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Podcast Summary:

Episode Title: How to Book Your First Live Show
In this episode, Connor Frost shares a live Q&A session from his Songwriter Accelerator Program. This conversation focuses on helping musicians like Lauren, a Chicago-based artist, navigate the journey of booking their first live show. Key topics covered include:

• Starting Out: The importance of performing at open mics to gain experience and network with other local musicians.
• Booking Shows: Three main approaches for securing a live performance:
  1. Contacting venues or promoters directly and discussing your potential audience draw.
  2. Organizing a night of music by coordinating with other local acts.
  3. Connecting with local bands to collaborate on shows and cross-promote.
• Merchandise Strategy: Beginning with low-cost items like stickers and focusing on selling merch in person at shows to maximize sales.
• Hosting a Release Party: Using a live performance as a release event and leveraging it as an opportunity to network with other artists. DIY setups, such as house shows, are also viable options.

Connor encourages artists to be proactive, honest about their audience size, and patient when planning events, suggesting a three to four-month lead time when booking venues.

Show Notes:

Episode Title: How to Book Your First Live Show

Host: Connor Frost
Guest: Lauren Daly (artist, and student in the Songwriter Accelerator Program)

Topics Covered:

1. Getting Started: Why open mics are an essential first step for live performance experience and networking.
2. Booking Strategies:
   • Contacting venues or promoters.
   • Organizing your own event with other local acts.
   • Collaborating with active local musicians.
3. Merchandise Tips: When and how to start selling merch effectively, focusing on in-person events.
4. Release Parties: Tips for planning and executing a release show, whether at a venue or a DIY house setup.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Connor’s Songwriter Accelerator Program and book a free call: ConnorFrost.com/startcall.

Actionable Advice:

• Start with open mics to gain confidence and meet other musicians.
• When booking, be honest about your audience size (your “draw”).
• Plan three to four months in advance for events.
• Use release parties as both a performance opportunity and a networking event.

Connect with Connor Frost:
Website: ConnorFrost.com
Instagram: @connorfrost

Listen to Lauren's Music on Spotify and Apple Music:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6n81YafoFigO1FkNWINKpe?si=iLyD5iDSTMuwC23qrMFTlQ

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lauren-daly/1632831586