Gone are the days were artists needed to wait to be signed to a major label just to book a tour. Nowadays, with the power of the internet, most indie artists and solo artists can build a following directly from their phone and take the show on the road themselves.
With that being said, if you looking to DIY your independent tour then you’ll need to know a few things beforehand. Keep in mind that it may be time-consuming and requires upfront costs. But it will all be worth it in the end when you’re performing on stage and connecting with fans.
Keep reading to check out this guide of how to book a tour yourself as a solo artist.
Find & Reach Out to Venues/Promoters
As a solo artist, you probably won’t start off playing Madison Square Garden (but this is absolutely possible one day) so it’s best that you start looking for venues that are smaller in capacity. A more intimate setting will help you sell out faster and connect with fans more and you can keep growing from here.
Decide which city and states you’d like to visit and start reaching out to venues and promoters in these places. Many venues will not do the promotion for you unfortunately but if the venue is popular enough then you could still get pretty good traffic.
Try locating venues and promoters using Google and social media searches. Also, ask other local artists which are the most promising. Send out your promo materials, bio and artist press kit to their contact info.
Create a Setlist
Creating a setlist is as simple as compiling a group of your songs to perform during the show. You can also choose some covers to throw into the mix as well. It all really comes down to what you feel comfortable and excited about performing in front of a live audience.
Be sure to practice as much as possible, switch up what doesn’t feel right and clarify any rules or stipulations that the venue may have over what you perform.
Build a Team
Building a team is one of the most important factors of propelling a solo artist forward. This doesn’t mean you need hundreds of people in your entourage. But you should have a few good people on hand to help with certain things.
Consider bringing on a manager that can help you with booking and scheduling and some media folks for keeping your promo materials up to par.
Start Promoting on Social Media
Social media is the best friend of any indie solo artist. Here is where you’ll build your following, communicate with supporters and promote your events. There are a few key things to remember when promoting.
Firstly, share high-quality photos and videos of your best material. You’ll want to have this to show venues when booking. Remember to always engage with others to grow a stronger community.
Capture Footage for Promo Usage
Be sure to capture some amazing footage from your shows that you can continue to repurpose for promotional use. You can start off by editing on your smartphone if you don’t have any fancy camera equipment at the moment.
Looking to Tour as a Solo Artist?
The possibilities for what a solo artist can do on their own these days are endless. Start looking for venues and practicing for your set.
With some determination and good promotion, you could be on your indie tour in no time. Check out the music section of our blog for more tips and advice on being an artist.