We might go on tour and I have questions

[Ajrocks]

We're 99% sure we are doing this.
we will be opening for a band who's lead singer had a pretty big hit in 98, they toured but they really didn't get huge. considered to be industrial/alternative.

Yea I know it's vague.

Anyways the company that wants us to open for them wants us to pay 3,000. this is to help cover advertisements in the FM market,college radio and the big papersin the area.

We are told we will also be interviewed by fm radio stations.

The band is doing a pretty extensive tour around the country. We are picked for the second leg. NY, PA, OH, IN, AL, LA, FL, and TX.

We have to pretty much pay our way and then sell merch.

I still don't know if we are getting a cut at the door or if we just make money off of merch.

Regardless of answer's I think the exposure will be great!

Anyone have any experience in this type of thing.
Oh they also take over the myspace and web page and get us something 2500 email contacts that they get people who signed up to hear about shows.

Thanks for any info.

Oh my main question is has anyone toured and had to come up with money ahead of time...seems a bit weird, but I also understand the business aspect also.

Thanks

Oh the company is known for a huge festival every year in MA. This is their first tour with acts.

[zongeek]

Hey,

Well, paying up front, as far as I know, is called a 'buy-in' or 'buy-on'. This happens all the time when smaller bands want to go and do a leg of a tour with a band they like. You contact their managment and do a buy-on.

Sometimes they're worth it and sometimes they aren't.

As far as how you will make money, your merch will be a large part of it. But if you sign anything, just be sure to note somewhere that you will make sole profit off of your own merch.

If you have a street team(s), then e-mail them your own fliers and postcards or whatever to print so that they can help advertise and so on. Just because someone says they're gonna do it doesn't mean they will, so you should want to take initiative.

Other things you might want to find out are transportation, rider, contract stuff, and pay stuff. Compensation can change from gig to gig, so just ask.

Good luck and have a good tour.

[Geddyfleaharris]

Playing devil's advocate - how is this any different than a pay to play scenario which it seems 95% of TBers despise and think should be avoided at all costs? Just asking.

[Ajrocks]

mmm right, so 14 days average 10 tickets per show to play 100 a night x 14 =1400 plus we get written up in the papers and radio sh#t...makes sense... hey just checked your myspace and sent an add friend...cool stuff!!!

[Dave Muscato]

Get this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Musicians-Guid.../dp/0823077764

It will answer most of your questions. One of the best purchases I've ever made.

[agreatheight]

Originally Posted by Geddyfleaharris

Playing devil's advocate - how is this any different than a pay to play scenario which it seems 95% of TBers despise and think should be avoided at all costs? Just asking.

This is similar, but different enough to make it possible to come out ahead. If the act they are going to tour with is going to pack and/or sell out venues, and the band can move merch (CDs and T-shirts) it's a fine idea. There is only a problem with pay to play if the band can't recoop costs, right? Most local pay-to-plays suck because there is no built in crowd, and the bands aren't set up to move merch, so they play to a small crowd and don't make a profit.

It may be worth if:

1. The touring headliner is packing mid+ venues.
2. The supporting band is GOOD live.
3. The supporting band has quality, moveable merch (CD, shirts, stickers).
4. The band has solid promotion tools - a myspace presence, a youtube video, a street team, etc.
5. The band gets additional exposure on the road - press coverage, college radio, daytime acoustic gigs, etc.

Be honest about it when making the decision!

Good luck!

[Ajrocks]

thanks for all the help!
I'll check that book out thanks

[Jazz Hands]

Drop the name of the headliner & I think you can get more accurate feedback if it's worth the investment.

[Geddyfleaharris]

Originally Posted by Ajrocks

mmm right, so 14 days average 10 tickets per show to play 100 a night x 14 =1400 plus we get written up in the papers and radio sh#t...makes sense... hey just checked your myspace and sent an add friend...cool stuff!!!

That's cool if you are somehow getting part of the gate each night. I wasn't sure of that from the original post plus the other stuff is all good too! Just to clarify too.....I wasn't saying don't do it....was just throwing a thought out for discusiion.

Thanks on the myspace compliment!

[Munjibunga]

It sounds like pay to play to me. You sure need to find out if you get a cut of the gate. If you're looking at this just to get exposure, and $3K plus expenses sounds worth it, maybe you should do it. If you're good enough, and well-enough known locally, you might be able to find a backer to front the money, who would then take a cut of future earnings if you "make it."

If you don't get a cut of the gate, the promoter is making money off you while you get nothing. Certainly don't sign a contract without having an attorney take a close look at it first.

[Ajrocks]

we have the money to do it. so we are really thinking about it plus to get our feet wet on touring.

we're working out the door issue right now. Supposedly we have to call the club and set something up. So I'm about to call him myself. I've been two people out hearing second hand.

We'll have to goto MA I think for a sit down in the next week or so.

[Valerus]

Originally Posted by Dave Muscato

Get this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Musicians-Guid.../dp/0823077764

It will answer most of your questions. One of the best purchases I've ever made.

And...bought it.

Thanks.