So you’re ready to take your music on the road! Planning your first small tour is exciting, but without a booking agent to organize the logistics, it can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—many successful musicians started with DIY tours, and with a bit of planning, you’ll be ready to hit the road with confidence. Here’s a guide to help you book out-of-town gigs, arrange travel, and pack everything you need.
1. Plan the Route and Choose Your Destinations
The first step in organizing your tour is to choose cities that make sense for your budget, fan base, and schedule.
- Pick cities strategically: Start by focusing on locations within a reasonable driving distance to save on travel costs. If you’re in a major city, plan your tour around nearby towns with active music scenes.
- Set a timeline: How many days can you be on the road? Aim for a short tour (like a week or two) if this is your first time. Pick venues that allow you to make it from one city to the next within a few hours.
- Look for local connections: Reach out to musicians, friends, or fans in those cities who may have contacts at local venues. Building relationships helps secure gigs and makes for a smoother experience when you’re new to the area.
2. Booking Gigs Like a Pro
Booking shows yourself can be challenging, but it’s all about preparation and persistence.
- Research venues: Make a list of potential venues in each city. Look for places that book artists similar to your style and offer the capacity that matches your draw. Small, intimate venues are often ideal for new touring acts.
- Create an EPK (Electronic Press Kit): Your EPK should include a bio, high-quality photos, music links, social media links, and a short pitch for why your act would be a good fit for their venue. This shows venues you’re serious and helps them get to know you quickly.
- Reach out with a personal touch: Email each venue directly, ideally 6–8 weeks in advance, with a tailored message about why you want to play there. Be polite, concise, and persistent; follow up once if you don’t hear back, but don’t overdo it.
- Collaborate with local acts: Team up with local musicians who have a following in the area. They’ll help you draw a crowd, and you’ll both benefit from shared fans and experience.
3. Budgeting for Your Tour
Tours can get expensive quickly, but with good planning, you can keep costs in check.
- Estimate costs: Start with your main expenses—gas, lodging, food, and venue fees if applicable. Don’t forget to account for emergencies or unexpected costs.
- Plan for merch sales: Merch sales can be a huge part of funding your tour. Invest in some low-cost but appealing options, like stickers, buttons, and T-shirts, and have enough inventory to sell at each show.
- Look into sponsorships: If you have a solid online following, reach out to local brands or music-related companies to see if they’d be willing to sponsor part of your tour in exchange for promotion.
4. Travel and Lodging Arrangements
You’ll spend a lot of time on the road and need places to stay each night, so plan accordingly.
- Choose your ride: If you’re driving, ensure your vehicle is in top shape. A van is ideal if you’re traveling with a band, but a reliable car can work for solo acts or duos. Pack a roadside emergency kit, and get your car serviced before leaving.
- Plan your accommodations: To save on lodging, consider alternatives like:
- Staying with friends or fans in each city.
- Booking budget-friendly options through Airbnb or motels.
- Couchsurfing if you’re comfortable with it and the hosts are reputable.
- Pack efficiently: Limit your packing to essentials to leave room for merch and equipment. Bring multi-purpose clothing and items that can stand up to life on the road.
5. Packing Essentials for the Road
Here’s a checklist of essentials to keep you organized and ready for anything:
- Personal essentials: Clothes for all weather, toiletries, a small first-aid kit, and entertainment for downtime. Consider bringing a neck pillow and sleep mask if you’ll be sleeping in the car or on couches.
- Music gear: Double-check that you have all your gear and backup items (guitar strings, drum sticks, batteries, and cables). Bring a power strip and extension cords—you’ll need them more often than you think!
- Tour essentials: Printed maps as a backup for navigation, phone chargers, a good-quality cooler for snacks and drinks, and a portable phone charger. A small toolbox can come in handy for any vehicle or gear emergencies.
- Merch: Stock up on merch like T-shirts, stickers, CDs, and anything else you want to sell. Bring a cash box, change, and consider using a mobile payment app for easy transactions.
6. Staying Organized and Healthy on the Road
Touring can be tough physically and mentally, so keep yourself in top form.
- Rest up: Tour life can be draining, especially with late-night shows and early travel times. Sleep whenever you can, and avoid overloading your schedule.
- Eat smart: It’s tempting to grab fast food all the time, but pack healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, and protein bars to keep your energy up. Staying hydrated is key—bring a refillable water bottle and use it.
- Stay connected with fans: Share your tour journey on social media to keep fans engaged. Post updates, photos, and clips from your shows; it’s great promotion and makes fans feel part of your journey.
7. Learn and Grow from the Experience
Every tour offers new lessons, so stay flexible and open to the process.
- Expect the unexpected: Things won’t always go as planned. From car trouble to last-minute gig changes, try to roll with it and make the best of each moment.
- Reflect after each show: Take notes on what worked well and what didn’t, so you can make improvements for your next tour.
- Celebrate the wins: Whether it’s a great turnout or a particularly memorable night, enjoy the good moments—they make the hard work worth it!
Your first DIY tour is a big step, and it’s a learning experience you’ll never forget. With solid planning and a sense of adventure, you’ll be prepared to bring your music to new audiences, connect with fans, and grow as an artist. Remember, every artist starts somewhere, and this is just the beginning of your journey on the road. Good luck, and rock on!