Live music is one of the most rewarding experiences for musicians. Last year was a rest for music fans and bands as we took care of health and safety. To pass the time, some artists were able to sell creative merchandise, livestream their music, or crowdfund albums.
Now is an exciting moment for musicians who thrive in live performances. Live shows are returning to the horizon as restrictions lift.
After you have played at your local venues and reconnected with the music scene in your area, you may want to embark on a larger musical adventure, such as a tour.
Planning a tour as a manager of your band can be challenging but also rewarding. A successful tour can change your life, whether you’re touring in support of a new release, meeting other musicians, or showcasing your project to industry professionals.
It is easy to tour in a van and gain the exposure you need for your music. These thirteen rules can be helpful for DIY musicians who want to have a great experience touring in a vehicle.
Where your fans are.
You can easily track your music purchases and plays with most tools. You can use the data in your website traffic report to target cities that are close to your fans.
If you are using it to promote your album, and the song is being played in Lowell Woburn and Littleton in Massachusetts, then make a stop in Boston. Boston has many advantages, including venues that are suitable for your music, local promoters, and venue traffic. Your fans in neighboring cities can easily reach you by car.
If you don’t have enough information, consider a few cities where you would like to perform and look for local bands with a similar sound. You can contact them and ask about their music scene to build a country-wide relationship.
Send your EPKs to local promoters.
Once you have chosen the best locations for your tour, you should contact bands, venues, and promoters. You’ll need to send them your best tracks and promo photos, as well as a brief backstory. If you want, you can also include a map of the stage so they know what your technical requirements are.
An EPK can be a great way to introduce a music project. Send an individualized message to the industry professionals you are interested in to establish a connection. They may receive hundreds of requests a month, so make sure to stand out by sending a thoughtful and sincere introduction. You’re organizing a concert tour. Mention a few dates that you will be available to perform in their city.
Share your tour dates with fans in advance and sell tickets
Add events to your website calendar once you have determined dates and locations. You can pre-sell tickets for shows to give you a headstart on your guest list.
Do not forget to include details such as the other bands that you are playing with, the description of your group or album, and any other information you think might be relevant to the event. When fans and promoters spread the word about the event, this information will attract potential attendees.
Prepare your merchandise
Some nights, you may not be able to cover the cost of food and gas for your van tour. Prepare merch for your tour to supplement the cut you get from ticket sales.
You may have ideas for creative merchandise, or you might have purchased some interesting items at other shows.
Keep track of your profits and inventory.
Don’t forget to add download codes in the sleeves of your physical albums, including CDs, vinyls, and cassettes. Your fans will be grateful.
Before you depart, be sure to tighten your belt.
It’s a given that you should be well-rehearsed before leaving. Recording in the studio and performing live are two very different things, especially if you tour in support of a new album. This is important for a successful concert tour because there are so many variables to consider.
Set up your pedals and practice. Practice different transitions between songs. You can practice with your instruments (or not!) Practice with each other’s instruments. Learn your songs so that you can improvise and recover in any situation. You should also have two different set lists so that you never get bored with your music.
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself with your bandmates while you are practicing. This bond with your band can also help you anticipate and react to each other’s flow. Set up a tour launch event in your hometown so that you can receive feedback on your performance and begin your journey.
Road safety
Packing light is a good idea, but you’ll need to have a few essentials: a first-aid kit, extra socks, and apples (or bananas). It’s possible to get a bug bite while in the Okanagan. You could also be caught loading gear in Toronto during a thunderstorm. And your liver may be forced to work overtime due to drink tickets in every bar. You can pack these three items before your trip or pick them up at any fuel station.
Any road-worthy band must also maintain good mental hygiene. Keep your mental health in order. Touring can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Bring a jump rope with you and do a few hops at rest stops if maintaining a fitness regime is what makes you feel your best. You can center yourself by using earplugs or a sleeping mask if you meditate.
Establish a daily check-in with your band members. A simple question such as, “What is your rose and thorn for the day?” is a way to learn about how each band member is feeling.
Bring a sign-up sheet for a mailing list.
Signing up for a mailing list is a great way to engage your fans. Bring a lined piece of paper or print an Excel sheet with columns for names, email addresses, and locations. The mailing list signup form can be placed on your merchandise table so that even if the new fan is unable to purchase anything at the show, the next newsletter will remind them about the great show. This will help grow your fan base online.
