COLLECT YOUR ASSETS
A key starting point for maximising opportunities in festival season is making sure that you’ve got all of your assets organised. From updating your artist bio to creating an eye-catching EPK or one-sheet, there are various things that you should have to hand. Some of these include:
- Artist Bio (of varying lengths, since many applications have limited word counts)
- Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
- Pitch Template (including key achievements and tailored to each festival when outreaching)
- Live Videos (high enough quality, shortened and full-length clips showcasing the best parts of your live performances)
- Social Media and Streaming Links (URL for key platforms where you are most active/are most representative of your artistry)
- Tech Spec (updated sheet with tech requirements of your setup as not all festivals may be equipped for full band/come with backline)
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Knowing where and who to pitch to is just as, if not more, important than how and what you pitch. With so many festivals out there, understanding which are relevant and would be a good fit for you is vital.
Key things to consider include your genre, location, size/career stage, niche, as well as other demographic factors. Many festivals host a wide range of artists, whereas others are more targeted so it’s vital to understand where and why you would fit on a lineup.
APPLY TO PLAY
A large number of festivals, particularly in the UK, now accept submissions via ‘Apply To Play’ forms. It’s often useful to have a running doc of which applications are open and when the deadlines are (PRS has a useful resource on this here) but creating your own can help to keep track of your progress.
While most submissions are free, some come with a fee so do check before applying.
CONNECT WITH FESTIVAL CONTACTS
Alongside submitting your Apply To Play forms, pitching directly to those involved with booking festival lineups can also be an effective way of maximising bookings.
Whether it’s connecting on LinkedIn, sending a personalised email, or meeting at a show, establishing good relationships with promoters, bookers, press, and agents can position you well when it comes to securing festival slots.
Although, it’s important to do your research before outreaching, as continually reaching out to the wrong people with irrelevant pitches is not only a waste of your time but also can risk damaging industry relationships and credibility.
Be well-researched, concise, and forward thinking in your outreach to maximise your bookings.
TIME!
Although deadlines are likely fast approaching as you’re reading this, giving yourself enough time to outreach and fill out applications forms is key. If you can, space out applying and researching across multiple weeks (or months), segmenting time according to when things have to be submitted for.
Filling out 20 applications in one day isn’t realistic for anyone so break up your workload!
SOME ADDITIONAL NOTES…
Festival bookers will likely be receiving countless applications and pitches at a time, so keep everything concise and to the point. Having and showing the below can be helpful to securing bookings:
- Clear artist brand: show someone exactly who you are in the first sentence or two (genre, USP, influences, career stage, highlights)
- Live show history! Hard ticket sales (especially in the market) can be useful for bookers, along with having a memorable, established performance/stage presence
- Active/consistent release schedule where possible (few releases in months/years can be off-putting to bookers)
- Be agile! If possible, have multiple stage setups that can work if a more last-minute slot comes through
Most importantly… be patient and don’t get disheartened if you don’t hear back! Festivals will receive countless applications at a time so not getting a response isn’t always reflective on you.
And remember, you can always re-apply the following year!
