Booking an independent artist for your event, venue, or project can be a great way to bring fresh, unique talent to the spotlight.
1. Find the right artist
First, identify the type of artist that fits your event or project. Think about your audience and the kind of music or performance you want. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, and SoundCloud are great places to discover independent artists. You can also search local music venues, open mic events, or social media communities to find artists with the right vibe.
2. Reach out directly
Unlike big-name artists, independent artists often manage their own bookings. Reach out to them directly via their email or social media. Be clear and professional in your message. Let them know the details of your event—like the date, location, and type of performance you’re looking for. If there’s compensation involved, be upfront about that too.
3. Discuss the details
Once the artist shows interest, discuss the important details. This includes things like:
- Payment: Agree on how much you will pay the artist. This could be a flat fee, a share of ticket sales, or even tips if it’s a smaller event.
- Performance length: How long will they be performing? Make sure the artist is comfortable with the set time.
- Equipment needs: Ask what equipment the artist needs and whether they will bring their own or if you need to provide it.
4. Create a simple agreement
To avoid misunderstandings, create a simple written agreement that includes all the details you’ve discussed. This will help keep everything clear for both you and the artist. It will ensure safety for you and the music artist. They are protected in case things go wrong, and so are you. They cannot request more money at the end, or similar.
