/r/TouringMusicians

Photograph via snooOG

Any traveling band/musician knows that booking shows in new towns can be a real hassle. With everyone touring nowadays, music venues are flooded with hundreds of e-mails every day. This makes it particularly difficult for anyone trying to book a venue without knowing the promoter personally.

This subreddit provides a forum for touring musicians to connect with people from other cities who might be able to help them out, swap shows, share stories, or just discuss music and life in general.


Recommended Subreddits!

Don't forget to check these lists of subreddits by city/State. We recommend crossposting and linking back to your submission here.


Be sure to check out the /r/bandmembers slash /r/TouringMusicians contact list for contacts in various areas. Please add your contact info if you might be able to help in your area!

/r/TouringMusicians

7,613 Subscribers

7

The Rock Orchestra is looking for singers

Hey y'all. This sub has been super helpful as I started working with The Rock Orchestra for the last year. The group has been great to work with, and I've made a lot of money while being hauled around Europe, the US, and the UK. Nothing would make me happier than sourcing a colleague here to run around the world with! Only requirement is being badass!

Vocalist Auditions – The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

Are you ready to take the stage and bring epic rock and metal hits to life? We're looking for talented vocalists to join The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight, a touring ensemble that merges powerful symphonic sounds with legendary rock and metal anthems from the last 40 years.

About Us: A 12-piece orchestra and 2 dynamic vocalists performing unique arrangements of hit songs by iconic bands. We’ve toured extensively, delivering unforgettable performances with everything from classic rock to heavy metal, all in a stunning candlelit setting.

We are looking for a variety of vocal roles, both male and female. Current set list tunes could be re-arranged or songs added to fit your voice.

Our current setlist features:
-Female vocals in songs like Aerosmith’s Dream On, The Cranberries' Zombie, Evanescence’s Bring Me to Life, and Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters.
-Female background vocals in Guns N' Roses' Welcome to the Jungle, Queens of the Stone Age's No One Knows, and Metallica's Enter Sandman.
-Male vocals in Ace of Spades, No One Knows, Welcome to the Jungle, Rage Against the Machine's Killing in the Name Of, and Enter Sandman.

What We're Looking For:
-Versatile, dynamic vocalists with strong stage presence and the ability to perform in various rock and metal styles.-Experience performing live with a band or orchestra is a big plus, as is experience with in-ear monitors.-Passion for delivering powerful performances and connecting with audiences.

What We Provide:
Competitive performance, rehearsal, and travel pay, plus per diems
Tour Bus touring with single-occupancy hotel rooms on days off
100+ shows annually
Social media promotion and support
Performance photography

Audition Process:
Pre-screening round by video submission – Submit your Unlisted Youtube links by November 14th.

Finalists will be invited to a live audition in Boston on December 1st at the start of our Northeastern US tour.

What to Prepare:
2-3 rock or metal song that showcases your range and style, plus a 1-2 line biography and headshot.

Join us on our next adventure and be part of a truly electrifying live experience!

To apply: Submit your bio, headshot, and Unlisted Youtube links of your performance to trovoxauditions@gmail.com by November 14th.

0 Comments
2024/10/30
18:42 UTC

9

First time out of the US

Howdy, everybody. My band is going to EU/UK for the first time! Any airplane tips? Haven't been on a plane in 15 years....Thinking about getting the ENKI bass case to tag along with me, and a pelican for my pedal board with airtags inside.
Looking for any sort of advice, and anything is appreciated!

5 Comments
2024/10/30
01:57 UTC

8

Challenged a first hold, got it, now 2 of the bands don't want to play at that venue. How to proceed with the venue booking person nicely?

Hey yall!

Im going to try and sum this story up with only specifics.

I built a bill of 4 bands. They all said they are good to play in April of 2025. I emailed a known small venue in the area with our bill and they said we were second hold but are open for us to challenge first hold, because our bill was complete.

I challenged and won.

I let the bands know that we are booked at said venue and two out of the four bands let me know they don't like that venue for different reasons. I stand with the bands and understand where they are coming from. I have no problem booking at a different venue.

My question is.... how do I now release this hold that I friggin challenged to get without sounding like a dick? I cant email them and say "hey so you know how I challenged that hold - can you release it now because the bands say your venue has icky vibes" ...

How do I make this nicer / more professional?

Another option is I can book different bands for a show there 10 days later essentially changing the bill and show dates

Thank you for your advice!

8 Comments
2024/10/29
20:59 UTC

1

New To Booking

Hello all,

My band is starting to work on booking a week long show run around the Midwest. For those with experience, do you recommend DIY or finding a booking agency to help secure shows/small guarantee?

8 Comments
2024/10/28
03:28 UTC

4

Tour date fall through

Hello! My band beautiful freaks is back on the road for a mini tour (thank you to everyone who helped us with our national tour!!), and we had a fall through on our last tour date 11/2 Anyone know a good spot or a bill that could add another band between San Francisco and Seattle on 11/2?? Please hit me up!!

1 Comment
2024/10/28
03:18 UTC

2

Any new wave / art rock clubs or shops to play in south Utah?

