Performing on a festival stage is a career milestone that offers an opportunity to connect with a large, engaged audience and gain exposure. The path to securing a spot in a festival lineup requires preparation, strategic research, and professional execution. Navigating this journey can elevate an artist’s profile and open doors to new opportunities within the music industry.
Develop Your Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
Before applying to festivals, you need a professional Electronic Press Kit (EPK). An EPK is your digital resume for promoters and talent buyers to understand you as an artist. This portfolio should be on your artist website or a dedicated page, accessible via a single link for easy review.
Your EPK must begin with your best and most recent music. Include links to stream three to five of your strongest tracks on platforms like Spotify or SoundCloud. These recordings should be professionally mixed and mastered, reflecting a high-quality representation of your sound and musical style.
Visuals are an important part of your brand. Include a selection of high-resolution professional photos that capture your artistic identity. This should include a mix of headshots, live performance shots, and creative promotional images. A professionally designed artist logo is also an asset for branding and promotional materials.
Your artist bio should be an engaging narrative written in the third person. It should cover your musical journey, genre, and key achievements. Keep it concise but compelling to give the reader a reason to connect with you and your music.
A high-energy live performance video is an important element for festival applications. Promoters need to see that you can command a stage and engage a large audience. This video should be of high quality, both visually and audibly, showcasing your stage presence. It serves as proof of your capabilities as a live act.
To build credibility, include a section for press clippings and testimonials, such as quotes from reviews or links to interviews. You can also include data on social media engagement or streaming numbers to demonstrate an active fanbase. Finally, ensure your contact information for your manager or a designated band member is clearly visible.
Find the Right Festivals to Target
Once your EPK is ready, identify the right festivals to target. A focused strategy is more effective than applying to every festival possible. Research festivals that align with your specific genre; a folk artist, for example, is better suited for a folk festival than a heavy metal one. Analyzing past lineups will provide insight into the types of artists a festival books.
Consider the stage of your career. Emerging artists should target smaller, regional festivals, which are more open to booking up-and-coming talent. This provides an opportunity to build performance experience before setting your sights on larger national or international festivals.
Many festivals have application forms on their websites, with submission windows opening in the fall for the following year’s events. Platforms like Groover and Sonicbids also connect artists with festival opportunities. Pay close attention to application deadlines and eligibility requirements for each festival.
The Application Process
Most festivals use an online form that will ask for the components of your EPK, so have everything organized. Each application should be tailored to the specific festival you are applying to. Avoid sending a generic, copy-and-pasted message.
Your application should clearly explain why you are a good fit for that festival. Reference their past lineups and explain how your music aligns with their brand and audience. Be professional and articulate in your communication to make a strong first impression.
Many applications require links to your music and live performance videos, so lead with your strongest material. Talent buyers review hundreds of applications and have a short window to be impressed. A powerful opening track or a dynamic live clip can make a significant difference.
Some festivals require an application fee, which is a business decision based on your budget. Research the festival to determine if the opportunity justifies the cost. A well-regarded festival with a history of showcasing emerging artists may be worth the fee.
Network and Build Industry Connections
Formal applications are not the only way to secure a festival slot, as many booking decisions are made through personal connections. Networking within your local music scene is a useful strategy. Attend shows, support other artists, and build relationships with promoters, venue owners, and other musicians.
Local connections can be valuable. A promoter you know might be involved in booking a larger festival, or another band could recommend you for an opening slot. These opportunities can arise from the professional respect you build within your community.
Industry conferences and showcase festivals are good locations for networking with agents, managers, and talent buyers. Attending these events allows you to meet decision-makers in person, which is more effective than a cold email. Approach these interactions professionally, aiming to build a relationship rather than making an immediate pitch.
Engaging with industry professionals on social media can also be effective. Follow talent buyers and promoters on platforms like LinkedIn and interact with their content professionally. The goal is to become a familiar name so your application is received more warmly.
Following Up and Understanding the Outcome
After submitting your applications, be patient, as organizers deal with a high volume of submissions and can take months to reply. It is acceptable to send a single, polite follow-up email a few weeks after applying, but avoid pestering the bookers. Respecting their time demonstrates professionalism.
Rejection is a common part of the process, so do not take it personally. There are many reasons you may not be selected that are unrelated to your music’s quality. The festival may have filled its slots for your genre or be looking for a different style. Thank the booker for their time and express interest in future opportunities.
Use every application as a learning experience. Review your submission and consider what you could improve for the next cycle. Perhaps your live video could be higher quality, or your bio could be more compelling.
What to Do After You Get Accepted
If you are accepted, respond promptly and professionally to confirm your spot. You will receive a performance contract outlining the terms of your appearance, including your fee and performance time. Review this document carefully before signing.
You will also need to provide the festival with a technical rider, or “tech rider.” This document details your specific technical requirements for your live performance, like the number of microphones and monitors. This ensures the festival’s production team is prepared for your set.
Finally, coordinate with the festival’s marketing team. They will ask for promotional photos, your bio, and links to your music and social media. Fulfilling these requests in a timely manner helps them promote your performance.