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By Jeri Goldstein
One method to expand your audience is to serve as a support act for a known
headliner on multiple tour dates or to open a single show for a larger act.
These are choice slots and many bands are vying for them. Sometimes you can
get lucky and be at the right place and the right time. If you are more interested
in process rather than chance, here are three methods to follow that may land
you these choice support performance slots.
1. Select and contact bands that are
logical, compatible choices
In some
instances, you may know a compatible band personally and are friends with some
of the members. This would be the most direct route to getting on a tour or
single date.
If you were unfamiliar with anyone in the group, the
next step would be to contact the act's management. Emerging bands, still
building their own following, but much more established than you, often have
a hot list of new acts on the scene from which they select potential support
or opening acts. Get on that hot list. Check on their tour schedule for an
upcoming or recently played date. If they are playing locally, check with
the venue, if not look on Musi-cal.com or check Pollstar to see if they are
listing their itinerary. Pollstar, has a management directory and Billboard's
International Talent & Touring Directory
lists management, agency and record company. These directories are often costly.
Once you reach management, tell them you are interested in being considered
for an opener or support act. Let them know you are very familiar with the
act and why you think you would be a good addition to the show. Offer to send
your current press materials and latest recording and some support materials
detailing your activities. Be realistic, you may be one of many acts attempting
to be considered, make sure you represent yourself well.
This process may take some time as you develop a relationship with the act's
management. Be persistent. Keep in touch with your contact. Provide them with
updates as your career and tours take shape. The payoff may not be immediate,
but it may be well worth a wait if you have selected the right act.
2. Contact the Booking Agency
Bands may not have management
but may have a booking agent. Approach the agent in a similar manner as you
would management. As you build a relationship with the agency, this may also
serve as your entrée
if you have been looking for an agent for your act. As you consider groups
for which you may open, it is likely that those agency's rosters would also
be logical choices to represent your band.
3. Contact the Venue Booking Person
.As you determine where you would like
to play, specific venues in certain markets become important. As you identify
these venues, you may find it impossible to get a date if you haven't previously
played the venue. Asking for an opening act slot may be a way of gaining entrance.
Check the venue's website for upcoming shows. If you can identify a few of
the upcoming acts as ones with whom you might be compatible, suggest that to
the booker and ask to open that show. Send your promotional material. Often,
they will have to check with the acts management or agency. You can ask for
the act's management contact in case you need to establish contact and begin
your process with the management or agent as suggested above. Let the venue
booker make the initial contact. Some venues have the ability to arrange openers
for certain acts and sometimes they receive strict instructions from the group's
agent regarding their policy on openers. Inform the venues know about your
intentions, ask to be kept in mind when appropriate situations arise.
Getting opening act slots or a support tour should be one of
the many strategies used to expand your audience. Begin this process by making
a list of groups you might consider appropriate headliners. As time goes on
and your group develops, the list will need updating. There is no time like
the present to begin this strategic audience development process.
Jeri Goldstein is the author of, How
To Be Your Own Booking Agent The Musician's & Performing
Artist's Guide To Successful Touring 3rd Edition. , I invite
you to learn more about this and other topics important to your career development
and to sign up for my free weekly audio Biz Booster Hot Tip! Every Monday you'll
get another valuable strategy and technique that you can put to use immediately.
Plus, get my Free report: 5 Booking Strategies that Work when you sign up.
http://www.performingbiz.com
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