While some bands may concentrate on building momentum and popularity in their home country before traveling abroad, this is not always the best option. Here are some tips for playing overseas, regardless of your band’s current situation.
Tips for bands that are touring abroad
1 – Tour with a larger artist
It’s a great way to get experience on international tours with bigger artists. This makes it easier to plan since all of your venues are likely already booked.
Once you have gained enough fame, it is worth approaching established bands to offer a support slot. You can keep your ears open for opportunities to support artists in your local scene. Check online for new opportunities for bands. Make connections with other musicians to ensure your name is remembered by people when they are looking for support acts.
The Night Cafe, a Liverpool-based band, recently announced that they would be touring the world alongside The Wombats, also from Liverpool. This is a great example of getting involved in your local scene. Because of the people you know, you never know what opportunities may arise.
2 – Plan your route
First, ensure everyone has the most current passports and VISAs. Seriously. This is a mistake that can ruin a tour before it even begins.
It would be best if you aimed to book places based on the shortest and most cost-effective route to cut down on travel costs and time. It’s not worth zig-zagging across continents when you can travel in smooth loops and reduce the distance you travel.
Also, you will need to find a means of transport. The best option is a van or tour bus, which allows you to travel at your own pace. It should be large enough to carry all your gear and strong enough to travel the distance. Many artists prefer to travel by train, even if they don’t own a car. Interrailing across Europe can be a very affordable and simple option. It’s also worth looking into if you don’t have too much gear.
Make sure you budget for food, drinks and accommodation. You don’t have to plan where you will stay at each tour stop unless you plan to live on a bus.
You could use the fees for shows or go out on the streets to busk to fund these necessities. To avoid trouble, make sure to be aware of busking laws.
You might also want to consider a couch-surfing app. This allows travelers to find hosts with spare couches to sleep on. If you’re lucky, they might even offer to feed you.
3- Book the event
You can find gigs in unknown locations by doing some research on the scene. Find promoters, venues, and other bands in your area and then contact them to inquire if they have any openings.
You can send links to your tracks or connect with other bands on social media to find out if they need support. There are many ways to get into a new music scene.
Personalize your proposal for each venue or promoter. Your act’s unique selling points should be highlighted and a compelling argument made for booking you. Google Translate can be used to communicate in the native language.
4 – Look for venues in the suburbs
Why not think outside of the box when choosing locations for your overseas tour? It can be easier to land a gig at a less-known destination than in a capital city.
Locals are more likely to be excited by a new band visiting a smaller area. This is more than what happens to the residents of big cities who are constantly greeted by new bands. You also need to ensure a real music scene in any place you plan to play. It is not a good idea to play to just three people at a shabby pub.
5 – Social media can be used to connect and promote
Create some marketing graphics for your social media channels. Set up event pages for each tour date. Invite people to that page. How do you find people living in this area?
This can be done by looking for bands or music venues in your area and seeing who likes their posts. A Facebook post advertising the gig could be promoted, and you can use Facebook’s boosting tools for specific regions.
Be creative. People need to have a reason to visit you, especially if it’s a new act. At the same time, the venue may do its part to promote the event and make sure that you are promoting your event as well.