseas? To plan a tour, you’ll need to save some money, consider transportation, come up with a route, and book your venues. Once your tour is booked, don’t forget to promote it. Organizing a tour takes some work, but when you’re rocking out to full houses in city after city, you’ll be glad you took the time to plan it well.

Make sure you have written at least one album. Not a couple of songs, an entire album; you’ll need a lot of songs for your shows. Plan on having enough material to play a 45 minute to hour-long set, plus one or two encore numbers (think positive – you want those encores!).

Get a van, or a car with a trailer. You need the trailer to hold your instruments and equipment. A 12 or 15-Passenger van (i.e. Chevy Express 3500) is preferable because they are spacious enough to be comfortable but also get good gas mileage for what they are. With a van you also want to get some sort of roadside assistance such as AAA or Better World Club and keep your vehicle in good working order, especially for longer tours.

• Search for contacts in each city you hope to play in. The best contacts are local bands that play in the area and venues. Send the band/venue/promoters in each city a message asking them to check out your band and let them know that you are interested in playing a show with them/at their venue on such and such day. You can’t always get a show on the day you are looking for and sometimes have to change your route or find a different venue to play at.
• Make sure you aren’t playing on a night when another, bigger band is in the same town. (i.e. If you are an AC/DC tribute band don’t play in Denver on the same night that AC/DC is in Denver, because no one will go to your show).
• If you are trying to play in a city and there is another show of a similar genre across town that same night, try to get on that show. Do not book your own show if you’re just starting out because, odds are if you are from out of town and are new to most people, there is not much demand for your show. However, if you get on a show with the biggest local band in town and you play right before them, a lot of people will be there to see the big local band and will, consequently, see you.

Get merchandise made and CD’s pressed. If you only have a demo or a three song “EP” you can still take and get them pressed and labeled packaged inexpensively. You can also do it yourself; it doesn’t really matter, just as long as you have them available to sell/give out on tour. If someone hears your band and likes it but can’t get a CD, odds are they will not remember you. Make sure to include your band name, a track listing and a website/Myspace URL so that they can find you online. If you have the money, you would be wise to come up with even just two or three simple t-shirts. Don’t start out too fancy or expensive because as a small touring band, there is no guarantee people will want to buy your shirts, but having two or three different designs available for your new fans to buy helps you make extra money and is free advertisement when they wear them.

Make sure that each member has his/her equipment ready to go. New strings and extra picks are a must for all guitars and bass. Drummers, bring extra sticks, and don’t forget your drum key! Organize your equipment in your trailer in a way that keeps everything fragile (i.e. heads, drums, etc..) as low and tightly packed as possible. Road cases are great to have for literally every piece of equipment. Make sure that all of your equipment is ready to go, no broken tubes in your Triple Rectifier, no broken drum heads and the like. Do not leave home without a tuner and functioning instrument cables, there is no better way to look unprofessional than to need to borrow a tuner every night. Take extra cables and cords and check everything every day to make sure it’s in good shape for your next show.

Each person should pack lightly. People in bands are notoriously dirty, it’s a fact of life. Bring two bags at most! A backpack with entertainment items like computers, iPods, books, and toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant etc. which you keep in the van with you, and bring a large duffel bag or small suitcase with your clothes, which stays in the trailer or back of the van. Focus mainly on having lots of socks, underwear, and t-shirts. Shirts and pants can be worn repeatedly. If you are in a different city every day, no one is going to know you wore the same outfit the day before. Just make sure your clothes are clean – you sweat onstage because of the hot lights. Don’t kid yourself that it’s okay to wear a shirt you’ve soaked two nights in a row. Take it to a laundromat and wash it. Throw in your used underwear and socks while you’re at it.

Save up money for a few months. Each person should have enough money to pay for his/her own food on the tour and the band should have some money to get started off with – you will need gas for the van, some upkeep money for oil, transmission, brake fluids, etc., and sundry money for sundry needs – maybe one of you will get a cold, and need some NyQuil or something. It’s best to be prepared with more than you think you’ll need.

Come up with a route or plan for your tour. Planning which town/city you would like to play on which days. Try to plot a route that makes sense, i.e., try to make a circle rather than playing in one city one day, traveling 150 miles (240 km) to the next city the next day – and then doubling back to play back in that same starting city the day after that! Instead, try to book two shows in City #1, a day apart, and then travel on to City #2, 150 miles away. Make sure all of your band members are available during the entire time allotted.

• Write up a contract for promoters and venues. You don’t need to hire a lawyer to write it up, just use common sense. Make a form with spaces for venue name, address, phone number, load-in time, sound check time, show time, and pay. This works both as a means of making sure you do not get screwed over, and also is useful as an itinerary. That way you have a contact sheet for every show and know when you need to be there, and other important information.
• Send these contracts through e-mail (not Myspace) or regular U.S. Mail to each venue or promoter you have arranged a show with. Have them fill it out and send it back. Keep all of the forms they send back for use as an itinerary and also to make sure things go the way they were agreed on.
• Odds are that starting out, you will have shows canceled mid tour, have promoters “forget” to pay you and other things like that, and they are honestly nearly unavoidable. It happens to almost everyone so don’t let it get you down (that’s why you need to take more money than you think you’ll need). A contract will, however, help to deter some promoters from just flat out being flaky on you.

Make up a flyer for each of the shows with the venue name, show date, address and what bands are playing as well as start time and send them to the venues/band/promoters you are playing with. Sometimes promoters or other bands do this for you and send the flyer to you. Either way, make sure it is up on your Myspace. If you’ll be playing a large number of dates, you may want to make a template poster with a big blank spot to write in the date, time, location, and cover. Make sure your website is on the flyer, so you don’t have to write it out.

Write an inventory of every little thing in the van, and make copies. You will be packing and unpacking your vehicle over and over, and the likelihood of missing something is pretty high when you factor in late-night exhaustion after a gig, the darkness of night and clubs, and mother nature. And that beer before the set. Make it easy on yourself, and just have a list. Make copies of the inventory, and use it as a checklist before you leave every town.

Before you leave take your tour vehicle in for service. Get the oil changed, tires checked, fluids checked, etc. It is important to keep a well maintained vehicle in order to avoid overusing your brand new AAA card!

Hope this Help.

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How To Plan a Tour For Your Band

I’ve been touring with Skunk Anansie for the last 23 years – in fact, we’re on tour at the moment – so over the years I’ve learnt a fair bit about being on the road.

As a tutor at ACM, I work with new bands constantly and we often have young support acts join us on tour, so I understand what a big deal getting out on the road for the first time can be. Getting the basics right – like perfecting the music and packing enough pairs of clean pants – is pretty obvious even to the greenest of musicians, but there are lots of hidden extras which are often overlooked.

How to organise a band tour

Planning your tour before you leave.

1. Before booking any dates, consider looking into gig swaps with other bands you’ve befriended on social media in their home regions. You can open for them in their town and vice versa. That way you’ll both take advantage of hometown followings and can start to build your profiles in new areas.

2. Assemble a street team online made up of your followers in the places you’ll be touring. They can support you by getting the word out about your gig on social media and on the streets in their region, and you can reward them with free music, gig tickets or merchandise.  

3. Plan some press with local newspapers, fanzines and radio stations. Drop them a line in advance, tell them you’re coming to town and are available for interviews, and give them free guest list gig tickets in return. A music press campaign is a great way of building your support network for future tours and releases too.

4. Put a cool, inexpensive merchandise range together before you leave. This will help subsidise the cost of your tour.

5. Create a set list which flows , as this will be key to keeping the crowd interested and their energy levels constant. Think about how the songs work together, and if it seems a bit disjointed at your first couple of shows, try reordering them.

Your Band Tour Checklist

Here's my handy checklist of things you need to consider when putting together your first tour:

Decide whether you want to Do It Yourself or go through an agent and pay a commission.

Research sizes, capacity, locations of gig spots and decide which venues are best for your band .

Make sure you consider the logistical and economic pros and cons of planning a particular route. Always try to secure a string of dates which can be travelled to in a logical order.

Band and crew costs

Tally up costs for wages, food, accommodation and sundry items for everyone on the tour, including band members, roadies, merchandising people and any extra session musicians.

Sound and lighting

Do you take your own sound and lighting engineers or use the ones provided by the venues? Taking your own can make for an amazing show, but it’s another expense to include. If you’re using the venue’s sound and lighting people, is this included in the venue cost or are these extra costs on top? It’s important to ask.

Make sure you have facilities worked out to pay everyone once on tour and be aware that employed personnel will want to receive their payments on their days off… so they can spend it!

Merchandising

You’ll need to work out what to take, how much stock to bring and have options for reorders on the road if you’re doing really well with it. Work out who is to sell it – your own person or in-house venue staff? Who gets paid for this and is there a commission?

Promotional artwork

Make sure you print up posters, flyers and any other tour artwork and send them out to the venues well in advance of your shows, as they’ll need them to help sell gig tickets .

How much do you need? It’s a good idea to bring spares of some items to travel with, in case you have technical difficulties. Work out the size of van you’ll need based on your equipment… and don’t forget to include space for merchandise. Check that all the music gear you need for a gig is working properly before you start off on tour.

Weigh up the costs of petrol, parking and insurance if it’s your own van, or add hire costs into the mix if you’re renting.

Tour bus hire

Going down the route of no hotels and using a bus company instead for your accommodation and gear transport is an expensive option most of the time. Make sure you’ve done your sums and priced up alternative options before making your decision.

Banners or stage backdrops

These are necessary so audience members know the name of your band while you’re playing, but make sure any you get made up are fireproof, as venues will require this.

Tax and VAT

Are you registered with HMRC? Make sure you’re above board when it comes to the tax man, as if you’re in the public eye, then he’ll come calling sooner rather than later!

How to make your band's tour a success

The key to a successful tour is booking the right venues to suit your status, good promotion to ensure everyone knows about it, and actually getting the punters to attend your gig.

Well planned tours will make for a happy band and a fun and exciting experience. Badly planned tours will lead to discontent, loss of money, inevitable low morale and lots of band arguments. So have fun, tear the place up and hit the road, but be sure to take care of the serious business first.

If you’d like to study music at ACM and learn from some of the world’s most experienced musicians like Ace, please call the ACM Admissions Team on 01483 500 841 or visit www.acm.ac.uk to book a place on an ACM Open Day today.

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A Tour Planning Checklist for Touring Artists

So you have all your shows booked and you’re ready to take your show on the road? Not so fast! There is plenty more to do before you put your foot on the gas pedal.  Going on tour can be invigorating. There’s a sense of supreme freedom a musician experiences when on the road. It’s truly magical. However, to ensure you have a great experience, there’s a bit more planning involved as it is with anything. The time between booking shows for a tour and when you hit the road is very important.  Don’t let this window of time slip away. You need to be diligent about keeping track of all the details, promotions, and staying organized. It’s not easy managing a tour and the longer your tour is, the harder it will be to manage.  Use this checklist as a guide to help you plan a seamless tour.

