#261 - How To Book A Tour
1. Find out what are your most active local markets
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! 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.
2. Set up a date range
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.
3. Set up your priorities and then fill up the details
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.
4. Book venues
Again, book venues for your biggest shows first, then fill out the rest of the route. 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. 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.
5. Start promoting
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.
6. Find local openers
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. They will also be more likely to draw a crowd if they are from the area.
