Whether you’re in a band or you’re a standalone musician, you’ve probably dreamed of going on tour. But unless you’re already a big name, you’ll need to do some planning to make your tour a success. One of the most important things you’ll need to do is to hire a tour manager.
A tour manager is someone who will help you plan and organize your tour. They’ll help you book shows, arrange transportation, and take care of other details. A good tour manager can make the difference between a successful tour and a disaster.
When you’re planning your tour, you’ll need to consider a few things. Here are some important steps to keep in mind:
1) Plan the Dates
The first step is to figure out when you want to go on a music tour. After all, you’ll need to consider things like the availability of your band members, the availability of venues, and the weather. Once you’ve decided on a date, you’ll need to start booking shows. A tour manager may do this through a booking agent or by contacting venues directly.
2) Think of the Logistics
It’s a must to think about things like how you’re going to get from place to place, where you’re going to stay, and how you’re going to transport your equipment. If you’re going to be driving, you’ll need to figure out a route and make sure you have enough gas money. There’s also the case of how you’re going to keep your equipment safe.
3) Arrange Accommodation
The next step is to arrange accommodation. Think about where you’re going to stay while on the music tour. This can be a tricky one because you’ll need to find somewhere that’s both comfortable and affordable. On top of that, it’s important to make sure that you’re able to get to and from the venue without any problems.
4) Consider Living Costs
It’s a must to consider the financial impact of a music tour and the living costs it entails. This includes things like food, drink, and travel. It’s important to have enough money to cover everything. If you’re going to be performing at many different venues, it might be a good idea to get a credit card so you can make sure you get enough money to cover everything.
5) Find an Opening Act
Another key step is to find an opening act. Finding a local act that you think will be a good fit for your music is a good idea. This can be a great way to get your name out there and make sure that you’re able to get your music heard. It’s also a good way to meet other bands and musicians who might be interested in working with you in the future.
6) Finalize the Setlist
After you’ve booked your tour and found an opening act, it’s time to finalize the setlist. This is where you’ll want to ensure that you have a good mix of songs. Ideally, sprinkle in a few of your own songs, as well as some covers. Having a good setlist will ensure that your audience can enjoy your music and that you can keep them entertained throughout the entire show.
Conclusion
Getting a tour manager and planning out a music tour can be a daunting task, but it is definitely doable with some careful planning and organization. With a tour manager, you can focus on the music and performing while they take care of the logistics.
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