How can you build buzz around a live concert?

Consider your demographic & the size of venue VS the size of live artists DJs & the audience they will command. A good place to start is by working it backwards & looking at artists in a similar scene & which venues they are playing.

It's all about the vibe. You want a place that speaks to your music, where the walls feel like they're part of the show. Size matters- I would rather play to a packed-to-the-rafters small club than a half empty theater. The energy of a sold-out show is visceral. It becomes something larger than itself. You'll also build excitement for your next show or visit based on the vibe created by a full house.

You will want to incorporate a social media budget in order to cut through the noise & reach your fanbase / target audience. Remember you are competing for your audience's attention & there will be a lot of events aiming for a similar audience.

Dive deep into marketing. It's not just about blasting your message. It's about crafting a narrative that captures the essence of your music and your personality. Use a mix of social media platforms – Instagram for visuals, X and Threads for quick updates, Facebook & LinkedIn for detailed posts. Email campaigns can be powerful, too. Personalize them, make them feel exclusive. And don’t forget the physical world. Posters, flyers in local hotspots can catch eyes. Your plan should be a blend of precision strikes and wide nets– hitting your core audience while drawing in new faces. It’s about creating anticipation that builds to show day. Remember, it's not just about getting the word out; it's about creating a buzz that's impossible to ignore.

Engagement isn’t just about posting; it’s about building a community. Your fans are your tribe. Use socials to spark conversations. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, stories from the road, insights into your creative process. Make your fans feel like they're on the journey with you. Ask for their opinions, get them involved in making decisions – maybe about setlists or merch designs. This kind of interaction doesn't just build anticipation for the gig; it builds loyalty and a deeper connection with your audience. Once at SXSW we held a scavenger hunt. We placed 5 guitar pedals at random locations throughout Austin, posted photo hints to Insta and let the world find them. It was a great way to make a splash and earn a few lifelong fans.

Collaboration is key. It's about synergy. Connect with local artists, bands, even businesses. Think of collaborations as a way to cross-pollinate your audiences. You introduce them to new sounds; they introduce you to new listeners. Look for alignment in style or ethos. These collaborations can take many forms – joint performances, cross-promotion on social media, even co-created merch. Each collaboration is a chance to expand your reach, create buzz, and add an extra layer of excitement to your concert.

Your branding / design in crucial in ensuring your event looks professional & reaches your target audience. You may want to onboard a professional designer to help you with this.

Your gig needs to be more than just a setlist; it needs to be an experience. Think about what makes your show stand out. Maybe it’s an unusual venue, a thematic stage design, or interactive elements that involve the audience. Offer limited edition merch – something fans can’t get anywhere else. Surprise your audience – a guest appearance, an unexpected encore, a unique rendition of a popular song. These elements create moments that fans will talk about long after the lights go down. Make it something the audience is compelled to post about in real-time, as its happening