Also, check out… How to Book a Tour Download a Sample Tour Budgeting Spreadsheet

One Month Before Your First Show

• Promote, Promote, Promote all shows. Whether you need to make posters, flyers, or launch a street team campaign, do all your promoting now.
• Book Hotel Reservations, Travel Arrangements, Rental Car, etc.
• Double-check merchandise inventory to make sure you have enough to cover your tour. Reorder items if needed.

Two Weeks Before Your First Show

• Advance all shows. Call/E-mail the venues to confirm details such as load-in, length of show, number of sets, parking instructions, on-site contact info, special show instructions and any equipment you might need to bring along. Also, find out how the venue is planning on paying and whether they need a W9. I’ll never forget heading out to a show that was going to be about 2 hours away and not finding out until an hour into the drive that the show was canceled!  I was pretty peeved, to say the least. Don’t make my mistake. Advance all shows. I’d even recommend sending an advance e-mail 2 weeks before the show and also a one-liner note a day or two before as well just to keep up good communication.
• Send a personal invite to friends and family who live in the cities that you will be performing in. They may or may not come, but at least you can say you reached out.

One Week Before Your First Show

• Print out show details such as parking passes/info; contact name and number, load-in times, pay rate, length, and number of sets
• Print out Routes
• Create an itinerary including hotel confirmations and check-in times, plus show dates and load in times
• Print out Tour Budget
• Create a folder and include maps, routes, directions, and all other printouts in the folder
• Send your itinerary to band members if applicable
• Check your car! Make sure you have fresh oil, tire alignments, and check for any potential problems that might arise while on the road that you can avoid.

When You Hit the Road

• Mark car mileage for tax purposes

When You Get Home After Your Tour

• Reach out to everyone who signed up on your mailing list and offer something nice as a thank you for coming to your show
• Reach out to all venues and show hosts with a Thank You and plant the seed for another show in the future down the line (if you had a great show and turnout)
• Add your new fans to your mailing list
• Deposit your money and log your expenses and earnings in your accounting system
• Notate what your mileage is for tax purposes

Download the Tour Checklist

This tour planning checklist will help you plan your next amazing tour!

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Did you like this article?  Check out the Tour Series:

How to Book a Tour A Sample Tour Budgeting Spreadsheet  (Free Download) 5 Benefits to Touring as an Independent Artist The Fool-Proof Guide to Filling Empty Tour Dates How to Break Even or Turn a Profit on Your Tour

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How To Plan A Concert – Gig Checklist

Todd McCarty January 25, 2020 Music 14 Comments

How To Plan A Concert

Ever wonder how to plan a concert or how to get more people to come back each time? When I was a touring musician, I did a lot of the booking for my band’s shows. Later on as a tour manager and label executive at Fearless Records and Sony Music, I learned even more. So here are some tips on how to organize a concert, event planning, and gig promotion.

Planning A Gig

• Plan a live music concert event using this concert planning guide.
• Review the gig checklist (click here) and customize it for your concert.
• Setup a concert with the venue, and confirm your budget.
• Do gig promotion online, street marketing, and print media.
• Handle logistics and technical aspects of the concert.
• Most of all ensure fans have a good time and come to your next gig.

Not Just Another Show – Come Up With an Event Concept

Make your concert an event, not just a performance. At most concerts activity is limited to waiting around, watching music, or buying merchandise and drinks. So plan other things for people to do while at the event. Give the evening a purpose. Is there a mission or cause? Convert concert goers to fans. Give these people another reason to come back to your next show. Furthermore the media will be impressed if you do something nobody has done before to market your event.

The GOAL is to have more people come out each time you play. At first you have 20 people at your show. Then 40…60. And onto 100, 200, and so on.

Branded concert series for your band. Four events a year. Make each concert bigger than the next.

I got this idea years ago from a Japanese band I worked with called Eastern Youth . They made it an invitational concert series called “Voices of the Far East”. Eastern Youth were the headliner each time, and invited one or two bands to support them. The great thing about it was… they always planned ahead. They got into a rhythm of marketing their events. Also, all of that effort went into promoting THEIR band and growing their fan base.

• Provide an attractive price to entice people to come time and time again. Perhaps some proceeds from the show go to a charity of your choice.
• Brand the concert series more like a festival with advertising, sponsors, partners, local press, radio, and it becomes a widely respected and recognized part of the community.
• As a result, each time you do a local show, it’s a big event and well attended.

MARKET ROTATION – Regional Strategy

Plan to play regional concerts so that you don’t overplay your home market. You can apply all the promotional tips in this article to each event. The goal is to increase your turnout each time you return to these markets. Keep building your fan base through personal interaction on stage and at the merch table. Use an email signup list  and keep in touch with fans on social media. 

The Worst Show Ever – Pick Your Venue, Location, and Time

Imagine this. A band with an all ages (under 21) audience accepts a show that costs $15. The set time is midnight on a Wednesday night, and the club is 21+. There is absolutely no reason to waste time with this event. No amount of promotion and marketing will get your younger audience to this show. Keeping in mind you don’t want to overplay your market, choose your venue and show carefully. If your music appeals to a high school demographic, play midday concerts on a weekend at an all ages venue.

Consider your location, venue size, and costs to rent the venue. Outdoor venues are a challenge because of extra production costs and weather considerations. Developing artists should set a reasonable ticket price. High ticket prices can kill your concert turnout.

FREE PDF – GIG CHECKLIST – DOWNLOAD HERE

We g ot screwed – concert budget.

A thorough budget and careful planning will ensure you don’t get screwed. By planning and promoting your own event, you are putting the outcome in your own hands. You have control and can plan for problems.

First, determine what the financial goal is. Will it be a for-profit concert or for charity?

Some items to consider in your concert planning and BUDGET are as follows:

• How many bands / groups will perform
• The venue rental fee
• How the venue makes money vs. how you make money
• Staff / security costs
• Production costs. i.e. PA, sound system, lights, engineer
• If there is a ticketing company, what percentage do they take?
• Advertising costs
• Printing posters and flyers
• Cost to manufacture merchandise

Mistake to Avoid:

Don’t just estimate the amount of tickets sold and multiply by the ticket price. That is not your budget. Do the reverse. First add up all of your expense on an Excel spreadsheet. Then work backwards. Take all of your expenses and determine what price you need to set for tickets. This will ensure you have your costs covered and some profit leftover for yourself.

Adam Jankie and Sara Donelly from Illusive Entertainment have a great 3-part video series. They’ve booked hundreds of events over the years, and get straight to the point.

How to Plan a Concert – Booking the Show

Like any successful event, make sure you set yourself up for success. Don’t book a concert the same night as a major competing event that your fans will already be at. Avoid college towns when school is out of session.

Venue size and type are important. A low turnout can be be a bummer for you, the promoter, and most of all – the fans. So don’t book a venue that you can’t fill at least 70% or sell out. If you’re not confident, it’s better to book a smaller room and sell it out.

• Come up with a list of potential venues and contact information
• Rank them in order of how well they fit your financial goals
• Choose the date and time wisely
• Factor in total costs, demographics, size, and relationship with promoter
• Know what you want before approaching venue/promoter
• Be prepared to show your marketing plan
• Pitch your event
• Confirm date and budget

Like what you’re learning so far? I teach my full Spotify marketing strategy inside Band Builder Academy. I’ve also developed free software that taps into the Spotify API and it’s for members only. CLICK HERE to Learn More.

Twitter gives you a list of events. Click the profile icon to get a dropdown. Select “Analytics”. In the top navigation, click Events.  

READER QUESTION – Pre Sale Tickets:

“Many of the shows we play require selling presale tickets. More often than not, we find ourselves losing a chunk of money because we are covering a portion of the tickets that we couldn’t sell. Should we continue to do shows like this or should we focus our efforts on concerts that revolve around local bands?”  – Chris – ASHES

Supporting other artists is a good strategy. Throughout this article, I encourage artists to earn a reputation as a headlining act. But when choosing to support, the deciding factor should be how likely the concert is to sell out or have a successful turnout. Review all of the factors in this article to determine whether this show was set up for success or failure.

Only agree to play concerts that are booked at the right sized venues, with good promotion, and at the right ticket price. Often times these promoters are using the bands to fill their venue on a slow night. If they were confident in their decision to book an artist, would they really need a local opener to sell tickets for them? Be cautious of this trap. If there are doubts that it’s going to be a half full room, don’t confirm the concert. If everything looks good, and it looks like a positive situation, do your best to promote the show like it was your own.

Here are 7 Helpful Touring Tips from 50 Bands

Finding marketing partners and special guests.

Music fans like to attend exciting events and be witnesses to something great. Promote each of your concerts like it was a festival or big event. Major events have sponsors and partnerships with brands and local businesses. Pitch your idea to these sorts of companies, and get them involved.

Concert Partnerships

• Consumer Brands
• Clothing Brands
• Non Profit Organizations
• Beverage Companies
• Screenprinter
• Press Partners
• Social Influencers

Choosing Special Guests

Choose your special guests carefully. They should be viewed similarly to brands and partners. What do they have to offer in the way of turnout or marketing? It would be great if they bring out a different audience, from a different part of town, or younger or older. Trade shows with regional bands so that you can support them in their home market.

Mistakes to Avoid :

• Don’t overplay. Make each event special and don’t play with the same artists over and over. Play with a variety of new artists. Go outside of your market and build your audience in the region.
• Avoid playing the same set too often in one market. Make sure to have new material each time you play. 

Gig promotion – Marketing and Ticket Sales

Now that you know how to plan a concert, you need to promote them like any other product. Some bands create a marketing plan for each live event. In my experience smaller venues and “promoters” for local bands and smaller shows don’t do a very thorough job of “promotion”. You have to take this into your own hands.

Street Marketing for Concerts

• Old fashioned flyering and hanging posters
• Online street team marketing – digital flyering
• Contests and incentives for street team
• Spotify QR reader code can be printed on anything (sticker, business card size takeaway, etc). The code can lead back to a playlist of your music or music from the tour.

Advertising Concerts

• Google and Facebook ads that are geo-targeted for your concert, or tour markets.
• BandsInTown campaign
• Social media posts (free advertising)
• Local music weekly print ad. Pool resources amongst other artists to place a 1/8 or 1/4 page concert ad in your local weekly or monthly music paper.
• Finally, for national tours, if you have sponsorship partners, consider buying a print ad in the best music magazine in each market.

Print & Online Media

• Create a press release
• Team up with the other bands. Make a tour trailer for YouTube and Facebook Video
• Reach out directly (or through a PR) to local press and media
• Promote the buy tickets links on social media regularly.  Update the header of your socials to call out the concert or tour (poster art)
• Concert previews and interviews running on key outlets
• E-blasts from media in addition to your band email list to promote the event
• Contest (ideally with a tour sponsor or media partner with a large email list) (Autographs, guitar, drum heads, meet & greet, hang with the band, etc)
• 5 Ways To Get Press Features On Your Own

Ask the promoter for their local press list. They will probably be happy to share it with you if they know that you will be helping with the promotion effort. And this shows them you know how to plan a concert.

Mistake To Avoid :

Many artists assume if they simply make music and play shows, they will build a bigger fan base. It’s assumed that each concert will lead to a bigger concert and their fan base will grow. This is the wrong way to look at it. It’s actually the other way around.

