Making a living by travelling the world and playing music is one of the toughest things in this modern-day and age we live in. Thanks to the magical thing called the Internet, music is free and easily accessible in most parts of the world. This is exactly why people don’t have time and patience to go outside and discover new music in person. Most of them even prefer to meet people online in order to minimise the real-life interactions. However, there are still true music fans who are eager to explore the scene and look for new talents on tour. These individuals are a breath of fresh air and the main reason why travelling artists still exists. So, if you want to see what it’s like to travel the world and share your music with true fans, make sure to check out this useful guide.
Pack Light
One of the most important things about going on tour is knowing how to pack light. Let’s face it, you’re probably not going to travel by private plane or your own bus. No, you’re traveling all by yourself and you need to eliminate all the unnecessary clothes and other items. Remember, as a traveling musician, your most important baggage are your instruments and equipment. Therefore, bring clothes you won’t have to wash every two days – t-shirts made of Merino wool, denim jackets, jeans, and boots.
Create A Plan And Stick To It
If you’re traveling solo, you need to be organized every step of the way. You have to create a plan and stick to it no matter what. This is the safest and most efficient way to go on a tour. Make a list of places you want to visit and try to follow the said list. Skipping some towns and gigs will throw you off your game and you’ll lose your rhythm. Being flawlessly organized is half the battle!
Assemble Your Own Entourage
n case you’re not able to go on such big journey on your own, it’s rather important to assemble a group of close friends you can trust. Every rock star has an entourage, so feel free to assemble your own! This is a very fun way to travel the world, plus, your friends will help you with the load and organization. This way, you’ll be able to focus solely on your performances, which is always a good thing.
Perform, Perform, Perform
Even though travelling the globe can be an exhilarating and unique experience, it’s also pretty exhausting. A lot of artists get caught up in the moment and forget to perform regularly. You must not make the same mistake. Remember that you’re there to perform, so make that your biggest priority. There will be enough time for sightseeing after you finish with your shows. If you want to be a successful travelling musician, you need to focus entirely on your art!
Use Social Media To Promote And Announce Your Gigs
It’s no secret that Internet allows people to enjoy music for free without having to leave the comfort of their own home, but you can also use this powerful media to your advantage. More precisely, you can use social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to promote your music and create events. This way, you’ll be able to attract more people to your shows. Considering the world we live in today, social media advertising might prove to be crucial to your success.
Make Friends And Connections In Every Place You Visit
We’re not just talking about dominating the local dating scenes. No, we’re talking about real friends and connections that will make your job easier in the future. Let’s face it, you can’t expect to make it in this world without certain contacts and associates in every town/city. These people are extremely important and without them, you won’t be able to book your gigs at future festivals. Also, if you dream of having your own independent concerts all over the world, you need people to vouch for you in those places. You can’t become a successful musician entirely on your own, bear that in mind at all times.
Courtesy of Stefan Simonovic