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Some restful downtime between dates on tour is a good thing, but what about gaps you really want to fill but can't? If you don't have a show organized or if one falls through at the last minute, you can still make excellent use of your time on the road. Try these six options to continue growing your fanbase on tour – even when you don't have a proper show scheduled.
1. Offer a free in-store performance
Hit up a local record store to see if they'd be into an in-store performance. If you can't score a spot in a music shop, consider boutiques and other stores with customers that could be into your music. Whether during the day or at night, a free-of-charge set at a spot that already has its own customer base could earn you new fans.
Once you've got something organized, take to social media to announce – and ask the store owners for help promoting. Don't forget to set up a donation collection and showcase your available merch!
2. Look to the house show circuit
If you don't know anyone in a particular city, it may seem impossible to set up or hop on the bill of a house show, but it's actually not. Duh, the internet. Search Facebook for local scene groups where you could ask for help. Look for blogs and other outlets that have posted about house shows and reach out to the writer. You may be surprised to find out there's plenty of people in underground scenes across the country who actually want to help likeminded bands from other towns. Because community, you guys.
[3 Steps to a Successful House Concert]
3. Busk in a bustling area
Set up for a stripped-down performance in a thriving downtown area, or any busy strip of bars and businesses at night. Or, if it's daytime, perform in a park during its afternoon peak. Double-check local busking laws first, though. It's unlikely amplification will be allowed, and there are sometimes restrictions regarding money – but you'll probably be able to collect voluntary donations at least, and you might even attract a crowd.
[7 Secrets of Street Performers Who Rake in a Ton of Money]
4. DJ at a show or bar
You've probably got a laptop with you, so why not occupy an unbooked night by DJing at a show or a busy bar? Yes, it'd be cooler if you were spinning vinyl, and you could maybe even get paid for that. Even if you don't have any connections in town, offer to play digital selector all night for free, and you just might get a positive response.
If it's a show you want to play tunes during, find the appropriate organizers via Facebook events or other social media. For bars, try emailing or calling ahead of time. Obviously, you should give whoever you're contacting an idea of the styles you're into, and don't hit up a party your jams clearly won't mesh with.
5. Network at a show as an attendee
If all organizing fails, check out a show with bands or artists that aren't a far cry from your own style. You may not have had the right connections for success this time around, but maybe you can meet the right folks to hook you up the next time you're in town.
6. Play catch-up on social media
Nothing going on in the city you're in? Use this time to connect with fans on social media. Go live on Facebook. Post a photo collage of your adventures so far. Call out to residents in the next spot on your tour travels and try to get them pumped for your visit. It can be pretty difficult to keep up with social media while you're on the road, so downtime like this is a great chance to make up for any slack.
Jhoni Jackson is an Atlanta-bred music journalist currently based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she juggles owning a venue called Club 77, freelance writing and, of course, going to the beach as often as possible.
