live performances are a super important part of building a buzz for a recording artist. you should try to perform infron of people at least once a month in different markets, if at all possible. concerts allow you to improve your live performance abilities, acquire new fans and sell CDs. touring is also a great opportunity to travel and for publicity and radio airplay in new markets.
many artists are starting to realize that touring is the best way for them to earn large amounts of money.
depending on your administrative skills, you can find a booking agent or you can arrange your own tours. if you are firmly established in your home market, then it’s time to consider expanding your fanbase in some new cities. how do you measure this?
think about all your social networks and website stats. some things to consider:
~is my song being played on the radio/clubs? if so, how often is it being requsted?
~is my facebook profile maxed out with friends?
~do i have an active facbook group or fan page?
~do i have an active twitter profile?
~what are my website stats like?
~how many views and plays am i getting on my myspace page?
~are bloggers blogging about my music?
honestly answer those questions and if there are any doubts about your reach, then regroup and re strategize.
fans and the media can be very fickle and can quickly switch their allegiance to another artist if you are not out there promoting and marketing yourself on a regular basis. if i have been a fan of a current single by and artist and have to wait three months for a follow up single, i may have already moved on to the next. touring [along with constantly releasing music online] is among the best ways to stay on peoples radar.
artists also remember – fallback. you maybe a celebrity in your home market, but when you go out of town you are a “new artist” re introducing yourself to a new audience. with that said, don’t always be so concerned with what you’re being paid for the performance. you should be compensated for your work of course, but remember your main goal in the early stages of your career is to use the gigs as a way to gain experience, sell merchandise, acquire new fans and secure press and radio opportunities.
take my advice for what it is and good luck!
~lissa
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- artists listen: discovery is not the problem, your accessibility is #artisttips #musicmonday
- 10 Reasons Why Most Demos Get Rejected #ArtistTips
WHAT TO DO NOW?