Switchfoot Concert
The music industry can be quite a cutthroat world. It also can be one of the most rewarding financially. There is no exception to this when it comes to being a concert promoter. One day you could make enough money to buy a whole new wardrobe, and the next you could lose the shirt off your back. That is why you must be a very organized, business savvy person to survive in this field.
Instructions
Become a Concert Promoter
1. Know your Market. Half of the promotion game is knowing your market. You need to know not only what your population is, but also what type of music does well in your market. Check out your radio stations. What type of music do they play? Check out the local music scene. What types of local acts are brining in the crowds? This will give you a good idea of what types of music to bring into your market. Leave your personal music preferences behind when making decisions. Just because you think that an artist is the greatest band in the world, doesn't mean you will make enough money off of them if you bring them in to play a show.
2. Check out the Competition. There are a lot of big fish in the promotion pond. If you are looking at a hot act, realize that most likely one of these big fish is looking at the same act as well. This shouldn't stop you from putting in a bid, but just realize that putting hours of your time on booking an artist, when you are not offering a lot of money upfront, may just be a waste of your time. Most big fish can put out a lot of money upfront as guarantees for artists. Just like it is for you, music is a business to them. They will go with whoever can guarantee them the most money. You can try to offer a higher percentage on the back end, but you could potentially put your own shirt on the line that way if you do not end up with enough money to cover all your costs.
3. Have the funds. Starting in concert promotion takes a lot of movable money. Movable means that it can be used to fund just about anything and is not tied to things like your house payment. You will be paying upfront for advertisement, catering, and just about anything else that's in the rider. This can add up incredibly fast.
4. Know the game. Do you know what a back line is? If not this is a quick cue to you to start looking at even survive in the music business. Though business knowledge is number one, you must also know a good amount about music itself, or else hire someone that does. The rider alone could sink you without the proper knowledge of terminology.
5. Be ready for anything. There are so many factors that could affect ticket sales once you have a contract. At any time a big fish could plan a much bigger act on the same night of your show and wipe you out. Weather could also become a big factor, especially if you are promoting an outdoor show. Be flexible and creative, and you should come out with your head above the water...most of the time.
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