My .4 Cents DIY Tour Booking Secrets Revealed!
Nov 25, 2025
Ryan Schutte, a booking agent, shares invaluable tips on DIY tour booking, stressing the importance of building local audiences before approaching larger agents. He explains how bands can show readiness through self-promotion. Jeff Betton and Matt Dowling from Hellbender Vinyl dive into the enduring appeal of vinyl records and the economics of production in 2025, emphasizing community impact. The discussion also covers the UK's proposed ticket resale cap, weighing consumer protection against potential pitfalls of black markets.
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Start Local, Expand Regionally
- Build your local scene first by going to DIY shows and making connections with bands, promoters, and venues.
- Use trades and short weekend runs to expand regionally before stringing shows into longer tours.
Agents Want Acts That Already Draw
- Agents work on percentage and hire acts that already draw because they 'keep what they kill.'
- Paying flat fees to agents can leave bands financially exposed and is often counterproductive.
Understand Tour Vernacular And Deals
- Learn touring vernacular and deal structures so you can choose appropriate venues and offers.
- Be professional and knowledgeable to make the most of opportunities an agent presents.