How to Go on Tour as an Independent Artist

Introduction

Going on tour as an independent artist can be a rewarding experience. It gives you the opportunity to perform in front of new audiences, build relationships with other musicians, and gain valuable exposure for your music. However, touring as an independent artist can also be challenging. You must carefully plan and organize the tour to ensure its success. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to go on tour as an independent artist.

Research Tour Routes and Venues

One of the most important tasks when planning a tour is researching potential tour routes and venues. This will help you identify the best places to play, as well as the best route to take to get there. Researching ahead of time has several benefits. First, it allows you to book shows in advance, giving you more time to promote them. Secondly, it makes it easier to find venues that are appropriate for your style of music. Lastly, it ensures that you don’t end up playing in venues that are too far away from each other or too small for your fan base.

When researching tour routes and venues, there are several tips you should keep in mind. First, try to find cities that have a large population of people who would be interested in your music. Secondly, look for venues that have a good reputation and are known for hosting quality shows. Thirdly, make sure that the venues have reasonable performance fees. Finally, find out if the venues have any requirements for sound equipment or backline.

Secure an Experienced Booking Agent

Hiring an experienced booking agent is another essential step when planning a tour. A booking agent can help you find the best venues, negotiate performance fees, and secure press coverage. They can also help you create an effective promotional strategy for the tour. Having an experienced booking agent on your team is especially important if you’re planning a long tour, as they can handle the day-to-day logistics of the tour so that you can focus on performing.

When looking for a booking agent, it’s important to find someone who is reliable and knowledgeable about the music industry. There are several ways to find a reputable booking agent. You can ask your friends or other musicians who they use. You can also search online for booking agents in your area. Once you’ve found a few potential candidates, be sure to do some research to make sure they have a good track record.

Create a Budget for the Tour

Creating a budget for the tour is essential for ensuring its success. The budget should include all of the costs associated with the tour, such as travel expenses, accommodations, performance fees, and promotional materials. When estimating the costs, it’s important to overestimate so that you have enough money to cover any unexpected expenses. Additionally, you should set aside some money to cover your living expenses while you’re on the road.

There are several ways to save money on the tour. First, you can look for cheaper accommodation options, such as hostels or Airbnb rentals. Secondly, you can look for discounts on flights and rental cars. Thirdly, you can negotiate lower performance fees with venues. Finally, you can look for sponsorships or grants that can help cover some of the tour expenses.

Design Promotional Materials for the Tour

Designing promotional materials for the tour is another important step in the process. You’ll need materials such as flyers, posters, and postcards to advertise your shows. You should also consider creating merchandise such as t-shirts and CDs to sell at your shows. When designing the materials, it’s important to make sure they stand out and grab people’s attention.

When creating promotional materials, there are several tips you should keep in mind. First, make sure the designs are professional and eye-catching. Secondly, include information about the tour dates and venues. Thirdly, make sure the materials are easy to read and understand. Finally, make sure the materials include your contact information so that people can get in touch with you if they have questions.

Connect With Local Radio Stations and Newspapers

Connecting with local radio stations and newspapers is another great way to promote your tour. Media coverage can help spread the word about your tour and attract more people to your shows. Additionally, it can help you reach a wider audience and gain more exposure for your music.

When connecting with local media outlets, there are several strategies you should consider. First, you should create a press kit that includes information about your music, tour dates, and venues. Secondly, you should reach out to radio stations and newspapers directly to pitch your story. Thirdly, you should work with a publicist to help you get media coverage. Finally, you should look for opportunities to be interviewed on podcasts or featured in online publications.

Network With Other Independent Artists

Networking with other independent artists is another important part of the touring process. Connecting with other musicians can help you find new fans, build relationships with promoters, and gain valuable advice from experienced artists. Additionally, it can help you find potential collaborators and support acts for future tours.

When networking with other independent artists, there are several tips you should keep in mind. First, attend local shows and meetups to connect with other musicians. Secondly, join online communities, such as Facebook groups and message boards, to find like-minded artists. Thirdly, reach out to other musicians directly to introduce yourself and discuss potential collaborations. Finally, look for opportunities to collaborate on projects, such as live shows or recordings.

Build an Online Presence Through Social Media

Building an online presence through social media is another key component of the touring process. Social media can help you promote your tour, engage with fans, and gain exposure for your music. Additionally, it can help you stay connected with fans even when you’re not on the road.

When building an online presence, there are several tips you should keep in mind. First, create a website and blog to share information about your music and tour dates. Secondly, set up social media accounts on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Thirdly, post regularly about your music and tour dates to keep fans engaged. Finally, use analytics tools to track the performance of your posts and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Conclusion

Going on tour as an independent artist can be a rewarding experience. However, it requires careful planning and organization to ensure its success. In this article, we provided a comprehensive guide on how to go on tour as an independent artist, covering topics such as researching tour routes and venues, securing an experienced booking agent, creating a budget for the tour, designing promotional materials, connecting with local radio stations and newspapers, networking with other independent artists, and building an online presence through social media. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful tour.