First of all, make as many fans as you can online, with street marketing, and with media. Then get fans to come to your concert. Therefore, if you’ve already softened the ground before the concert, you have a much better chance of growing your audience and selling merchandise. Also, you will impress the promoter because your band will stand above the other bands on the bill. Most artists don’t try to convert concert goers until the night of the show. That’s a mistake.

Mistakes to Avoid:

Make sure to list your concert on Songkick, BandsInTown and the other concert listing websites. Many artists forget to go and update Facebook and their website with the concert information. So it’s crucial to add dates on Songkick because it will show up on your Spotify profile.

The Best Show Ever – At The Venue / Event

If you want your audience to continue to grow from show to show, don’t sit back and expect the same people to come to every show. Because each concert presents a challenge to reach new people. Therefore promote and market the concert to a new audience each time.

Here are some tips to make it your best concert ever.

• Dress up the stage. Use scrims (printed screens that go in front of the amplifiers, or paint your amplifiers, bass drum head)
• E-mail list signup / pen & paper / iPad. Offer something free in exchange for a sign-up.
• Merch Table
• Info / Welcome table (for your marketing partners & sponsors)
• Bring a videographer / photographer to the concert or on tour to use as content on social media and YouTube
• Spotify QR Reader Code can be printed on anything (sticker, business card size takeaway, merch item, shirt, whatever). The code can lead back to a playlist of your music or music from the tour
• Backdrop for the stage (or projector image). Brand the poster art / tour ad mat. (for touring)
• Finally, sell/pre-order something new. New album or track coming. Take pre-orders. Leave them with a sticker that has a link to check out a free MP3 of a new track coming out. (could be included with any purchase) Here is an article on how to make your venue sales count towards the album charts . 

For more detailed tips, grab this Free Gig Checklist  – HERE

So, I’ve set out to show you how to plan a concert that will entice people to come back to your next event. Getting more fans and repeat business is key. You can apply the tips in this guide for one off gigs, concerts, and festivals, or for your regional and national tours. The same rules generally apply.  What are some creative ideas you’ve seen from other artists or your own? Share them in the comments below.

Like what you’ve learned here? I teach my full Spotify marketing strategy inside Band Builder Academy. I’ve also developed free software that taps into the Spotify API and it is for members only. CLICK HERE to Learn More.

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14 Comments on “How To Plan A Concert – Gig Checklist”

Good read! Once again an article that I will use time and time again! Another tip is at the end of the night submit a live performance report with your PRO so you can collect royalties from the performance. US ASCAP: https://www.ascap.com/help/registering-your-music/performancenotification US BMI: https://www.bmi.com/special/bmi_live UK PRS: https://www.prsformusic.com/royalties/report-live-performances Australia APRA: http://apraamcos.com.au/about-us/faqs/performance-reports/

Great tip Andrew! Thanks for sharing that with everybody. – Todd

I enjoy helping other people who need help. I usually participate in some t-shirt for a cause and concert for a cause project. I’m really fond of music although I didn’t get the golden voice, I’m planning to set up a live tour concert for my friend’s daughter who is sick. Thanks for pointing out that I need to consider the location, venue size, and costs to rent the venue. I’ll see different venues so I can gauge its total capacity.

Thanks for the information!

We have this course in school that requires us to organize a music gig for all homegrown talents to earn funds for the victims of the recent calamity. Thanks for the tip to make an attractive price to the audience so that a lot of people will be engaged in attending the event. I’d suggest planning ahead of time and plotting the budget so that we can push through with all the plans in mind. http://heroesliveent.com/alternative concerts

I liked your tip about asking the promoter for their local press list.

thank you for this write up unfortunately I have been unable to download the free pdf gig checklist even after I already signed up to the mailing list. please help

Hi Shalom, I’ve resent the email for your download. Please check your email again. Todd

I do agree with you that when planning a concert, it is important for us to consider the venue. When planning a concert, it is important for us to ensure the acoustics are excellent. Assuming I were to plan a concert, I will keep this tip in mind.

great infromation.

I’m glad you talked about how it’s important to make a budget of the items you’ll need to plan a music event. Recently, my sister mentioned that in her daughter’s school, they’re having a music event to raise money for a charity. The parents are in charge of making the event happen, so I think this article could help my sister. I appreciate your tips about considering production costs when making your event’s budget.

Great article! I’ve produced shows for major award winning artist as well as my own. Having a checklist like this is critical! Getting local sponsors can make a huge difference and make it into a larger community event.

thanks for sharing this info with us

No problem Marvin, thanks for checking it out. Todd

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Concert Marketing: How to Setup a Tour for Your Music Shows!

Concert Marketing: How to Plan a Music Tour: Are you a musician or band ready to take your career to the next level and plan a music tour? If so, you've come to the right place. We're about to detail the essential steps to effectively plan your music tour.

Touring can be a great way to promote your music and expand your fan base. But it can also be tricky to plan correctly. Show dates, budget, logistics, merchandise, and setlist are just some of the critical elements that must be planned. And you may need to consider assembling a team to help you get the show on the road.

The 12 key steps to successfully plan a music tour are:

• Ensure You Have Enough Music
• Consider Assembling a Team
• Secure Venues and Gig Dates
• Work Out Your Budget
• Plan the Logistics
• Look for an Opening Act
• Draw Up Your Set List
• Make Your Merchandise
• Determine How You’ll Make Money
• Write & Distribute a Press Release
• Update and Send Out Your EPK
• Market Your Tour

Apart from these crucial elements, you’ll also need to consider how you’ll make money on the road. And marketing your tour will be just as vital.

This article will outline some guidelines for planning and executing your first tour successfully. We’ll provide you with the essential steps to take and offer some additional tips along the way.

Table of Contents hide 1 12 Essential Steps to Plan a Music Tour 1.1 1. Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Ensure You Have Enough Music 1.2 2. Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Consider Assembling a Team 1.3 3. Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Secure Venues and Gig Dates 1.4 4. Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Work Out Your Budget 1.5 5. Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Plan the Logistics 1.6 6. Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Look for an Opening Act 1.7 7. Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Draw Up Your Set List 1.8 8. Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Make Your Merchandise 1.9 9. Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Determine How You’ll Make Money 1.10 10. Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Write & Distribute a Press Release 1.11 11. Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Update and Send Out Your EPK 1.12 12. Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Market Your Tour 2 Conclusion 3 Author 3.1 Related Posts:

12 Essential Steps to Plan a Music Tour

1.   concert marketing-how to plan a music tour: ensure you have enough music.

Before you can even think about touring, you must have a catalog of music to play live. This doesn't have to be an extensive catalog. But you should at least have enough songs to entertain a crowd for an hour or so.

Therefore, it’s ideal to plan a music tour when you have a good 10 to 15 songs in your pocket. These should be songs that showcase what you offer as a musician and will entertain a crowd. They should also be songs you can perform well live.

Playing a cover song to beef up your show is not entirely off the table. But it should be a last resort and should certainly not exceed one or two songs. Remember that if you're going to play someone else's music live and profit from it, you must do so legally. Find out what your options are and the cost involved.

2.   Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Consider Assembling a Team

When you plan a music tour, something to consider is who you’ll take with you. Putting a good tour together is no small task. Therefore, you'll benefit from putting a good team together if the budget allows.

This may mean engaging the services of a manager, promoter, account, and marketing professional. Adding a sound technician to your team will ensure that your audio quality is at its best from one venue to the next. And bringing a lighting technician on board would be beneficial, especially if the lighting is integral to your performance.

That said, it’s worth noting that some venues have their own in-house sound and lighting technicians. So, it’s exploring your options in this regard when speaking to venue managers.  

If money is tight right now, perhaps just hire a manager and promoter, as these will be the most critical hires. These professionals will help you get ready for your first tour. It would also be to your advantage to speak to tour managers and booking agents. If you have some budget to spend on this, it's a good idea to speak to a few tour managers and booking agents.

These experienced individuals can help you plan your tour dates, find venues, secure transport, and take care of all the logistics for you. And this could provide a great deal of relief if you're not familiar with how touring works.

3.   Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Secure Venues and Gig Dates

Without a tour manager or booking agent at your disposal, you’ll need to tackle all the planning and scheduling yourself. Once you have some tentative dates in mind, start planning out the prospective route of your tour.

You'll need to think about things like how many gigs you want to do each night and how long each gig should last. You’ll also want to consider which cities or towns you want to visit and how much traveling you're prepared to do.

Bear in mind that the availability and willingness of venues to allow you to perform will dictate your dates and route. Don't be surprised if things don't work out exactly as planned. You may well have to double-back to a venue in a town you've already passed through. And that's not the end of the world.

The important thing is that you start contacting potential venues and planning early enough to avoid surprises. You should give yourself at least 3 to 6 months to plan a music tour. This will give you enough time to secure bookings and plan your route accordingly.

It's also a good idea to ensure no clashes with other major music events when selecting tour dates. You don't want to compete for fans.

Have a look at our blog post on “ How To Get Gigs For Musicians And Bands ” to help you secure those venues.

4.   Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Work Out Your Budget

The budget for your tour will be dictated by your overall approach. For instance, if you’re planning to stay in hotels and fly from city to city, then you’ll need a larger budget. However, if you rent a large van and camp en route, you could get away with very few overheads.

That said, you should make provision for the basic costs, rather than rely on what you could potentially earn on tour. Therefore, vehicle rental, accommodation, fuel, and food are all things you'll need money for on the road. Remember, though, that you'll also need to pay for any merchandise you have made before you leave.

5.   Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Plan the Logistics

Try booking your accommodation in advance, so there are no surprises when it comes time to check in at each location.

Once the dates have been planned, it's time to start thinking about the practicalities of touring. This includes things like transport, accommodation, and food. For instance, you’ll need to decide on the type of vehicle you need and where you’ll sleep. You’ll also need to determine whether you’ll have the facilities to cook your own food or if you’ll be eating out.

It's also essential to think about the time and resources you’ll need for soundchecks, meet and greets, and merchandise sales. Therefore, it's best to give yourself sufficient time before and after your show to arrange these other essential aspects of the tour.

Next, you’ll do your official mapping of routes between each venue. And you’ll establish how long you need to travel between towns and cities. Once you're sure of where you're going and when, you can start arranging for accommodation along these routes if necessary.

If possible, try booking your accommodation in advance, so there are no surprises when it comes time to check in at each location. And make sure to double-check the amenities they provide beforehand, such as Wi-Fi access and parking. This way, nothing is forgotten during your stay, which could cause problems later down the line. And it will help you avoid any unnecessary strain on your finances or stress levels while on tour.

It's also essential to think about food. Will you be catering for yourself, or is there a local pub/café which offers good deals?

6.   Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Look for an Opening Act

As a new band on tour, you'll want to find some good supporting acts to work with. This can be tricky because there are so many bands out there.

Perhaps you know someone who already has an established fan base. If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for them to come along and support your show. It's also a great way of building relationships with other musicians in the industry. These relationships will benefit you when it comes time for future tours or collaborations.

