Booking Shows Part 2 With No Manager (VIDEO)
Congratulations on finishing your project at Untold Stories Recordings! In this second part of our guide, we’re diving into how to book your own shows and hit the road with your music.
Reaching Out to Venues
First things first: reach out to venues in your area. Think coffee shops, dive bars, community centers, and local music spots.
Write a friendly email introducing the three acts you’re promoting, complete with links to their music. By showing a well-rounded lineup, you’re making it easy for venues to see the value in hosting your show.
Building Your Reputation
At the start, focus on earning a good reputation and growing a loyal fan base rather than stressing about how much you’ll get paid. These initial gigs are golden opportunities to sell merchandise and let your talent shine.
When venues see that you can bring in a crowd and keep them entertained, they will be more willing to pay you for future performances.
Hosting House Parties
Consider hosting a memorable house party too! Renting a sound system from Guitar Center can cost around $100, giving you everything you need to create a fantastic event.
House parties create an intimate setting, allowing you to connect more personally with your fans and promote your music in a fun way.
Sustaining Your Efforts
Keep this going for at least a year, scheduling shows once a month if possible. Each time, try to feature a different artist from another city.
This helps you grow your network and build connections with musicians from all over the country.
Planning Your Tour
When you’re ready to plan a tour, you’ll have established relationships with artists in twelve different cities. They’ll be eager to help you out and offer you shows in their hometowns.
Organize your dates so you can play all twelve shows back-to-back, putting you on the map as a touring artist.
Taking Control of Your Bookings
By taking control of your bookings, you can travel and connect with fans while earning income—no major label needed. If you have questions about DIY touring after your time at Untold Stories Recordings, feel free to reach out.
We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Your Music Career
Let’s take your passion for music and turn it into a fulfilling career, one show at a time!
