How Bands Can Book Music Festival Gigs

Due to the rise of music festivals in the US, more bands are trying to get in on the fun. However, this can be quite challenging for emerging bands as there is more competition than ever before. Getting on the lineup is not as easy as promising Hollywood films have made it appear. The following realistic tips can help your band enhance its likelihood of booking this gig, however.

PAY ATTENTION TO SUBMISSION DEADLINES

One of the most important steps that you can take to ensure that you get on a list is to create a calendar that details all of the festivals that you want to play at. This will help you keep track of all of the deadlines and ensure that you get the opportunity to audition or be asked to perform.

Festivals have their own submission requirements. Before you start working on the details of your application, make sure that you have all of the necessary materials in order to meet these requirements. Aside from music, you also need to create a well-designed bio and a video that shows off your skills.

UTILIZE SOCIAL MEDIA

One of the most critical factors that promoters look at when deciding whether or not to book a musician is the number of followers they have on social media. A higher number of followers means that there are audience members who would look forward to seeing you perform.

A large number of followers on social media is not the same as having a vast number of seats filled, but it shows that you are committed to promoting yourself and engaging with your fans. This is also a good indication that you’ll work hard to get the word out about your show and provide an entertaining show. Before you apply for a festival, make sure that you are actively engaging with followers on social media and working on growing your following.

BOOK THE RIGHT GIGS FOR YOUR GENRE

If you want to play at a music festival that will accommodate you, then you need to find opportunities that fit your genre and overall vibe. That way, instead of sending your music to various agencies and promoters, you can focus on finding a few festivals that you would do well at.

The festivals that you’re interested in should also involve other factors such as the types of stages that they have available and the fees that they charge. If you’re not able to cover your expenses due to a contract or do not have an agent, then the festival might not be able to accommodate you.

While these tips do not guarantee you a spot in a music festival, they can help you immensely in your growth as a band.

About Kathie Russell:

Kathie Russell, residing in Pittsboro, NC, is a versatile individual involved in various ventures. Primarily, she is an esteemed real estate investor, mentor, and coach. Within Chatham County, North Carolina, Kathie actively engages in real estate investment by owning multiple Airbnb units and rental properties. Additionally, she offers consultation services to individuals interested in entering the real estate investment field. Kathie's expertise also extends to house flipping, where she relishes the opportunity to express her artistic flair through fabric selection, room layouts, and designs.

Beyond her involvement in real estate, Kathie excels as a band manager. In 2012, she played a pivotal role in forming the band Sarah Shook & the Disarmers. Led by North Carolina singer-songwriter Sarah Shook, who also showcases her guitar skills, the group has gained recognition for their Americana musical style. In 2013, Sarah Shook self-released an EP titled "Sarah Shook and the Devil," followed by the band's debut album, "Sidelong," in 2015. Their third album, "Nightroamer," showcases the band's evolution by incorporating indie-rock-friendly tracks alongside their folk, country, western, and punk influences.

Academically, Kathie holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Florida. Subsequently, she pursued her law degree at UNC-Chapel Hill, graduating in 1994. During her time at the Carolina School of Law, Kathie actively participated in the renowned Holderness Moot Court Negotiation Team. She acknowledges Governor Terry Sanford, who guided her while she worked at the McNair Law Firm, as a crucial figure who provided her with an extensive education in North Carolina history. Kathie obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Throughout her studies, she actively engaged in mock trials and negotiating teams. In 1998, Kathie established her own legal practice, specializing in corporate, commercial, and real estate litigation.