Touring is essential for an artist to expand their fan base , gain media attention, and improve as a performer. More and more independent musicians have become their own tour managers to organize their own concerts and perform on stage. While it requires a lot of effort, it is entirely possible for an independent artist to plan their own concert tour today.

It is important to ensure you have a quality live show and music to showcase before planning your own tour . It is generally advisable to schedule the tour around the release of an album or EP , which allows artists to introduce their songs to new audiences, sell physical copies and merchandise, and promote their project . Music venues generally plan their shows between 2 and 6 months in advance , although some do so up to a year in advance. It is important to determine the length of the tour, as this will influence the planning that needs to be done.

Where to play on tour

Once you have a list of cities where you want to tour , it’s important to plan an itinerary to minimize travel costs and time . The choice of concert dates will also depend on the availability of music venues, so it’s advisable to propose several dates rather than just one. It’s also important to determine the costs associated with each trip and each concert . Factor in transportation , accommodation , food , production, and promotion costs. Get quotes from different music venues and service providers to get an idea of ​​the total cost of the tour. You can also apply for grants or scholarships to cover some of the costs.

How to select concert venues for your tour?

Finding the right venues for your concert tour can be a long and laborious process, but it’s a crucial step in ensuring your tour’s success. It’s important to stay realistic and target venues that are suited to your band’s popularity . To figure out which venues suit your style and audience, it can be helpful to look at

There are several other methods for finding potential concert venues:

Use online directories : There are many online directories that list music venues by region and capacity. You can use these directories to find music venues in your area or in cities where you want to play.Remember to contact several venues to maximize your chances of finding dates that fit your tour. And don’t hesitate to negotiate rates and rental terms to find the best deals.

Sharing the stage with local bands

An effective way to book your shows in cities far from your area is to contact local bands and offer to share the stage with you. If these bands are interested in the idea and feel that your musical style will mesh well with theirs, you will gain access to the local music scene. This can help you book the show , but also attract an audience thanks to the local band ‘s already established fanbase . You can also offer yourself as an opening act for more well-known touring artists in your musical genre.

Finances and Budget for Your Concert Tour: How to Go About It

It’s important to properly prepare the financial aspects of your concert tour as soon as you receive a positive response from the venuesIf you don’t have this information upfront, you risk not getting paid at all. To establish your budget, you can use a budget spreadsheet to calculate your profit after expenses and determine whether you need to adjust your budget or not. Don’t neglect this step, as it will allow you to better manage the finances of your concert tour.

Here are some points to consider when budgeting for your concert tour:

It’s important to plan for all of these expenses so you can manage your budget effectively and avoid unpleasant surprises . Don’t hesitate to put in place mechanisms to track your budget throughout your tour to ensure you stay on track.

Merchandising is a great way to make money and offer souvenirs to your fans during your concert tour. There are many products you can sell, such as physical copies of your music ( CDs, vinyl, cassettes ), t-shirts , caps , socks , keychains , etc. If you are on a budget, you can also create merchandising yourself, for example by burning your CDs or making handmade items. Use merchandising as a way to express yourself and share your world with your fans.