July 12th, 2006
I need your help - Promoting Tours
Drag the River will be heading west on August 19th. They will be touring for a couple of weeks and will be playing with I Can Lick any Son of a Bitch in The House during most of their shows. They usually do pretty well out on tour and can expect at least a hundred people at most of their shows.
Our main gameplan to promote the tour is to:
- Send tour posters to promoters.
- Send tour posters/promos to record stores in each town.
- Get the word out through Myspace.
- Mention it on our site and in our newsletters.
- Promote it on sites like Podbop.org
Beyond that, I am at a loss of things we can do to get the word out about every show without spending a ton of money. Any ideas? I really want to make every show count on this tour and want the band to notice that more people are coming out to their shows. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Written by Virgil Dickerson
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On July 12th, 2006 at 9:49 am
Sean said:
Do you think they have enough of a following to start a “street team” to help promote the shows in their local areas? Do people still do that?
On July 12th, 2006 at 10:30 am
Virgil said:
we have done street teams in the past, but it usually brings out kids who want free shit and the number of people who actively work compared to the number who don’t do anything is really low. Plus the people who would be stoked to help promote drag are old farts like me who are not necessarily go getters.
On July 12th, 2006 at 10:55 am
scottandrew said:
100 people per show is a pretty damn good start if you ask me. I’d say focus on those people who are already fans and do whatever it takes to encourage them to bring more friends to the shows. Bring five friends, get a free t-shirt, etc.
It’s a niche audience, but don’t forget music/MP3 blogs and podcasters. You might be able to identify a few in each city. Try donating some free tickets and/or schwag to their listeners who show up.
Maybe offer something special just for MySpace listeners who attend?
On July 12th, 2006 at 11:20 am
Sean-Michael said:
some times something as cheesy as giving the tour a name can help… i know that with me, i tend to remember a tour when it has a name… like… Brandtson’s current “30 days & Dirty Nights” or Victory’s (unfortunate) “We’ll Never Sleep Again” tour.
the obvious tour support (either whole tour, or specific dates)
flyering is still a good way… if you have dates your worried about, seek out someone to hit up with city 2 week and 1 week before with posters and fliers. this is what has been done forever, and it works the best.
and… sending me a banner or graphic to post on my site and myspace etc. if you ask for help, people will provide it. doing things on a shoe string budget is how i live my life! i am sure others are the same way; because of that i am always willing to help in any way.
On July 12th, 2006 at 11:47 am
southpawnation said:
Hm, maybe start by getting the support act’s name right?
I Can Lick Any SOB in the House was great on the last tour. I went to a bunch of shows in CA and will likely hit up all of them again when they come through.
I have to say I kinda like that there aren’t that many people that show up to their shows but the people that do are SUPER into them. I know it sucks for the band when there isn’t a lot of people there, though, but the Santa Cruz show was one of the best I’ve seen and there was hardly anyone there.
I do tell everyone who will listen they should check them out live too.
On July 12th, 2006 at 12:45 pm
Virgil said:
thanks for the correction. I was typing in a frenzy this morning at a coffee shop listening to music in my headphones way too loud.
Thanks for all the suggestions, keep em coming. I will definitely be utilzing some of the ideas suggested. Thanks.
On July 12th, 2006 at 2:40 pm
Brian said:
I think it was mentioned above but banners of different sizes with html to copy and paste in to your myspace/blog/forum sig whatever may be helpful. I see a lot of bands using this on myspace. I know its something I would put up at my blog and probably my myspace. I say different sizes because the standard wide banner doesnt fit on a sidebar. The smaller button type would be better or a portrait style banner.
DTR isnt coming near Boise. The Portland date is on a saturday, I will probably head that way and crash with some friends. Keeping my fingers crossed the lucero tour comes this way.
On July 12th, 2006 at 7:18 pm
Taylor said:
Definitely add your info + tourdates to podbop. We’re relaunching next week with a handful of new features, new layout and music blog :-D
On July 13th, 2006 at 8:22 am
Spreading the word vs. inspiring action at spinme.com said:
[…] Spreading the word vs. inspiring action Virgil Dickerson of Suburban Home Records is asking his blog readers for advice on how to (cheaply) promote a tour for one of his bands. He’s already got a partial list of ideas posted and a few responses (mine included) in the comments. […]
On July 13th, 2006 at 11:32 am
Cara Webb said:
Hey Virgil-
I would also recommend submitting a song or two from Drag the River to some of the regional podcasts available. I think this is a good general promotional tool (not just for touring in general)- I know I’ve found a ton of great bands this way. Some of my favorites include:
Tracks up the Tree (Brooklyn)
Dallas Does Indie
WHYME (Philly)
Notes from the Underground (UK)
Mod Pod (Athens, GA)
A friend and I have been discussing the start of a Podcast exclusively featuring Denver’s local music scene, as well as upcoming show information. While I’m on the topic, how about another Indie Nation Podcast? Not like you aren’t busy enough..