Taking your music on the road is a rite of passage for any serious artist. A successful tour can build your fanbase, generate income, and create memories that last a lifetime. But touring also involves complex logistics, financial planning, and physical demands. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about planning your first tour.
Planning Your Route
The foundation of any tour is the route—the sequence of cities and venues you'll play. Smart routing can make the difference between a profitable tour and a financial disaster.
Geographic Logic
Plan your route to minimize driving distances between shows. Backtracking wastes time, money, and energy. Use mapping tools to optimize your route, and consider regional tours before attempting cross-country treks.
Market Selection
Focus on markets where you have some existing fanbase or connection. Check your streaming data to see where your listeners are concentrated. Consider markets where you have friends, family, or industry contacts who can help promote shows.
Booking Venues
Finding and securing venues is one of the most challenging aspects of tour planning, especially for emerging artists.
Types of Venues
Venues range from house shows and coffee shops to clubs and theaters. Start with venues appropriate for your current draw. It's better to pack a small room than to play to a sparse crowd in a large one.
The Booking Process
Research venues in your target markets. Look for rooms that book artists similar to you. Reach out with a professional press kit including your bio, photos, music links, and any press coverage. Follow up persistently but politely.
Financial Planning
Touring is expensive. Understanding the costs and potential revenue streams helps you plan a tour that's financially sustainable.
Budgeting
Major expenses include transportation (gas, vehicle maintenance, or rental), lodging, food, and promotional materials. Create a detailed budget before booking anything, and build in a cushion for unexpected expenses.
Revenue Streams
Tour income comes from guarantees (what venues pay you), door splits (percentage of ticket sales), and merchandise sales. Merch is often the most profitable part of touring—don't underestimate its importance.
Logistics and Preparation
The logistical details can make or break a tour. Thorough preparation prevents problems on the road.
Advancing Shows
Contact each venue a week or two before the show to confirm details: load-in time, soundcheck, set length, payment terms, and any special requirements. Get contact information for the day-of contact.
Packing and Equipment
Create a comprehensive packing list and check it before every show. Bring backup equipment for anything critical. Pack efficiently—you'll be loading in and out of venues every day.
Staying Healthy on the Road
Touring is physically demanding. Taking care of yourself ensures you can perform your best every night.
Sleep and Rest
Prioritize sleep, even when it's tempting to stay out late. Establish routines that help you rest despite constantly changing environments.
Vocal and Physical Health
Stay hydrated, warm up before performances, and avoid straining your voice by shouting over loud environments. Bring a first aid kit and any medications you might need.
Conclusion
Your first tour will be challenging, exhausting, and probably not very profitable. But it will also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your musical career. The connections you make with fans, the lessons you learn, and the memories you create are invaluable. Plan carefully, stay flexible, and enjoy the ride.
