How to Become a Band Tour Manager
A band tour manager is a very rewarding position that requires a lot more work than you might think at first. Tour managers are the band's saviour. They handle several different issues that the band is either too busy or merely does not want to deal with. However, they also have the chance to see the world and travel with a group of close friends.
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Instructions
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Establish your management company. You'll need to create a name for your company which can be as simple as "(Your Name) Management." You'll need to do all the things any other service would, including filing for an official business, filling staff, and publishing business cards. You should also take advantage of the 21st century digital age and create pages on MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter. Keep in mind that MySpace was orginally created for bands to share their music, and is quite possibly the greatest free music source on the Web.
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Sell yourself and the company. A tour manager is a business, and like any business, you need to sell your assets. Being really quick-witted, persistent, and used to getting what you want is a strong selling point, as many bands will appreciate your drive. If you have a lot of contacts and credentials, sell the band on how that makes you special and unique.
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Search for local or national acts who desire to go on tour in the near future. Most bands hit the road immediately after they release an album to help promote the work. Your best bet is to review bands that will release an album in the near future. Contact their manager or agent and ask if they have a tour manager.
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Meet with the band and discuss logistics. The tour manager will handle the business of the music tour. You'll schedule and secure gigs, set up transportation, and negotiate deals with the club owners. You need to get a feel for what the bands want and what they can afford. You'll want to link the band with a well-known national act if the band features a small fan base. You'll also need to establish a budget and get a feel for the personality of the group. For example, if the band members are straight rockers who can play night after night, secure as many gigs as possible.
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