TIP #5: Go tell it on the Mountain!
Get the word out by bull horn, town crier or trumpet (just kidding).These days social media is the talk of the town and it would do you good if your following (assuming your brand as an artiste is social media savvy) is updated on the where and the when of your travels. It is important to be consistent online by keeping your fans up to speed through your social media outlets. Also be sure to get influencers from local newspapers, entertainment websites and blogs to get the word out about your tour, even give out a few press passes to these influencers to maximize press reach.
TIP # 6: Plan your day to day activities
Don’t just plan your venues! Where will you sleep? Eat? Travel from place to place? The nitty gritty has to be planned so you can even schedule free time throughout your tour. This is not to waste time but to ensure that you do not burn out (that’s when things get real messy). Have some downtime, a stressed musician will not perform at his best .Go and check out what different cities or towns have to offer while getting to do what you love as an artiste. The better relaxed and prepared you are the more benefit you will get out of you time on tour.
TIP# 7: Raise funds and budget
If there was no other reason to plan your tour far in advance, this is why. Planning ahead will allow you to raise money for your tour. Whip out your calculator and tap it up like Madea, ensuring you calculate all your mileage, hotel accommodation, food, emergency funds and enough cushioning for the unexpected. You can put aside some rain money from local gigs for your tour.
TIP#8: Advance the shows
Make sure to follow up with the show coordinator sometime between a month and a week before your performance date. This will paint a good picture of you as a serious professional with the venue and to the promoter. You always want to be held as reliable and professional in your endeavours.This will also allow a smooth flow of events for your fans and your band.
Some questions to consider:
When are the set times?
What time do doors open?
What time can we load in?
Is there a sound guy?
Are there monitors?
Is there a catering budget?
Is there a runner for the show?
If your fans are younger, is there a curfew to worry about?
Researching these things will save you time and money and will leave your undivided attention on the paramount: your performance.
TIP #9. Build solid credibility
When it’s all said and done and your tour is over (sadly, all good things come to an end) keep the connections! keep in touch with the venue managers and booking agents. Send thank you letters and check in with them if ever in the same area again. These links will go a far way throughout the rest of your career. Manners carry you through the world!
By following these pointers, you’ll be prepared, organized and ready for the road!
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