If you plan a music tour covering multiple regions, you could consider using a different supporting act in each area. Irrespective, you’ll need to take the logistics involved into account. If you enlist one band for the entire tour, you must make provisions for them to tour with you. However, if you come to an agreement with a different act in each region, you’ll need to plan your schedule thoroughly.

That said, find out if any other bands or artists are performing in the same regions simultaneously. It may be worth your while approaching them and offering to perform as their opening act while you’re in town. This would be a fantastic way to gain additional exposure to their fanbase.

7.   Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Draw Up Your Set List

The next step is to start thinking about what songs you'll play at each gig. You need enough material to hold your own and entertain the crowd. But not so much that you’re your act seems to go on forever, and you end up boring the crowd.

It's a good idea to start off with a bang to get the audience energized and in the mood. But don't deliver all your best material at the start of the show. Spread it out a little, sprinkling in some slower or lesser-known songs in between. Always end your set with something memorable to leave a lasting impression.

It's also worth researching local radio stations to see if any would like to include some of your music in their programming. This could whet the appetites of potential fans before your music tour comes to town. And, based on the popularity of those songs, it may help to inform your setlist.

8.   Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Make Your Merchandise

You must have some band or artist merchandise ready to sell at each gig. T-shirts, hoodies, CDs, vinyl records, stickers, and buttons are great options. If people enjoy your music, there’s a good chance they’ll want to support you by buying your merchandise. They may also want to wear merch to let others know they love your music.

You can always get creative with the designs on these products. Try to find an up-and-coming designer or artist in your community to create your designs. Just make sure that the design style aligns with your or your band's brand and aesthetic. This way, the artwork for your merchandise and albums will be unique and distinguishable.

Remember to offer a range of t-shirts, hoodies, etc ., in both men’s and women's cuts, so there's something for everyone. The idea is to make your fans feel like they're part of something bigger than themselves. And this will hopefully encourage them to continue streaming and buying your music and merchandise in the future.

9.   Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Determine How You’ll Make Money

One of the primary questions musicians ask when they plan a music tour is how they will make money from the tour. If everything goes well, the tour should pay for itself. But it's always good to have some cash available if things don't go according to plan. Generally, your earnings will come via ticket and merchandise sales.

You should, therefore, try selling as many advance tickets as possible for each gig. And ensure you have plenty of merchandise to sell after each performance. Most people want a souvenir from shows they attend, so they will part happily with some cash here. You could even set up an online store where fans can buy concert merchandise before or after shows.

However, some artists also charge for signings and meet and greets before or after shows. This will also make those who attend feel extra special and bring in more money for you or your band.

Another way you’ll earn money is through the increased number of streams and downloads of your music. Once you’ve played a few gigs, you’ll gain some exposure and, hopefully, more dedicated fans. This should see your number of streams and downloads on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music rise.

This, of course, is only applicable if you’ve released your music to these and other platforms. If not, this is something you should prioritize. And we advise that you work with a reputable distributor to get your music distributed and published successfully.

Contact the experts at Sugo Music Group to discuss your options. Sugo Music Group doesn't charge any set-up fees and can distribute your music to over 200 streaming and download services hassle-free.

10.  Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Write & Distribute a Press Release

You must create a press release which will be sent out before each performance on tour. This will help attract attention from the media and fans alike. The primary objective would be to promote upcoming tour gigs in the area. But you should also include details about who you or your band members are, their musical influences, etc.

The idea is for journalists, bloggers, and other pertinent members of the media to publish the press release on their respective platforms. Ensure all contact information is included at the end of every press release. And you should also provide your social media handles and website URL.

11.  Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Update and Send Out Your EPK

One of the most essential tools in any musician’s arsenal is their electronic press kit (EPK). It’s the ultimate resume for promoting an artist or band. And you should make every effort to ensure it’s up to date at all times.

Your EPK will be central to both your planning and promotional efforts. When securing venues, your team, and opening acts, you'll use your EPK to promote yourself. You'll also use it to market the actual tour once you've finalized dates and planned your schedule.

As you plan a music tour, you should add all confirmed tour dates and venue information to your EPK. You can then send this out to members of the press and relevant music industry role players to help promote your tour.

If you’re not sure about how to create an EPK, have a look at our step-by-step guide here .

12.  Concert Marketing-How to Plan a Music Tour: Market Your Tour

Of course, your most effective mean of marketing will be via social media. And you must maintain your artist profile by posting content consistently. If you've uploaded posts and stories regularly, at least a few times a week, you'll start to gather a following. Then, when it comes time to promote your tour, you can leverage your audience to market your tour.

If you have an artist website, chances are you have started building a mailing list. Perhaps you’re already frequently sending newsletters to your mailing list of fans. Sending out tour venue and date announcements to your mailing list is a great way to promote your tour. You could also offer those on your mailing list early bird ticket sales at a discounted price.

Your press release and EPK will serve as essential online and print media marketing tools. However, it may be prudent to reach out to podcasts, radio stations, and vloggers for interview opportunities. This will help to boost awareness massively.

You should also speak to the venues and supporting acts you’ve secured regarding promotion opportunities. It would be ideal to partner with them to promote your upcoming gig dates on their social media pages. This will go a long way to getting the word out there. And it’s more likely to draw in an audience closer to your target market.

So, there you have it. 12 steps to help you plan your music tour successfully. Planning your own music tour is certainly not an easy task. But if done right, it can be an enriching experience both for you and your fans.

Remember to keep everything as organized as possible. And consider all the different aspects that need to be planned ahead of time. Give everything from your press release and setlist to travel arrangements and merchandise sales the time it needs. Your music tour should be a big hit with sufficient planning and dedication.

Sam Poole is a content writer with a deep love for music and the music industry. As theIndie Editor, Sam aims to provide practical and actionable tips to help indie artists effectively promote their music and succeed.

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The musicians' guide to touring

Location, location, location.

Renick Bell performs live coding at Resolution

© Rupert Earl

• Rent venues yourself

We’re always compelled to work with artists who are as interested in our artistic vision as they are in demonstrating their own -- so that’s always a good starting point. Henrik Blomfelt, Resolution

A UK jazz lover's guide to 2019

Jelly Cleaver

© Jelly Cleaver

• Reach out to in-house programmers or link up with a promoter

It's important to work with a promoter that you trust, who is excited about your music, and has a track record of marketing and programming successful shows. Lou Paley, Women In Jazz

The interior of tour buses retain orginal features

© Gustavo Cherro/Red Bull Content Pool

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION

When you go super cheap it can kill your vibe: uncomfortable hotels can affect your sleep and filter through to your performance. Spend time looking for good deals in advance. Tawiah

21 exhilarating records from the contemporary UK jazz scene

© Studio Myrrh

GATHER A TEAM -- OR DON'T

On the road, it’s been invaluable having my manager accompany us; I can focus on centring myself for the performance, knowing that somebody else is taking care of all the logistics. Yazz Ahmed

© Rich Odam

AVOID BURNOUT

Respect that people in the touring party will also need some down time on their own. Yazz Ahmed

Yazz Ahmed signs merch for fans on tour

SUPPORT ACTS ARE IMPORTANT

For support tours my first question is 'you got space on the bus?' Tawiah

Rebecca Vasmant

© Rebecca Vasmant

SPREAD THE WORD

Manage your money.

Terraforma champions music experimentation and environmental sustainability

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CONSIDER SUSTAINABLE OPTIONS

What to Understand About Planning and Managing a Music Tour

When it comes to planning and managing a music tour, there are some key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, think and have a clear idea of what you desire to accomplish with the tour. Are you looking to promote a new album? Get more exposure for your band? Or simply generate some extra income?

Once you know your goal, you need to start planning the tour details. Continue reading to learn more.

Table of Contents

What Does a Music Tour Actually Entail?

A music tour is a series of live concerts by a band or artist that are typically performed in multiple cities or countries. Tours can be either headlining, meaning the artist is the main act or supporting, where the artist is opening for another more established band.

Tours usually last anywhere from a few weeks to several months and often include multiple stops in each city. In between performances, the band will usually have time to rest and relax, as well as visit local tourist attractions.

What Is Beneficial About a Music Tour?

A music tour can bring plenty of benefits for young musicians, especially when planned out and managed right. Here are points to keep in mind:

• Resilience. By performing in front of live audiences, they can learn to cope with the stress of performing and overcome any nerves or stage fright. They can also learn to deal with the unexpected, such as technical difficulties, and to adapt their performance accordingly.
• Networking. Musicians can meet other professionals in the industry and make valuable contacts. They can also learn about different aspects of the music business, such as booking gigs and marketing their music .
• Promotion. Touring can also be a great way to promote a musician or band’s music . By playing in front of new audiences, they can generate interest in their music and grow their fan base.

Who Do You Need for a Music Tour?

Before you can hit the road, there are a few things you need to take care of first. Here’s a quick rundown of who you’ll need to make your music tour a success.

• Tour Manager. A tour manager is responsible for booking venues, organizing logistics, and making sure the band is where they have to be when they need to be there. They’re also responsible for keeping the band on track and making sure they’re sticking to their budget.
• Booking Agent. A booking agent is responsible for securing gigs for the band. They’ll work with promoters and venue owners to get the band on the bill for shows.
• Sound Technicians. A sound technician is responsible for making sure the band sounds great onstage. They’ll set up and operate the sound system for the band and make sure the band is happy with the sound.
• Production Crew. A production crew is quite responsible for setting up and tearing down the stage and for making sure the band has everything they need for their performance. They’ll also help with load-in and load-out at each venue.

It is quite important to be prepared for the unexpected and to have contingency plans in case something goes wrong. With these things in mind, you can increase your chances of success when planning and managing a music tour .

In need of music tour management ? AMW®  is a full-service marketing agency specializing in music promotion , entertainment projects, and event management . Get in touch with us today!

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Hit the Road: A Guide to Booking Your First Band Tour

Apr 25, 2024 | In The Know

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/

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By The Barricade

How to Plan a Concert (Everything You Need to Know)

Planning a concert is a big deal. It is a mishmash of excitement and intimidation for first-time organizers. Unfortunately, it can also be quite stressful for the inexperienced.

How do you plan a concert? The key is in the question: planning. Trying to start a concert with no budget, no location, and no performers is guaranteed to fail. Thus, providing yourself with a sizeable pre-concert planning window is essential.

Now that we’ve gotten that pertinent bit of info out of the way, let’s explore everything you need to know about putting together a successful concert . If you follow the advice below, you’ll find the process rather fun and deeply rewarding.

Who Can Plan a Concert?

Whenever there’s a big show in the area, someone had to plan it. Believe it or not, concert organizers aren’t some supernatural elite beings – they’re people.

That said, you probably won’t be getting Red Hot Chili Peppers or Post Malone on stage if this is your first live music rodeo. Nevertheless, you can certainly organize a modestly sized event starting today.

Furthermore, nothing is stopping you from planning a larger concert afterward.

Is Planning a Concert Hard?

You can’t wander into a venue and declare a concert like Michael Scott declaring bankruptcy in The Office. There are as many (if not more) parts to planning a concert as there are to planning a wedding.

Does that mean planning a concert is hard? Hard might not be the best word. Involved, time-consuming, and overwhelming are more apt.