Gearing up for tour again.... can't wait.

I obvi see a bunch of venues in Salt Lake City.... but are there any venues or record shops or bars good for new wave or art rock type music in south utah?

0 Comments
2024/10/27
22:34 UTC

0

We are launching new platform that helps musicians with existing audience create additional income. If you are a professional musician, I want to pay you $20 for 10 minutes of your time to get your opinion.

4 Comments
2024/10/26
05:01 UTC

13

Advice for staying healthy on tour

Hey all! I’m a young guy who’s always had a habit of getting sick and just feeling like shit a lot of the time. Usually I just live with it, but my band is going on a long ass tour soon and I wanna be able to stay healthy/in shape leading up to it. Any advice for an underweight guy prepping for this lifestyle?

ALSO: if there’s any tips for preserving voice would be appreciated

31 Comments
2024/10/26
02:01 UTC

4

Any good bus games?

On a sprinter tour. No dvd player. Anyone got any good bus games? We’ve already played “bag out the drummer” - need some fresh ideas!

24 Comments
2024/10/25
12:30 UTC

1

Solution for independent artists

Hi guys. Quick question for the up and coming artists on here. Would you guys use a solution to identify and reach venues more quickly?

If this isn't a huge issue for you, what are some of your largest pain points when trying to book shows?

2 Comments
2024/10/24
02:00 UTC

5

U.S. musician’s question about taxes

Hi! If I (a musician from the United States) made money while touring Europe, what are the rules surrounding taxes I need when I file my taxes domestically? Do I need to claim the money I made from Europe on my U.S. taxes?

4 Comments
2024/10/23
17:19 UTC

23

TAKING A BREAK AND RETHINKING THE APPROACH

Hey folks. Anyone else talking a break or retooling the approach. We have been touring heavily for 7 years now and in the last 3 have done roughly 150 dates a year through US and Canada.

Anyone else feeling a crunch of growing expeneses right now, or just stagnation in growth on the road?

Curious to what all of your experiences are like?

19 Comments
2024/10/23
16:37 UTC

1

Touring stage

Hello!

I've been trying to get a line on this style of trailer. Could someone here help with the company or what it's called because the video and comments on IG give you nothing.

Thank you.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-sfGzIvQwd/?igsh=Ymw5a2d4cTliY2l3

5 Comments
2024/10/23
14:33 UTC

13

Feedback on GigSheets - A tour management app

Hi everyone. My friend and I are building a new app for tour management called GigSheets. The idea is to simplify and modernize mobile experience on tour. The app is in beta and is completely free.

We would love if you could give it a try and report if it either suits you or you can imagine feature or two for yourself.

We are oriented towards small to mid-sized bands and will be cheaper than the alternative. But more on that as the app gets polished.

Find out more at https://gigsheets.app Appreciate any feedback!

12 Comments
2024/10/22
16:43 UTC

11

Any point of band touring with legit venues anymore?

I book diy shows. I see lots of bands posting about touring and shows being double booked or dropped after being booked for months. Disorganization happens but the rate I have noticed this happening is now more like numerous times per week. I see it posted on FB Groups like DIY Tour Postings or DIY (insert city name).

Since professional venues have put all the responsibility on local and touring bands to get folks to the shows but seemingly are only going to cater to the highest bidder with the proposed biggest draw, is there a point to trying to tour with these venues anymore? I feel that less people are interested in going to a bar to see bands play anyway and with the added negative incentive that no one cares or keeps track of what shows happen on what dates, how does this make it so bands would even want to play at these establishments?

Bands used to get paid something. Bands used to get drink tickets. There was once a green room. I am not saying that I don’t love playing music, I absolutely do. But I guess if I can’t even get a show on a calendar with all the bands attached and a flyer months in advance, what exactly am I doing wrong? And even if I am not doing anything wrong, I don’t think I want to care enough to get on that professional venues’ level. I just want to play music live even in a small capacity. It was once easy. It is now endlessly complicated.

13 Comments
2024/10/22
14:51 UTC

7

Advice for a first timer working for a backline company?

I'm starting at a backline company in a few weeks. I'll be working in the drum department. I really want to do good in this job as music is my passion in life. Ideally I'd love to transition into being a touring tech. Anyone who has worked for a backline company, or has experience as a tech before, have any advice? Do's and don'ts. I would love to hear what you have to say. Thanks in advance!

4 Comments
2024/10/22
01:40 UTC

7

Merch variety

My band is looking to add a little variety to our merch display and I was wondering what everyone has the most luck selling.

Right now we have one T shirt design, cds and a 7” vinyl. We were thinking of adding another clothing option or two. Second t shirt design? Hats? Bags?

12 Comments
2024/10/21
13:23 UTC

7

Cold calling/Emailing Venues

Obviously networking with other bands is one of the best ways to get in the door of new venues, but let's say that isn't an option.

What is your ice breaking phone or email pitch when approaching a new venue?

