| PROMO TIPS AND HINTS FOR YOUR BAND |
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From the beginning explain to fans and potential punters that you may find researching sites (hit myspace or local ones) and going to gigs ( be active), that this is a Music Festival and there will be more than one show, and FAN support is fundamental at all stages and it will be a team effort. |
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Plan on a Party/barbecue, where you can gig and sell tickets. Try to add value to your event (keg of beer, drinking competitions etc.) by adding "special deals" and themes (dress like a punk?). |
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Plan each stage and give bonuses with each ticket purchased I.E. First round give a sample CD to ensure they are familiar with material. Second round include stickers/T-Shirt. Finals - Ticket price includes Transportation(bus rental) and Drinks on the way to show |
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Make all adverts/promo consistant and "uniform"- Info on tickets, Flyers, Websites must be correct and current. First impression is the key. Once someone has misinformation it is very hard to correct it. |
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Contact all local media (college or indie magazines and community radios especially) at least 5 weeks before a show to ensure they have time to include information in the local listings and increase the possibility of a preview/review of the performance. |
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Email list Notices - Send a general info about the show 6 weeks out - include any promotion with sales(giveaways) 2 weeks out - reminder email - more involved and making sure people have the date out and pushing them to get their tickets early to avoid paying more at the door. Encourage them to reply whether they will be attending or not. Week of the show - Last chance Email. Make sure you stress the importance of their role at the show and thank them for the continued support. |
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DON'T OVER BOOK - Try to avoid playing in the same market within 4 weeks of other show dates. No band can go against the laws of supply and demand. Remember you are competing against every venue and show in that area for those 2 weeks. If you just played, fans and music lovers are more likely to use their money to see an act that does not play as often or just a different band |
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Get Out and Meet People. No one will come see you if they don't know you exist. Spend some time at clubs, malls, Coffee Shops, Music stores and force yourselves to speak with people you do not know. The more you do it the easier it will be.Show your face.Be able to describe your band and what your about in 30 seconds or less. Always Always have promo(flyers, CD's, Tickets) on yourself. That goes for all members of the band.GO TO GIGS AND MEET OTHER BAND'S FANS. |
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Look for non-traditional ways and places to advetise. Sporting event parking lots (tailgaters) Movie Theatre's, Amusement parks. These people are all spending money on entertainment and like to have a good time. Remind them how much fun a live concert is. |
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Bar Hop/Costume Night - Get dressed up crazy, Nice, have a big sign with you, and go bar to bar in a concentrated area. Storm the place, Make a scene HAND OUT FLYERS/PROMO MATERIAL, Make sure they remember your presence then move on. Spend only 15-20 minutes per stop. |
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Local Radio Shows, college radio, internet local radio - if they don't have your CD, Why Not?!!! Let them know about the festival and about your band. |
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Website band directory. Make sure your band is listed in ALL local band websites. This would make things easier for people in "the scene" to remeber your band and so taking more interest in what you are doing. |