Don’t say “never mind” just yet. While starting a concert from scratch takes a great deal of effort, there are strategies to manage the process more efficiently. A structured plan eliminates a lot of the stress faced by those who don’t take the word “planning” in “concert planning” seriously.

10 Key Steps to Planning a Concert

As chaotic as concerts can be once they happen, chaos is not a good approach to planning them. Order is everything. More importantly, intelligently following a well-thought-out series of steps will increase your chances of throwing an unforgettable event.

Otherwise, event planning wouldn’t be the esteemed career path that it is. Consider throwing a concert as an exciting foray into a new profession or side hustle (depending on your long-term dedication).

While we recommend starting at the top, feel free to slightly adjust the order of each step if you need.

Step One: Ask Yourself, “Why am I doing this?”

As an impulse, throwing a concert sounds like nothing other than an amazing idea. But it doesn’t take much time researching the process to discover that there’s a lot to it. Does this mean you should give up?

No. If you’re reading about concert planning (which you are), chances are it’s a little more than a whim. Believe it or not, this shows that your dedication is higher than most. You’re grounding your decision in reality and in tangible steps.

However, there are still more questions to ask yourself. If you haven’t already done so, contemplate the following:

• “What genre would this event emphasize?”
• “What will others get from attending?”
• “What kind of atmosphere do I want?”
• “How will I feel if my concert is successful?”
• “Am I willing to spend extra hours each week for several months to make this thing happen?”

If you spat off answers in your head without breaking a sweat, you’re ready for the next step.

Step Two: Create a Budget and Financial Plan

Now it’s time for the most exciting part of concert planning – building a budget.

Please excuse the sarcasm. Unless you’re passionate about finance, this is probably a step you’d rather skip. Sadly, it’s kind of important (it’s actually not that bad).

Starting with a small venue is far more affordable than a stadium if this is your first concert. You can scale up as you cash in ticket sale profits.

How much you’ll pay is highly variable. It largely depends on the popularity and location of the spot. A more extensive clientele usually means a steeper fee.

You’ll also need to hire help and pay performers. Fortunately, you don’t need to pay for all this out of pocket. Concerts can bring in a lot of money, so there are plenty of financing entities ready to assist.

How to Put Together a Concert Budget

It’s hard to predict exact concert expenses, especially as a first-time planner. But it’s worth estimating so you don’t cut into your profits.

The first step is figuring out how many tickets you expect to sell and how you’ll price them. Higher ticket prices lead to higher expectations, so keep that in mind. In other words, don’t charge for a premium experience unless you plan to go all-out with your spending.

Use Google to view what local events are charging for tickets. Use that as a guideline. It’s also worth contacting places you have your eye on to get an idea of how many tickets you can expect to sell.

Once you have a rough idea, work within that amount to cover your expenses (while leaving space for profit ).

Typical expenses to include are:

• Cost of space
• Employee wages
• Performer wages
• Permits and insurance
• Unexpected costs

If all of this sounds overwhelming, consider hiring an event planner to help. This could cost anywhere between $50 an hour to 20% of your concert budget. However, a good one can help you minimize other expenses and ultimately increase your concert’s profitability.

Step Three: Choose a Location

Now that you have a budget, you’ll know what locations you can and cannot afford. A great site is vital to a well-received concert. How do you decide what is suitable for your show?

Consider the artists and your clientele. You might not know precisely who will be playing yet, but you should have an idea of what kind of performers will be there. For example, are you planning to have cover bands? Upcoming alt-rock artists? Renowned rappers?

Identify the best performers for your target audience. Don’t bring a death metal band to a country club unless you know that’d go over well. If you’re throwing a venue gig, speak with the owner to get an idea of who goes there. Ask questions about their clientele such as:

• “How old is your average patron?”
• “What are the most popular song requests?”
• “Do you have a digital jukebox? If so, what are the usage stats?”

A bar, club, or small venue is also suitable for local bands and less-established musicians. If you go this route, your clientele will most likely consist of people who care more about the drinks served than the music.

Nevertheless, you still need talented musicians. Patrons want solid tunes so they can dance/headbang between tequila shots and bites of cheesy fries.

However, more prominent locations tend to imply an even greater emphasis on the performers. If you’re throwing an outdoor concert in less-than-perfect weather, you better ensure the music is phenomenal.

How Do I Rent a Venue?

Renting a venue is one of the most convenient ways to throw a concert. Thus, most concert planners go this route.

How do you rent a venue? Check out Peerspace to view what’s available in your area. The process is straightforward – you pay a certain amount per night. Bigger venues, such as stadiums, are more expensive.

Again, we recommend starting small if this is your first concert. A successful show doesn’t need to be massive.

Step Four: Reach Out to Performers

Before you sell tickets, you need artists. This can be one of the most stressful hurdles for first-time concert planners. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be.

Start small. Most importantly, start local.

You’ll have a much better shot at getting nearby talent to play at your concert if it’s a twenty-minute drive. If you do get a big out-of-town name to agree to play at your show, expect to reimburse travel expenses on top of their performance payment (which probably won’t be cheap).

Don’t forget to choose artists that would complement your audience. This will offer better results and save you considerable time.

Now it’s time to pitch. As you do, be sure to speak on behalf of the people buying the tickets.

Try your best to illustrate a compelling value proposition. Musicians expect something in return whenever they perform. Money, recognition, and atmosphere are a few common examples. But the first one, money, is nearly universal.

Start with what you believe to be a fair rate and be willing to negotiate. Performers generally have experienced-based expectations of what their time is worth. Be careful not to disrespect them by lowballing them, as payment can be a sensitive topic – especially for artists.

You don’t need to do business if their rates are over your budget. Keep searching for talent, consider less-experienced bands, and be flexible.

But whatever you do, don’t expect anyone to pay to play.

Step Five: Make Sure Everything is Legal

Take one wrong step, and legal fees could erase your profits. This is an event organizer’s nightmare.

Generally, negligence is the most common culprit. Someone forgets to apply for a permit. Alcohol is sold without proper licensing.

There’s also the possibility that someone gets injured. Drunken behavior increases these chances. So, what can you do to protect yourself from the law?

The obvious solution is to avoid breaking the law. It isn’t always straightforward but, nevertheless, “ignorance is no excuse”. There are many permits for which concert planners may apply, but not all of them are necessary.

Ideally, you’ll consult a legal professional. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most common types of permits you may need for a concert.

Step Six: Acquire Needed Equipment

Your concert will be far more appealing to artists if you provide speakers. Furthermore, you can significantly cut back on intermission time if bands don’t need to haul massive pieces of equipment on and off stage with each act.

Reach out to your performers and ask what they plan on bringing. Some might insist on using their own speakers. Others may greatly appreciate not needing to lug as much to play at your show.

You won’t know if you don’t ask. Let musicians bring what they want. If they insist, there’s no reason not to cross certain items off your list without paying. However, you should leave some room in your budget for:

• Concert lighting
• A PA system

If you’re planning a venue gig, the owner may have some of these items. Meanwhile, outdoor concerts will require much more than these few things.

Step Seven: Find a Good Technician (or Two)

High-quality, reliable audio is vital . Great food is a plus, but most people just want something to munch on. Delicious cocktails are excellent, but many are content as long as they can get drunk.

But sound is the one thing that can make or break the concert experience for your guests. Artists will be equally frustrated if you turn their music into feedback-ridden gobbledygook.

Having expensive speakers and mics isn’t enough. You need a professional to balance audio levels and troubleshoot issues (which are bound to occur). But don’t hire anyone without doing your research.

If you or someone you know “knows a guy/girl,” that’s great – maybe. Unfortunately, blindly hiring someone just because someone knows them isn’t the best approach. They might suck. But they might be incredible – who knows?

Google potential candidates, even friends of friends, and see what their clients have said. Does the person present themselves professionally? Do they have regular clients ready to vouch for them?

If so, go ahead and reach out to see if you can agree on payment and scheduling. Provided you’re confident in your choice, expect a qualified sound technician to help provide a phenomenal listening experience.

Step Eight: Promote the Crap out of Your Concert

You can’t sell tickets if nobody knows about your concert.

As obvious as this is, many concert planners don’t put adequate effort into marketing their events. One or two Instagram posts probably aren’t going to cut it.

While many of the steps we’ve discussed are one-and-done tasks, this isn’t one of them. Marketing should be an everyday activity, especially when it comes to social media . People simply consume way too much content to remember any one post.

It’s best to post diligently so that your concert continues to appear in people’s feeds. Don’t spam but do be persistent.

We won’t go into everything there is to know about marketing, but it’s wise to do additional research if you’re unsure of how to proceed.

In the meantime, make sure to cement your concert’s date.

Step Nine: Finish Hiring Staff

Venues may provide bouncers, servers, bartenders, etcetera. But if this doesn’t apply, you’ll need to hire these people yourself.

The roles needed will depend on your concert, of course. But devoting some of your budgets to additional staff may help things run smoothly.

It’s much easier to wrap up hiring now as opposed to sooner. People are much more likely to respond to job offers that include the specifics of time, place, and pay.

Step Ten: Sell Tickets

The last step of concert planning is selling tickets.

Selling tickets online is the easiest approach. But there are many platforms that allow you to do so. Where should you direct prospective attendees?

Ticketmaster is a popular choice. It is convenient and well-known. Plus, you’ll likely sell more tickets as people are familiar with the interface.

However, Ticketmaster is known for charging hefty “screw you” fees that cut considerably into concerts’ profits. You might be forced to use Ticketmaster or StubHub, both of which aren’t cheap. But if you have a choice and would like a more reasonable alternative, consider TickPick .  

Just make sure that your followers know where to go when it’s time to buy. If possible, allow a sizeable purchase window for early and late purchases.

Once the show starts, the planning phase is over. Congratulations!

There are many steps to planning a concert. You need to negotiate and book musicians. You need to find (and pay) for the perfect spot. There’s also the matter of food and drink, which is essential to keeping your clients happy.

Planning a concert isn’t difficult, but it is time-consuming. Many start with grand ambitions, only for reality to smash it all to bits. Indeed, you need to have a sustained commitment to your concert to carry it from an idea to the final stage – no pun intended.

However, if you are ready to devote hours per week to organizing, financing, and promoting your event, you may very well see amazing things happen.

If you are to remember three things from this guide, here they are:

• Be patient.
• Be willing to compromise.
• Don’t equate concert size with concert success.

Now go make some noise.

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Tips for Crafting Your Own Musical Tour

Vasoline tuner to release a new single and music video..., nawas releases new single “contact high” featuring heather russell, brxyy unleashes spine-tingling new ep “sick” – a dive into..., finnish power duo yokophono release second single of the year....

Are you a musician eager to showcase your talent and connect with a wider audience? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to craft your own musical tour. Whether you are preparing to release new music or simply want to embark on a journey of musical exploration, we’ve got you covered. From strategizing your route to engaging with fans along the way, these tips will help you create an unforgettable experience and leave a lasting impression on both your followers and new listeners. So, grab your guitar, warm up those vocal chords, and get ready to hit the road!

Choosing the Tour Dates and Locations

Consider your target audience.

