Booking & Touring
Booking & Touring: Building a Live Career
From local showcases to regional runs — how to get booked, get paid and avoid losing money on the road.
Start local, prove demand
Bookers want proof you can sell tickets. Build a strong hometown draw through showcases and consistent local shows before pitching out-of-town venues.
Deals and paperwork
Common structures are a guarantee, a door split, or a guarantee versus percentage. Always get a written agreement and a clear technical rider.
Budget the road
List travel, lodging, crew, per diems and merch costs before accepting dates. Merch sales are often what turns a break-even tour into a profitable one.
Key Takeaways
- Local draw gets you booked
- Put every deal in writing
- Budget before you book
For More Insight
Go deeper with CHI books
Fund Your Sound
How to fund your music career the smart way — budgets, revenue streams and investment.
Sources
CHI Entertainment Network provides general educational information and does not provide legal, tax, financial or professional advice.