Playing music festival stages is something that many artists and bands dream about. Not only is it a thrilling experience, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce your music to new listeners and raise your profile.
The article from AmplifyYou, titled “Festival Bookings: How to Get Booked at Music Festivals,” serves as a comprehensive guide for aspiring artists and bands aiming to secure slots at music festivals. Here’s a distilled summary of the key points:
- Timing and Research for Festival Bookings: The beginning of the year is crucial for festival bookings, with many events opening their applications for emerging talents. Artists are advised to stay alert for “Apply to Play” announcements, especially for major UK festivals like Glastonbury, Leeds/Reading, and others. Resources like The Unsigned Guide UK music directory and PRS for Music lists are invaluable for finding festivals that welcome new talent.
- Adherence to Application Guidelines: Each festival has its unique application process, and it’s imperative to follow these guidelines meticulously. Whether it’s through online forms, emails, or social media, ensuring your application aligns with the festival’s requirements is crucial for consideration.
- Preparation and Presentation of Application: Artists are encouraged to take their time with the application, ensuring it reflects their best work and suitability for the festival. This includes updating promotional materials like biographies, press kits, and social media profiles. An electronic press kit can be particularly effective, and a compelling live performance video can significantly enhance the application.
- Standing Out in the Application Process: Given the intense competition, making your application stand out is essential. Festival programmers look for a combination of great music, a strong identity, and an active, proactive online presence. A high-quality video of a live performance can be a game-changer, offering a quick yet impactful impression of the artist’s capabilities.
The article concludes with a special offer for an annual subscription to The Unsigned Guide, emphasizing its role as a vital resource for emerging artists looking to navigate the music industry.
Source: Festival Bookings: How to Get Booked at Music Festivals
