Going on tour is one of the most exciting things any working musician can do. Touring allows you to travel the country while showing fans what your music is like when it’s played live, plus it can be one of the best ways for a musician to make money with their art.
Going on tour, however, can be a lonely experience if you’re flying solo. It can be hard to meet new people when you’re alone in a new, unfamiliar place, but if you take the plunge and put yourself out there, you can forge real relationships while on the road.
Hit Up The Local Hangouts
One of the easiest ways to meet people while on tour is to do research on the local scene. Find out where the local hangs are and head to those places in your free time. Take to social media and see if you know anyone in a new city or have any fans there. Reach out and see where the local dive bars and greasy spoons are located. If you don’t have anyone that can clue you in on what the locals like to do for fun, you can always rely on technology to get you the information you need.
While on tour, going where the local musicians and fans like to eat and drink helps you meet new people you’ll actually want to talk to. It also helps you stay on your budget. Local bands and their fans aren’t likely going to the most expensive places in town, so in addition to meeting new people who enjoy the same things you do, you’ll also learn where to go for a drink or burger. Bonding over your favorite brew will never feel so right.
While on tour you’ll be playing your own music, but there is no reason why you can’t support the local music scene. Meeting other musicians and music fans are probably something you’ve done in your own town, and it isn’t much different when you’re in a new city. Plus, heading out to see local bands gives you an idea of what the crowds and general feel of the scene are like.
Don’t Hesitate To Network
Getting into the local music scene before and after your show not only helps you make new connections with people in a place you’ve never been to, but it is also a great opportunity to network with people. As a touring musician, the connections you make can be incredibly valuable. Booking shows, finding other bands to tour with, and making sure you’re not shortchanged by venues are all infinitely easier when you know people in the area.
The potential exposure you can get from properly networking can’t be measured. Ideally, don’t wait to get to a new city to begin networking. Instead, begin your networking efforts through social media long before you even hop in the van to start your tour. Many local music scenes are incredibly insular, so getting your foot in the door before you show up can make a world of difference.
Also, if you’re headed to a city in which one of your favorite musicians lives, don’t be afraid to reach out and connect. The worst-case scenario is that you get rejected, which can certainly be hard to deal with, but there is also the chance that they’ll be receptive. In that case, you will meet a potential mentor who will not only give you advice regarding the local scene but also about the music industry itself. There is nothing to lose when it comes to reaching out to artists you admire.
Get Creative With Your Lodging
Once you’re packed up and ready to take your life on the road, you might want to consider branching out and determining where to stay during your tour. While crashing in your van is definitely one way to get some shut-eye while on the road, there are plenty of other inexpensive options that are far less isolated which will help you to meet new people.
Hostels, couch surfing, and even heading to a local campsite are great ways to introduce yourself to new people and are all far less expensive than staying in a hotel. Hostels almost always have shared areas where those staying can cook or hang out, and it is a great way to meet people. In addition, fans are likely to let you crash on their couches or know someone who might be willing to help. Camping can also be pretty wild and fun depending on who is sharing the site with you. The main point is, in order to meet new people, you might need to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.
All of these options reduce the overall cost of your tour by being incredibly budget-friendly. At the end of the day, going on tour isn’t just about playing your music to fans, but it is also an opportunity to really expand your career as a musician. Connections are valuable in the music world, and you should take every chance you get to make meaningful ones while you’re on the road.
Courtesy of Maggie Potter