When planning a music tour, it’s important to consider your target audience. Think about who your music appeals to and where your fans are located. Are your fans primarily in a specific region or country? Understanding your target audience will help you determine the best locations to include in your tour.

Research Market Demand

Before finalizing your tour dates and locations, it’s crucial to research the market demand for your music in different areas. Look at streaming numbers, sales data, and social media engagement to identify regions where your music is most popular. This information will guide you in selecting the cities and venues that are likely to attract the biggest audience.

Consider Venue Availability

Once you have identified potential tour locations, check the availability of venues in those areas. Popular venues often get booked months in advance, so it’s best to start planning early. Reach out to venue owners or managers to inquire about their availability for your preferred tour dates. Consider having multiple options in case your first choice is not available.

Consider Logistics and Travel

Logistics and travel are significant factors to consider when choosing tour dates and locations. Determine how far apart the venues are and calculate the travel time between them. This will help you create a realistic tour schedule and avoid exhausting travel arrangements. Additionally, take into account any visas or work permits that may be required when crossing borders or performing internationally.

Consider Season and Weather

Season and weather conditions play a significant role in the success of your tour. Certain genres of music may be more popular in specific seasons, such as beach concerts during summer or holiday-themed shows during winter. It’s important to align your tour dates with the seasons that are most favorable for your type of music. Additionally, consider the weather conditions that may affect attendance or the feasibility of outdoor performances.

Managing Finances and Budgeting

Determine the overall tour budget.

Before diving into the logistics of planning a music tour, it’s crucial to determine your overall tour budget. Consider all the expenses that will be involved, including travel, accommodations, venue rentals, equipment rentals, promotional materials, and personnel costs. Having a clear understanding of your budget will help you make informed decisions, set realistic financial goals, and avoid overspending.

Set Realistic Financial Goals

Setting realistic financial goals is essential for a successful tour. Determine how much revenue you expect to generate from ticket sales, merchandise sales, and other income streams. Consider the size of your fanbase, ticket prices, and the potential for sold-out shows. Be conservative in your estimates to avoid disappointment and unexpected financial setbacks.

Consider Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities can provide significant financial support for your tour. Research potential sponsors who align with your music and brand. Reach out to companies or organizations that may be interested in partnering with you and offer sponsorship benefits such as logo placement, product placement, or backstage access. Sponsors can contribute to your tour budget and help offset expenses.

Plan for Expected and Unexpected Expenses

Creating a detailed budget that includes both expected and unexpected expenses is crucial for managing your finances during a tour. Anticipate costs such as venue rentals, transportation, accommodations, crew salaries, and marketing materials. However, it’s also important to set aside a contingency fund to cover unexpected costs, such as equipment repairs, medical emergencies, or unforeseen travel expenses.

Track and Manage Expenses

Throughout the tour, it’s important to track and manage your expenses to ensure you stay within budget. Use financial tracking tools or hire an accountant to keep records of all expenditures. Regularly review your financial statements and adjust your spending if necessary. Having a clear understanding of your expenses will help you make informed decisions and ensure the financial success of your tour.

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Organizing Accommodations and Transportation

Book accommodations in advance.

Booking accommodations in advance is essential to secure suitable places for your band and crew to stay during the tour. Research hotels, hostels, or rental properties in each tour location and make reservations well ahead of time. Consider factors such as proximity to the venue, cost, and availability of amenities that meet your needs.

Consider Different Accommodation Options

When organizing accommodations for your tour, consider different options beyond traditional hotels. Explore alternatives such as Airbnb rentals, guesthouses, or even reaching out to local fans who may be willing to host your band members. Exploring these different options may provide unique experiences, save costs, and create a more personal connection with your audience.

Arrange Transportation for the Band and Equipment

Transportation is a crucial aspect of any music tour. Determine the best mode of transportation for your band and equipment based on the tour’s scale and logistics. If the tour covers a small geographic area, it may be feasible to use personal vehicles or rented vans. However, for longer tours or international travel, consider hiring a reliable transportation service or even renting a tour bus.

Consider Renting or Buying a Tour Van

Renting or buying a tour van can be a cost-effective solution for transportation during a music tour. These vehicles provide the flexibility to travel between venues and transport band members, equipment, and merchandise. However, consider factors such as fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and the number of people and equipment the van can comfortably accommodate.

Plan for Air Travel if Necessary

If your tour includes locations that are geographically distant or require international travel, air travel may be necessary. Research airlines and compare prices to find the most affordable and convenient options. Allow ample time for check-in procedures and potential delays, and ensure that you comply with any airline regulations regarding the transport of musical instruments and equipment.

Promoting and Marketing Your Tour

Create a promotional strategy.

An effective promotional strategy is crucial for generating buzz and increasing ticket sales for your tour. Develop a comprehensive plan that incorporates various marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, press releases, and collaborations. Define your target audience, key messages, and unique selling points to stand out from the competition and attract attention.

Utilize Social Media and Online Platforms

Social media and online platforms are powerful tools for promoting your tour. Create engaging content on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to generate excitement and keep your fans informed. Consider using paid advertising or influencer partnerships to extend your reach. Regularly update your social media channels with tour dates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive offers.

Collaborate with Local Influencers and Media

Collaborating with local influencers and media outlets can significantly boost your tour’s visibility in specific locations. Identify influencers or bloggers who have a significant following in the cities you are touring and reach out to them for potential partnerships or sponsorships. Additionally, contact local radio stations, newspapers, and online publications to secure interviews, features, or reviews to increase awareness of your tour.

Design Eye-Catching Promotional Materials

Eye-catching promotional materials are essential for grabbing the attention of potential concertgoers. Create visually appealing posters, flyers, and digital graphics that prominently display tour dates, venues, and ticket information. Ensure that your branding and imagery align with the overall theme or concept of your music to create a cohesive and memorable visual identity.

Execute Email Marketing Campaigns

Email marketing campaigns are an effective way to reach your existing fanbase with personalized tour updates and exclusive offers. Collect email addresses through your website or social media channels and use an email marketing platform to segment your audience and send targeted messages. Send regular updates, ticket sale reminders, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content to keep your fans engaged and excited about the tour.

Booking and Managing Tour Venues

Contact and negotiate with venue owners.

Contacting and negotiating with venue owners is a critical step in securing suitable locations for your tour. Research venues that align with your tour’s size, atmosphere, and target audience. Reach out to venue owners or managers to discuss available dates, pricing, and any specific requirements you have. Negotiate favorable terms, such as a percentage of ticket sales or cost-sharing arrangements, to help manage costs.

Consider Different Types of Venues

When booking tour venues, consider a variety of options to cater to different audience sizes and preferences. Explore options such as small club venues, theaters, outdoor amphitheaters, or even unconventional spaces like warehouses or art galleries. Select venues that can accommodate your expected audience and provide the desired atmosphere for your performances.

Understand Contracts and Legalities

Understanding the contracts and legalities associated with booking tour venues is essential to protect your rights and ensure a smooth collaboration. Consult with a lawyer or contract professional to review any agreements or contracts you receive from venue owners. Pay close attention to clauses regarding payment terms, cancellation policies, technical requirements, and liability issues to prevent any unnecessary misunderstandings or disputes.

Communicate Technical Requirements

When booking tour venues, it’s crucial to communicate your technical requirements to ensure a seamless and successful performance. Provide venues with a detailed list of your equipment needs, stage dimensions, lighting preferences, and sound requirements. Openly discuss any limitations or challenges the venue may have to address potential logistics or technical issues in advance.

Secure Necessary Permits and Licenses

Before performing at any venue, ensure that you have obtained all necessary permits and licenses required by local laws and regulations. This may include permits for staging outdoor events, selling merchandise, serving alcohol, or even amplifying sound. Research the specific requirements in each tour location and engage with the appropriate authorities to obtain the necessary permissions well in advance.

Preparing and Rehearsing for Performances

Create a setlist.

Creating a compelling and well-structured setlist is crucial for delivering an engaging and memorable performance. Consider the flow of songs, audience interaction, and the overall energy you want to convey. Incorporate a mix of fan favorites, new releases, and potentially even covers of popular songs to cater to different preferences. Rehearse the setlist thoroughly to ensure tight performances and smooth transitions.

Plan for Stage Setup and Lighting

Planning the stage setup and lighting design is essential for creating a visually captivating performance. Consider factors such as stage dimensions, backdrop or props, and lighting fixtures. Work closely with venue staff or external professionals to optimize stage visibility, enhance the mood of each song, and create dynamic visuals that complement your music.

Practice Proper Stage Presentation

Stage presence and interaction with the audience are crucial elements in connecting with your fans during live performances. Practice proper stage presentation techniques, such as engaging eye contact, energetic movements, and audience interaction. Experiment with different ways to create an immersive experience for your audience, whether it’s through storytelling, crowd participation, or multimedia elements.

Coordinate Sound and Equipment with Venues

Coordinating sound and equipment with venues is essential to ensure optimal audio quality during performances. Communicate your sound requirements to the venue’s audio technicians and discuss the equipment you will be bringing. Conduct soundchecks prior to each performance to fine-tune the mix and address any technical issues. Maintain open communication with venue staff to ensure a smooth operation.

Prepare Backup Plans for Technical Difficulties

Despite careful planning and preparation, technical difficulties can still occur during live performances. It is essential to have backup plans in place to address potential issues. Prepare contingency plans for situations such as equipment failures, power outages, or sound system malfunctions. This may involve having spare equipment, backup tracks, or alternate stage elements to ensure the show can go on smoothly.

Building and Maintaining a Fanbase

Engage with fans on social media.

Building and maintaining a strong fanbase requires consistent engagement and interaction on social media. Respond to comments and messages promptly, express gratitude for their support, and make your fans feel valued. Encourage user-generated content by running contests or sharing fan artwork. Regularly update your social media profiles with behind-the-scenes footage, tour updates, and personal moments to foster a sense of community.

Offer Exclusive Merchandise and VIP Packages

Providing exclusive merchandise and VIP packages can incentivize your fans to support your tour and create a sense of exclusivity. Design unique tour merchandise that reflects your brand and tour theme. Consider offering limited edition items, signed merchandise, or meet-and-greet opportunities as part of VIP packages. Make sure to promote these offerings through your online platforms and during live performances.

Connect with Fans at Live Performances

Live performances offer unique opportunities to connect with your fans on a personal level. Engage with your audience during and after the show by taking the time to meet fans, sign autographs, and take photos. Encourage fans to share their experiences on social media using designated hashtags or geolocation tags. These interactions will leave a lasting impression and create loyal fans who will continue to support your music.

Utilize Mailing Lists and Fan Clubs

Collecting email addresses and building a mailing list is a valuable resource for staying connected with your fans. Encourage fans to sign up for your mailing list through your website, social media, or at live performances. Use your mailing list to send exclusive tour updates, pre-sale ticket offers, and other personalized content. Additionally, consider establishing a fan club that provides unique perks and content to members.

Consider Fan Meet-ups and Fan Experiences

Hosting fan meet-ups or organizing fan experiences can deepen the connection between you and your fans. Set aside time before or after performances to meet with a select group of fans, take photos, and create unforgettable memories. Consider organizing fan experiences such as intimate acoustic performances, songwriting workshops, or backstage tours to create unique opportunities for your fans to engage with you on a more personal level.

