Just got back in from doing a tour in Eatsern Europe playing for the troops. If you’re interested in reading about the experience, you can check out my personal blog at http://aslantedview.tumblr.com
Regular blogging and notes will be resuming here shortly.
Pardon the delays, I’ve been traveling. I’m in Atlanta, GA waiting for a flight to Washington, DC now (then to Munich, Germany and then Sarajevo, Bosnia). On a good will tour performing music for the troops overseas. Posts will be resuming in a few weeks.
Regards,
Simon
The last post was about what to do when things go wrong on your tour: your van breaks down, you lose a show, etc. But what happens when everything seems to fall in place – the venue is packed, no vehicle problems, you come home with some extra cash? How do you take advantage of that positive momentum to ensure a long, successful career? Read on.
When Things Are Going Well…
GET THOSE EMAILS!: If you have a well attended show, be sure to take advantage of that. Make sure you’re collecting data – emails, phone numbers, etc. This is how you build up for future tours – even if someone “likes” you on Facebook, it doesn’t mean that they’re paying attention to your every post. You’ll want regular, focused, and targeted emails.
SELL THAT MERCH!: Keep directing people to your merchandise table. Not only do you need the gas money, but you want your music in their hands so that they have reminders of your band!
DOCUMENT IT!: Keep records of where you play, how many you draw in (or play for), and take photos/videos is possible. When you book venues, you can use this information to your advantage “Last time we played in your city, we brought over 200. Here’s a link to the show at _________” A sold-out show is also great information for press.
SHARE THE SUCCESS: If the sound guy does a great job, you might want to consider giving them a tip. Or giving a t-shirt to the door guy/bartender. Leaving a good impression for a solid show keeps your band’s name on their mind so when come around asking for another show, you’ll have some of their staff on your side.
What other things do you do to keep the momentum going on the tour?
Whether you are trying or not, you are projecting an image when you are playing a live show. You are making the choices: t-shirt and jeans, a skirt (how long or short?), formal wear, outrageous wear. Whatever it is, everything that you do is a part of the overall experience. Like it or not, we live in a society that is based on image. People will look at your band on stage: your clothes, your equipment, any stage decor (if you have a banner hanging up or projected image) and automatically make some conclusions about you even before you begin.
It’s important to provide a consistent, cohesive message. It’s also great if that same image is exciting, edgy, or surprising. It makes you stand out…and standing out is what makes you remembered. So go ahead, dress to kill. And make sure your merchandise, your artwork, anything associated with your “brand” is out there exceeding expectations as well.
Win a 10 day tour plus a complete presskit makeover and artist consultation sessions as well as the ability to join our 2011 artist roster.
Selected artists will be able to select their own destinations and date range to booked at clubs, theaters, festivals, and music halls across the country. The tour will be for two weeks (10 shows) with one slot reserved for a Sonicbids member.
The selected artists will receive a 10 day tour booked, with all standard booking fees waived. This includes routing, scheduling, negotiating. Artists will retain 100% of venue payments and guarantees, as well as 100% of merchandise sales with no penalties. As well, they will receive a complete press kit makeover: editing of all materials to maximize EPK and physical press kit and a two hour consultation with artist to create a strategy for the music, future bookings, and growing the fan base. Last Stop will also provide referral with discounts to PR firms for tour press.
To enter or get more information, click here.
