Planning a tour can feel like a monumental task, but with a bit of strategy and the right tools, it can be a smooth and exciting process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started and make the most of your time on the road.
1. Choose Your Cities Wisely
Start by focusing on cities where you already have a fanbase. These could be places where you’ve had strong streaming numbers, social media engagement, or previous successful shows. Building momentum in cities where people already know you is much easier than starting from scratch.
When planning, consider categorizing your potential stops into primary, secondary, and tertiary markets:
- Primary/A Markets: Major cities with large populations and established music scenes. Think New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto, or Nashville. These cities often have the most competition but offer the potential for significant exposure.
- Secondary/B Markets: Mid-sized cities or regions with active music and arts communities but less saturation. This might include cities like Denver, Portland, San Antonio, Baltimore, and Indianapolis. Most of your tour stops will likely be in the secondary market. These can be lucrative stops for independent artists looking to build a following.
- Tertiary/C Markets: Smaller towns or areas with limited access to live music. While they may have fewer resources, they often draw enthusiastic crowds eager for entertainment. If you or a band member is from a small town, plan a hometown show to get some support from family and friends!
By diversifying your stops across these market types, you can balance exposure, costs, and audience engagement effectively.
2. Plan Your Route
An efficient travel route is essential to minimize costs and stress. Tools like Google Maps, Bandsintown, or RouteXL can help you map out your stops and avoid unnecessary backtracking. Aim for travel distances of 4–6 hours between cities. This range is manageable and allows you to stay rested and ready for each performance.
3. Choose the Right Time of Year
Spring and fall are often ideal times to tour. These seasons typically have better weather and will usually bring higher turnouts, as people are less likely to be bogged down by extreme temperatures or holiday commitments. However, consider your audience and genre—summer festivals might be perfect for some artists, while winter tours could align with others’ schedules.
4. Build in Rest Days
Rest days are not optional; they’re a necessity. Plan a day off between every three to five shows. Use these days to recharge, explore local attractions, or do local promotion like radio interviews or social media content creation. These breaks will help you avoid burnout and keep your performances high-energy.
5. Assemble Your Tour Team
Even if you’re an independent artist, having a solid team can make all the difference. Key roles might include:
- Tour Manager: Handles logistics, schedules, and communication with venues.
- Sound Technician: Ensures your live sound is consistent and professional.
- Merch Manager: Maximizes sales and manages inventory at each stop.
- Photographer/Videographer: Captures content for social media and marketing.
Not every team will look the same, so assess your needs and budget to determine which roles are essential.
6. Stay Flexible
No matter how well you plan, unexpected challenges will arise. Venues may cancel or need to reschedule, weather might interfere, or travel hiccups could occur. Build flexibility into your schedule so you can adapt to these changes without derailing the entire tour.
7. Start Planning Early
Ideally, start planning your tour between 4 to 8 months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to book venues, promote your shows, and iron out logistics. Last-minute tours can work, but they’re far more stressful and often less successful.
8. Stay Organized
Several online tools can help you manage your schedule and stay organized:
- Bandsintown: For tracking tour dates and promoting shows.
- RouteXL: For optimizing your travel route.
- Trello or Asana: For keeping track of tasks and deadlines.
- Google Drive: To store and share important documents like contracts and setlists.
9. Keep Your Tour Length Manageable
For your first few tours, keep the length reasonable—two to four weeks is a great starting point. Longer tours can be exhausting and challenging to sustain without significant experience and resources.
10. Balance Touring with Personal Life
Touring can take a toll on your personal life and other commitments. Communicate with family and friends about your schedule, and set aside time to check in with loved ones while on the road. This will help maintain a sense of balance and support during the busy tour season.
Final Thoughts
A successful tour requires careful planning, but it’s also about staying flexible and enjoying the journey. By focusing on smart city selection, efficient routing, and building a reliable team, you’ll set yourself up for a rewarding experience on and off the stage. So start planning, stay adaptable, and get ready to hit the road!