how to go on tour

4 min read 20-01-2025

Going on tour is a dream for many musicians. It's a chance to share your music with a wider audience, connect with fans, and build your career. But planning a successful tour requires careful preparation and a solid strategy. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from initial planning to the final show.

I. Pre-Tour Planning: Laying the Foundation

Before you even think about booking venues, you need a solid foundation. This crucial stage sets the tone for your entire tour.

A. Defining Your Tour Goals & Scope

What are your objectives? Are you aiming to build brand awareness, sell merchandise, or primarily generate income? Clear goals will inform your decisions throughout the planning process.
Budget realistically. Factor in all expenses: travel, accommodation, venue fees, equipment rental, marketing, and merchandise. Secure funding if necessary. Don't forget to account for unexpected costs!
Target audience. Where are your fans located? Concentrating on specific geographic areas can make logistics more manageable, especially for smaller tours.
Tour Length: Start small. A shorter, successful tour builds momentum and confidence for longer ones in the future.

B. Building Your Team

Unless you're a solo artist handling everything yourself, assembling a reliable team is vital.

Manager: A manager handles business aspects, leaving you to focus on music.
Booking Agent: Secures gigs at venues. A good agent has connections and knows the industry.
Tour Manager: Oversees logistics on the road: transportation, accommodation, and equipment.
Merchandise Manager: Handles sales and inventory if you're selling merch.
Sound Engineer & Lighting Technician: Crucial for great live performances.

C. Essential Gear & Logistics

Reliable Transportation: A van, trailer, or other suitable vehicle for your equipment and band members.
Backup Equipment: Essential! Having backups prevents show-stopping failures.
Accommodation: Book hotels or other lodging well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Travel Insurance: Protects against unforeseen circumstances.
Legal Matters: Consult with a lawyer to review contracts and ensure you’re protected.

II. Booking Your Tour: Securing Venues & Gigs

This stage requires patience, persistence, and strong networking skills.

A. Researching Venues

Target the right size venues. Don't book a massive venue if you're a new act with a small following. Start small and work your way up.
Consider venue location and accessibility. Think about parking, public transport, and overall convenience for your audience.
Check venue capacity and technical specs. Make sure the venue can accommodate your equipment and technical needs.
Read reviews and check reputation. Avoid venues with a bad reputation for paying artists fairly or providing poor service.

B. Contacting Venues and Negotiating Deals

Prepare a professional press kit. Include your biography, photos, music samples, and tour dates.
Negotiate contracts carefully. Review all clauses thoroughly before signing anything. Be clear about payment terms, guarantees, and other important aspects.
Secure dates well in advance. Popular venues book up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

C. Creating a Tour Itinerary

Once you have your venues booked, create a detailed itinerary. This includes:

Travel Dates and Times: Plan for travel time between cities and allow for unexpected delays.
Load-in and Load-out Times: Coordinate with the venue to ensure smooth transitions.
Show Times and Setlists: Finalize your setlists and confirm show times with venues.
Accommodation Details: Include contact information for each hotel or lodging.

III. Promoting Your Tour: Reaching Your Audience

Effective promotion is key to a successful tour.

A. Utilize Social Media

Consistent posting: Share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with your fans.
Targeted advertising: Reach specific demographics on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Run contests and giveaways: Build excitement and encourage ticket sales.

B. Leverage Email Marketing

Build an email list: Collect email addresses through your website and social media.
Send regular newsletters: Keep fans updated on tour progress and ticket sales.
Promote pre-sale tickets and exclusive offers.

C. Local Media Outreach

Contact local radio stations and newspapers: Secure interviews and media coverage.
Collaborate with local bloggers and influencers: Expand your reach to new audiences.
Consider flyer distribution and poster campaigns in areas near your venues.

IV. On Tour: Managing the Logistics and the Experience

The actual tour is a whirlwind, requiring flexibility and a strong team.

A. Daily Routine and Organization

Maintain a clear schedule: Stay organized to avoid stress and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Delegate tasks effectively: Don't try to do everything yourself. Rely on your team.
Prioritize rest and well-being: Touring can be physically and mentally demanding.

B. Dealing with Challenges

Unexpected technical issues: Have a plan in place for handling equipment malfunctions.
Travel delays and cancellations: Have backup plans for unexpected problems.
Dealing with difficult venues or audiences: Maintain professionalism even in challenging situations.

V. Post-Tour Analysis: Learning & Growing

After your tour concludes, take time to analyze your results.

Review your finances: Track income and expenses to understand your profitability.
Gather feedback from fans and venues: Learn from your successes and mistakes.
Assess your marketing strategies: Identify what worked well and what could be improved.

Going on tour is an incredible experience, but it's crucial to be prepared. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of a successful and memorable tour. Remember, planning, organization, and a strong team are your biggest assets on the road to musical success.