Ensuring Tour Safety and Security

Hire security and first aid staff.

Ensuring the safety and security of everyone involved in a music tour is of utmost importance. Hire security personnel who are experienced in handling crowd control and managing potential security risks. Additionally, having first aid staff available during performances can provide quick medical assistance in case of injuries or emergencies.

Research Crime Rates and Safety Protocols

Researching the crime rates and safety protocols in each tour location is crucial for maintaining a safe environment. Stay informed about the safety reputation of certain areas and take necessary precautions to protect your band, crew, and audience. Familiarize yourself with local emergency services and protocols to ensure a prompt response in case of any unforeseen incidents.

Set Up Emergency Communication Channels

Establishing emergency communication channels is essential for quick and efficient communication in case of emergencies. Create a communication plan that includes emergency contact numbers, designated meeting points, and a clear chain of command. Share this information with your band and crew, and ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in different emergency scenarios.

Plan for Unexpected Emergencies

While you can never predict all potential emergencies, having a plan in place for unexpected situations is crucial. Prepare for events such as natural disasters, equipment failures, or medical emergencies by putting together emergency kits and creating evacuation plans. Regularly review and update these plans based on new information or changes in tour locations.

Take Care of Personal Health and Well-being

Touring can be physically and mentally demanding, so taking care of your personal health and well-being is essential. Prioritize your sleep, eat nutritious meals, and stay hydrated. Incorporate physical exercise or stretching routines into your touring schedule to maintain your energy levels and prevent injuries. Additionally, allow yourself time for relaxation and self-care activities to avoid burnout.

Handling Tour Logistics and Scheduling

Create a detailed tour itinerary.

Creating a detailed tour itinerary is crucial for staying organized and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Establish a centralized document or platform that includes the dates, locations, venues, and scheduled activities for each day of the tour. Share this itinerary with your band, crew, and any other relevant stakeholders to keep everyone informed and aligned.

Coordinate with Band Members and Crew

Effective coordination with your band members and crew is essential for a successful tour. Regularly communicate about logistics, updates, and any changes to the itinerary. Establish clear roles and responsibilities for each person involved in the tour to ensure a seamless operation. Use communication tools such as group chats or project management platforms to facilitate collaboration and keep everyone connected.

Consider Travel Time between Venues

Consider the travel time between venues when planning your tour schedule. Account for factors such as traffic, road conditions, and the distance between each location. Avoid scheduling shows in locations that require extensive travel within a short timeframe, as this can lead to fatigue and impact the quality of your performances.

Plan for Rest Days and Downtime

While touring can be exciting and exhilarating, it’s important to schedule rest days and downtime throughout the tour. Allow time for band members and crew to recharge, relax, and take care of personal needs. This will help prevent burnout, enhance overall well-being, and ensure that everyone is at their best during performances.

Adjust Schedule as Needed

Flexibility is key when it comes to scheduling a music tour. Be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or changes in venue availability. Regularly evaluate the performance of each show, audience response, and any logistical challenges that arise. Adapt your schedule accordingly to optimize the overall tour experience.

Documenting and Sharing Your Tour Experience

Assign a tour photographer/videographer.

Assigning a dedicated tour photographer/videographer is crucial for documenting your tour experience. This individual will capture candid behind-the-scenes moments, memorable performances, and interactions with fans. Ensure that they have the necessary equipment and skills to capture high-quality visuals that reflect the essence of your tour.

Capture Behind-the-Scenes Footage

Creating engaging behind-the-scenes content is a valuable way to connect with your fans and provide them with an inside look into your tour. Encourage your tour photographer/videographer to capture rehearsals, soundchecks, backstage moments, and interactions with your band and crew. Share these footage on social media and other online platforms to give your fans an intimate glimpse into your tour experience.

Create Tour Vlogs and Documentary

Creating tour vlogs or a documentary series can be an effective way to share your tour experience with fans and attract new followers. Record daily or weekly vlogs showcasing highlights of each tour stop, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal reflections. Alternatively, consider producing a longer documentary-style video that chronicles the entire tour from start to finish.

Utilize Live Streaming and Virtual Concerts

Utilizing live streaming and virtual concerts can extend the reach of your tour beyond physical venues. Consider incorporating live streaming sessions on platforms such as Instagram Live or YouTube to connect with fans who may not be able to attend your shows in person. Explore the possibility of hosting virtual concerts where fans can purchase tickets to live-stream your performances from the comfort of their own homes.

Share Tour Highlights on Social Media

Sharing tour highlights on social media is a great way to keep your fans engaged and generate excitement for your shows. Regularly post photos, videos, and updates from each tour location, highlighting memorable moments, fan interactions, and standout performances. Encourage your fans to share their experiences using designated hashtags or geolocation tags to create a buzz around your tour.

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Get Your Music Heard and Accelerate Your Career

How to book your own tour as an independent artist.

Playing live shows is a great way to grow your fanbase, get media attention, and better your performance skills. More and more indie artists have been taking on the role of booking agent to get gigs on their own and play live . It is certainly a lot of work, but it is totally possible to book your own tour as an independent artist nowadays. If you want to get in touch with booking agents directly, you can contact them by using Groover !

Otherwise, here are some tips on how to book your own tour as an independent artist.

1. Book your own tour at the right time and plan ahead

Before you book your own tour , make sure you have a solid live set prepared and music to promote . Tours should ideally be scheduled around an album or EP release . This gives artists an opportunity to play their songs to new audiences , sell physical copies and merch, and boost the visibility of their project. Some venues will book shows up to a year in advance, but most venues book from 2 months to 6 months out. Decide how long you want to go on tour for, as this will also determine how far in advance you need to plan ahead. Booking a month long tour is a lot more work than just booking a one or two week tour.

Looking for a booking agent? ⬇️

2. Figure out which cities or towns you want to play in

To figure out which cities or towns you want to play in, you can use a couple different techniques.

• Find out where your listeners are on streaming platforms

If you have already released music, check your statistics on different streaming platforms to see where your listeners are located. Spotify for Artists shows you how many people are listening to your music in each country, but also in each city . If you know you have a lot of people listening to you in Boston, for example, use this to your advantage to book a show there. If most of your listeners are in Italy, why not plan an Italian tour?

• Reach out to your community on social media

Don’t know where you want to go on tour? Reach out to your community on social media to ask them where they are from. What city would like to see you play in? Who knows, maybe one of your fans even hosts awesome house shows in their small town where you can organize a concert.

• Stay with friends: minimize your housing budget

Some venues will provide housing for touring bands, while others leave it up to the band or booker to find separate accommodation. This can often be a big part of the budget of going on tour. If housing is not provided by the venue, try to book shows in places where you can stay with friends for the night. Maybe your bassist has an aunt that lives in Philadelphia and can host the band after the show. Use these personal connections to your advantage. You can always reach out to your community on social media to see if there are fans willing to host you.

• Focus on a specific geographic zone when you book your own tour

Most of all, concentrate on a specific geographic zone when brainstorming cities and towns to plan your tour. Think logically so that you’re not spending each day driving 10 hours to get to the next venue. Touring is tiring and good practical planning can make all the difference.

3. Make a logical road map to minimize travel time and costs

Once you have a list of locations, make a logical road map to minimize travel time and costs. Most bands tour around in a van so that they can transport their instruments easily, but some solo or duo acts have toured by taking trains and buses. Decide which mode of transport is most suited for your band and the locations you need to get to. Determine how long it will take you to get from one location to the next, and factor in some days off if you need to. The dates of the shows you book will also be dependent on the venues . Give yourself the flexibility to propose a couple dates to the venues in question rather than just one.

| Read also: How should you approach a live music promoter

4. Research potential venues

Researching potential venues takes time but is the most important step in booking a successful tour. Be realistic about the kind of venues you could be playing. What size venues are appropriate for the popularity of your band? The best technique to research potential venues is to see where similar indie artists have played. Check their Instagram accounts to find their tour poster. Have they played in any of the cities on your list? Another great way to research potential venues is by looking up concerts directly by city by using Bandsintown or even Facebook events.

5. Beyond traditional concert venues: think outside the box

If you’re willing to get gigs outside of traditional concert venues, there are many options to choose from. Sofar Sounds hosts intimate shows in unexpected locations such as museums or private homes. Three artists are chosen to perform short 20-30 minutes sets per show. You can apply to play a show in over 400 cities around the world through their website. Another place you can look when researching places to play is on college campuses. Often universities will host concerts for their students and this can be a great opportunity to get some new fans ! Other unconventional music venues include libraries, record stores, coffee shops, or breweries. Even playing a live set at a local radio station could be a good way to diversify a traditional tour!

6. Find local bands to share the stage with when you book your own tour

Another great way to book your own shows in other cities is to reach out to local bands and propose to share the stage with them. If they are interested and think it could be a good match musically, you’ll have a way into the local music scene immediately. This can help with organizing the show but also with getting people to show up if the local band already has an established fanbase . You can also propose yourself as an opening act for bigger touring artists in your genre .

7. Pitch your live show

Pitching your live show and your music is an important step in getting the attention of music venues. Make sure that you contact the right person in charge of booking for each venue and prepare your pitch. Include a concise biography, links to your music and a live video if you have it. You should also include details about your set , most importantly the length and how many musicians will be on stage. Sell your project and why it would be ideal for that particular venue. If you have notable media coverage and brief details about past shows and the crowd you draw, let them know. Most importantly, let them know the dates you will be passing through their city and when could be available for a show.

8. Discuss finances and define your budget

If you get a positive response from the venues, be prepared to negotiate and discuss finances. Different venues pay their artists in different ways, so make sure you understand how payment will work. Don’t wait until you arrive at the venue to figure out how you are getting paid- you may not be getting paid at all. Once you have this information, you can create a budget spreadsheet to calculate profits after expenses and if you need to adjust your budget in any way.

9. Prepare your merch

Having merch on tour is a great way to make some extra cash and also have something to offer at the end of the show. Of course, the most common merch is selling physical copies of your music, either CDs, vinyls, or even cassette tapes. T-shirts, hats, socks, keychains- get creative with it. If you are limited on budget, you can go the DIY route and make homemade merch that doesn’t cost much. I burned about 50 copies my first EP on CDs one by one to bring on a solo tour in Italy and made handmade seed packets to go with the theme of my most recent EP “Fleuriste”. Use merch as a way to express yourself and add depth to your musical project! If you want some more ideas related to merchandising , check out our article on the topic .

10. Stay organized, promote your shows, and book your own tour!

Above all, you need to stay super organized when you book your own tour . This means organization at every step of the way. Keep a spreadsheet when researching concert venues by location to organize contact information for each one. Once you start booking shows , keep all the details in one place for the payment for each gig , hours for sound check and the show , and accommodation. A spreadsheet dedicated to expenses is also necessary, where you can keep track of what you spend and what you make- this includes selling your merch as well.