9 Comments
2024/10/18
18:00 UTC

8

Big Cities vs Small Cities with decent scenes

Hey there everyone,

Sorry if this has been covered before but I was wondering from folks who book their own tours for groups without a lot of built in demand, do you prefer to play bigger cities or smaller cities with decent scenes while on tour? I know a lot people like playing smaller cities because large cities can be pretty oversaturated with shows.

I guess my main question is when you are booking tours do you go out of your way to play as many big cities or do you have some other criteria when picking out where to play?

6 Comments
2024/10/17
17:22 UTC

8

Touring Vans

Hey folks! I am looking to replace my 2001 Chevy express 3500 next year as it is getting close to 300k miles and the headaches are getting more frequent and more expensive.

What are you folks finding to be the best affordable but not low budget touring vehicles that can last?

6x12 trailer in tow, so the van is for people, not gear really.

I’m eyeing 2006 sprinters because they seem to have a long life when maintained. I am DIY and handy enough to do most work that doesn’t require an expert mechanic.

I want to hear what you folks are touring in and see what your experience has been!

5 Comments
2024/10/17
04:45 UTC

9

Day/Side Job ideas??

What are y’all’s day jobs? Looking for ideas on day jobs/side jobs that can be long-term. I play for an artist that has a good regional audience, plays opening slots at arenas, but does not quite pay us enough to solely do it. Especially when I want to start having a family. What do some of you do in order to make it work?? I don’t want to teach because I am sometimes gone for weeks at a time. I’ve heard of people opening small businesses and what not, or getting into real estate but I’m still not sure. I’m thinking along the lines of something that makes good money and I can do it on my own schedule.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

10 Comments
2024/10/16
02:10 UTC

2

Touring Solo as a woman

I’ve been touring with a hired band the past couple years but dang…is it expensive. I’m wondering if there are any women out there who have toured solo. If I was a dude I would already be doing it. I’m wondering if any other women musicians have experience touring solo and what they did to stay safe.

14 Comments
2024/10/13
11:17 UTC

5

Touring abroad with a conviction

I'm a little way off touring outside my country just yet, but I have scope to in the future.

Basically around 7 years ago I was stupid and got into a minor altercation with door security when I was drunk (no physical violence involved). The charging officer decided a Battery charge was appropriate (again not a single punch/kick/headbutt was attempted) and I was stuck with a criminal conviction on a first offence. I'm just wondering if any artists have ever encountered visa issues when trying to tour.

Im UK based and my genre is generally bigger in the U.S, I know border control is particularly tricky there at the best of times. Does anyone know, preferably from experience, what my chances are of being able to get in?

10 Comments
2024/10/13
09:41 UTC

16

As the sub gets bigger, can we automatically delete posts promoting tours or tour flyers?

I love this sub. It has really helped me out a lot.

I was wondering if we could automatically delete posts from people promoting their own tours? It’s like an ad. I don’t come here to see your tour poster. I can see that if this sub grows, half of the posts will just be random flyers, and not actual questions.

The exception is when a band posts their tour flyer asking for help to fill in certain days.

Am I the only one here? Or does this make sense?

6 Comments
2024/10/13
00:24 UTC

2

Snarky Gies Latin

Freaking Excellent!

1 Comment
2024/10/12
22:06 UTC

9

Thoughts on winter touring??

Band is planning a Winter East Coast tour and I’m worried the cold weather and possible winter storms could ruin everything. It is possible to move the tour to spring/summer. Anybody have any experience/thoughts on this? Are winter tours right after Christmas worth it?

25 Comments
2024/10/09
16:11 UTC

0

How to get on a tour

Hi. Im looking for a gig on a tour. I am a guitarist and bassist, hihhly skilled on either. Or i can work backstage. Is there a site i csn go to to look for gigz? I just need out if this town

4 Comments
2024/10/09
14:55 UTC

6

Selling Merch Online?

Hey folks.

My band recently got a limited run of shirts printed, mostly to sell at shows but we're looking to put them online to make it easier for people.

In the past, we've used Big Cartel, as we don't plan on listing much or getting a high volume of sales, it's more about ease or access.

The downside of Big Cartel is that they need the linked PayPal to be a business account.

Does anyone have any suggestions for free ways to list these please?

7 Comments
2024/10/07
13:43 UTC

8

What happens to gear on between dates for bigger acts?

When looking at touring schedules for larger touring acts (arenas and stadiums), there are often 5 day + gaps between some show dates.

I would assume that the talent often uses this time to fly home to be with family for a few days (but would love insight if I’m wrong) but what happens to the trucks with all the gear? Where do they store everything on those long gaps of off days?

24 Comments
2024/10/03
17:32 UTC

3

Touring Photographer

Delete if not allowed. Looking for direction on who I need to market myself to. Photographing shows while trying to meet managers and bands is tough, cause they’re working while I’m working. I currently work with 2 online magazines and a local weekly paper. Not opposed to selling merch or anything else to make myself more valuable. I’ve done everything from clubs to arenas and multi day festivals. I don’t drink or do drugs. My entire job is making bands look good and absolutely love it! Thanks !

20 Comments
2024/10/02
16:21 UTC

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