Once you have the organization down, make sure to promote your shows as much as you can and be active on social media! Create Facebook events for your gigs and boost posts on Instagram to target audiences in the cities you are playing in. Make a tour poster to list all the places you’ll be playing in. Sign up for a Bandsintown artists profile or Songkick so that your shows will show up on the platforms. Doing all this will boost your chances of potential fans coming out to see you play live !

Discover all the booking agents you can contact on Groover 👈

Mackenzie Leighton

Mackenzie Leighton is an indie-folk musician and florist originally from the Northeast United States. She has called Paris home since 2017, and her most recent EP "Fleuriste" is now available on all streaming platforms. Catch her at her next show in Paris! Main influences: Julia Jacklin, Devendra Banhart, Andy Shauf, Angel Olsen.

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Imagine Dragons Plan Summer Tour for New Album, ‘Loom’

• By Kory Grow

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Now that Dan Reynolds has shown off his Indiana Jones–like ability to escape boobytrapped ancient ruins — all without the aid of socks — in Imagine Dragons’ “Eyes Closed” video, the group will show that it can tour with its eyes closed as veterans of the road. The Imagine Dragons will kick off an arena tour this summer — tied to the release of their new nine-track album, Loom (out June 28) — and it will run through the fall.

Tickets will go on sale Friday. Various presales begin Tuesday. Full details are on the group’s website . There are also VIP packages including one with “a signed guitar played by a member of Imagine Dragons on stage that night.”

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Imagine Dragons Tour Dates:

July 30 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion Aug. 2 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater Aug. 4 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center Aug. 6 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center Aug. 8 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage Aug. 12 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre Aug. 14 – Burgettstown, PA @ The Pavilion at Star Lake Aug. 16 – St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Aug. 18 – Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Aug. 20 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center Aug. 22 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live Aug. 23 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion Aug. 26 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater Aug. 28 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion Aug. 30 – West Palm Beach, FL @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre Sept. 1 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre Sept. 4 – Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion Sept. 6 – Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman Sept. 8 – Ridgedale, MO @ Thunder Ridge Nature’s Arena Sept. 28 – Seattle, WA @ The Gorge Amphitheatre Sept. 29 – Ridgefield, WA @ RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater Oct. 2 – Wheatland, CA @ Toyota Amphitheatre Oct. 5 – Chula Vista, CA @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre Oct. 6 – Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre Oct. 9 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater Oct. 11 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre Oct. 17 – Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Oct. 20 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre Oct. 22 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl

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Ticket prices, seat plan: Laufey’s ‘Bewitched: The Goddess’ concert in Manila

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

LAUFEY. The singer is bringing her 'Bewitched: The Goddess' concert tour to Manila.

Laufey's Instagram

MANILA, Philippines – Concert promoter Live Nation Philippines released on Monday, April 29, the ticket prices and seat plan for Laufey’s upcoming “Bewitched: The Goddess” concert stop in Manila. 

The Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter is set to headline a show at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in September. 

Ticket prices for the all-seated show are as follows: 

• VIP Front: P9,250
• VIP Back: P8,750
• Patron: P8,250
• LBA Premium: P7,750
• LBA Regular: P7,250
• LBB Premium: P6,750
• UB Premium: P4,250 
• UB Regular: P3,250 
• General Admission: P2,250

Tickets will be available to the public starting May 7, 12 pm, while members of LNPH can secure their tickets early through the presale happening from May 6 to 7.

Aside from Manila, the “Bewitched: The Goddess” concert tour will also include stops in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Singapore, and key cities in Japan and Australia. 

Prior to her September concert in Manila, Laufey will also have a two-night show with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra on May 28 and 29 at the PICC Plenary Hall in Pasay City.

Laufey was previously in Manila in May 2023 for a sold-out show at the Filinvest Tent in Muntinlupa City.

The 24-year-old jazz musician is best known for her hits “From the Start,” “Falling Behind,” and “Let You Break My Heart Again,” among others. – Rappler.com

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Your guide to 2024 NFL draft in Detroit: Registration, map, parking, things to do and more

Are you going to the 2024 nfl draft on april 25-27 in downtown detroit here's everything to know, including registration, parking, transportation, draft parties and things to do in detroit..

The NFL world descends up Detroit this week , just months after the Detroit Lions earned their first playoff wins in decades and made an incredible run to the NFC championship game.

The 2024 NFL draft is in downtown Detroit this Thursday through Saturday . Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to be there, with fans of all 32 teams looking to celebrate their teams' draft picks near the stage at Campus Martius and checking out the NFL Fan Experience at Hart Plaza.

If you're traveling to Detroit for the draft , here's a guide to make your draft experience easy and unforgettable. Information on registration, parking, travel, street closings, and draft day activities are all below.

When is the 2024 NFL draft?

The 2024 NFL draft is April 25-27 . The rounds break down as follows:

• 8 p.m. Thursday, April 25: Round 1
• 7 p.m. Friday, April 26: Rounds 2-3
• 12 p.m. Saturday, April 27: Rounds 4-7

Where is the 2024 NFL draft?

The 2024 NFL draft is in Detroit , spanning from Campus Martius to Hart Plaza in downtown with additional events in Beacon Park, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park, Harmonie Park, and along Woodward Avenue. Here's how Detroit got the NFL draft .

2024 NFL draft registration, tickets, sign-up

The 2024 NFL draft is free to attend and open to the public. If you're planning to attend, though, you will need to register using the NFL OnePass app or online through the website .

Registering for the event only guarantees you the NFL draft footprint in downtown Detroit. You must buy tickets separately for the actual draft theater.

Ticket packages are available for purchase for the second and third rounds starting at $950 per person — the fourth through seventh rounds start at $550 per person as well. Please be wary of potential ticket scams .

• More on NFL OnePass: How to download the app, what it will tell you

2024 NFL draft map

Downtown detroit transportation.

Detroit has multiple public transportation options to get around downtown. The city has a streetcar , an elevated rail system , bike share , and bus system to get you where you need to go.

These include:

• The   Detroit People Mover , which will operate 24 hours a day from 7 a.m. April 25 through midnight April 28.
• The  QLINE   along Woodward Avenue, which will run from 8 a.m. to midnight April 25 through April 27. The stops include Harper Ave., 116 Lothrop St., 6540 Cass Ave., John R & Piquette and 6230 John R St.  
• Bus service: SMART will have park-and-ride services from various points in metro Detroit, including Great Lakes Crossing, several Meijer store locations and Oakland County Community College. It also has its FAST service on Gratiot, Woodward and Michigan Avenue. DDOT services will operate with modified downtown routes because of road closures.
• Shuttles and drop-offs: There will be designated shuttle and ride-share drop-off points throughout downtown on Woodward, Jefferson and Fort Street. Detroit Air Xpress, or DAX, is a nonstop coach bus service connecting downtown Detroit to Detroit Metro Airport, and  D2A2  is an express coach bus that connects downtown Detroit to downtown Ann Arbor.

Fan shuttle locations:

• Bagley Mobility Hub , 1501 Wabash St.  
• River East Garage , 214 Rivard St.  

Hours: 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday

• More: Service details released about Detroit public transit options

Detroit parking for 2024 NFL draft

If you decide to drive  downtown , make a plan and prearrange parking . Many off-street lots and garages are booked, and street parking will be limited or restricted in the area. Parking regulations will be enforced; vehicles may be towed. Those planning to park downtown are encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. You may find off-street parking options on the Park Detroit app or on Park Whiz.

You can pay for metered parking through Park Detroit's website or app. There are also options for private parking throughout the city.

2024 NFL draft parking: 2024 NFL draft parking: You better have a plan if you're coming to downtown Detroit

Detroit road closures for 2024 NFL draft

The City of Detroit is conducting six phases of road closures leading up the 2024 NFL draft and during it. It started March 29 and will go through May 7. Be mindful of these closures as you're driving downtown.

Here's a detailed look at each phase of road closures in downtown Detroit.

Security, bag policy at the 2024 NFL draft

Detroit police say they've got a safety plan in place that includes increased police presence downtown, weapon detectors and video monitoring .

Detroit police have partnered with the NFL and local businesses on the security plan, as well as state and federal law enforcement, according to 3rd Precinct Cmdr. Matthew Fulgenzi.

The NFL will have weapon detectors installed that attendees must walk through at the gates of the event, which will take place at Cadillac Square, Campus Martius, Hart Plaza and a portion of Woodward Avenue. The NFL has a clear bag policy to enter the draft area, Fulgenzi said. 

Here's more on security measures and policies at the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit.

2024 NFL draft schedule of events, parties

2024 NFL draft day activities are from noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, events go from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Use the NFL OnePass app to find more on what's planned and when throughout the NFL draft blueprint.

Activities include a Pro Football Hall of Fame exhibit and an autograph signing opportunity with current and former NFL players, as well as a 40-yard dash, vertical jump, deep throw accuracy challenges, and more. There will also be a collection of Detroit-based food trucks for participants who attend.

Here are more ideas on what to do at the 2024 NFL draft:

• NFL draft parties: District Detroit, Greektown, hotels, restaurants and more
• At Ford Field: Lions to host NFL draft event for season ticket holders
• NFL Shop: Where to find the NFL's pop-up store in downtown Detroit
• Art and murals: Detroit's DCLEATED exhibit across town … plus 8 downtown murals to see
• Roller skating and games: Next Level by RollerCade set to open right near the draft
• Check out the lights: Detroit's People Mover will light up for the draft

Things to do in Detroit during the 2024 NFL draft

Detroit is a city rich with museums, restaurants and activities throughout. If you're interested in exploring the area outside of the draft, you can go to the Motown Museum, the Michigan Science Center, check out golf-rich southeast Michigan , and even catch a Detroit Tigers game on April 26, 27 or 28 when they host the Kansas City Royals. And get a souvenir while you're in the city.

Looking for ideas? Check out these guides we put together for you:

• Where to eat: Your guide to breakfast, lunch and dinner in Detroit
• Where to shop: 7 places to get Detroit souvenirs , plus Somerset Collection and Born In Detroit pop-ups
• Where to see concerts: Big Sean, Detroit Youth Choir lead list of performers
• Where to golf: The top 10 golf courses to play near downtown Detroit
• Where to take your kids: Top kid-friendly events to check out at the NFL draft
• Where to take photos: Iconic Detroit places where you can snap photos while you're here
• Must-see attractions: Where to go in Detroit while you're here

What else is Detroit doing for the NFL draft?

Here's a list of other attractions and events planned for Detroit and the 2024 NFL draft:

• The Detroit "Hollywood-style" sign is constructed along eastbound Interstate 94. Here's how to scope it out .
• Plus, there are five "Welcome to Detroit" signs going up on other stretches of highways.
• Country star Jelly Roll is planning an intimate "Night Before" concert at Fillmore Detroit on April 24.
• Detroit City Distillery has several NFL draft events planned .
• Circuit Court at Detroit city hall will suspend in-person services during NFL draft week.

Download the NFL OnePass app to stay up to date on what's happening during the draft.

Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram ( @detroitfreepress ), TikTok ( @detroitfreepress ), YouTube ( @DetroitFreePress ), Twitter/X ( @freep ),   and  LinkedIn , and like us on Facebook ( @detroitfreepress ).