Alright, let’s talk about one of the music industry’s best-kept secrets: private house shows. If you’re not familiar, a house show is exactly what it sounds like – a concert hosted in someone’s living room, backyard, or basement. And let me tell you, as an indie musician, these gigs can be an absolute game-changer.
First of all, the vibe at a house show is unbeatable. You’re playing to a small, intimate crowd of die-hard fans who are there because they genuinely love music. There’s no bar chatter or clinking glasses to compete with, just pure, unadulterated connection between you and your audience.
But beyond just the experience, private house shows can also be a fantastic way to make some serious cash on the road. Think about it – no venue cut, no sound guy to pay, just you and your merch table raking in the dough.
So, how do you get in on this house show action? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to drop some knowledge bombs on how to easily book private house shows like a pro.
Private House Shows Key Takeaways:
- Private house shows offer a unique, intimate experience for both musicians and fans
- They can be a great way to make money on the road without venue fees or overhead costs
- Building relationships with fans is key to booking successful house shows
- Promotion and communication are crucial for ensuring a smooth and profitable gig
- House shows can be a stepping stone to larger venues and opportunities
Building Your Private House Shows Network
The first step to easily booking private house shows is to start building relationships with your fans. And I don’t just mean in a “thanks for coming to the show, buy my merch” kind of way. I mean really getting to know them, understanding their lives and their passions, and treating them like the valuable members of your community that they are.
One way to do this is by actively engaging with your fans on social media. Respond to their comments, ask for their opinions, and share glimpses into your own life and creative process. Make them feel like they’re a part of your journey, not just passive consumers of your music.
Another way to build your house show network is by actually talking to your fans at your regular gigs. Don’t just hide backstage or at the merch table – get out there and mingle, shake hands, and make genuine connections. You never know who might be down to host a house show in the future.
Planting the House Show Seed
Once you’ve started building those fan relationships, it’s time to start planting the house show seed. This doesn’t have to be a big, formal pitch – in fact, it’s often better if it’s not. Just casually mention to your fans that you’re looking to play some intimate, private gigs in the future, and gauge their interest.
You can do this in person at your regular shows, or even through social media. Post a status update asking if anyone would be interested in hosting a house concert, or send out a few direct messages to your most engaged fans.
The key here is to make it clear that hosting a house show is a special opportunity, not a burden. Emphasize the unique experience of having an artist perform in their own space, and the potential for creating unforgettable memories with their friends and family.
Nailing Down the Details
Once you’ve got a few potential house show hosts on the hook, it’s time to start nailing down the details. This is where clear communication and organization come into play – you don’t want any misunderstandings or last-minute surprises to derail your gig.
Some key things to discuss with your host:
- Date and time of the show
- Expected audience size and demographics
- Space and setup requirements (e.g. PA system, chairs, lighting)
- Compensation and ticket pricing (more on this later)
- Promotion and invitations (e.g. Facebook event, email list)
- House rules and expectations (e.g. noise levels, alcohol policy)
Make sure to get all of these details in writing, either through email or a simple contract. This will help prevent any confusion or disputes down the line, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Promoting Your House Show
Now that you’ve got your house show booked, it’s time to start promoting it to your fans. This is where having a strong online presence and engaged social media following really comes in handy.
Create a Facebook event for the show, and invite your local fans and followers to attend. Encourage your host to do the same, and to share the event with their own network of friends and family. Oh, and if you were smart enough to create an email list that includes people’s cities and states, this is time to segment your list and send out invites to folks in the towns you are playing house shows. You can even offer a special discount or bonus (like a free download or exclusive merch item) to those who purchase tickets in advance.
But don’t just rely on online promotion – get out there and pound the pavement, too. Put up flyers in local coffee shops, record stores, and music venues, and talk up the show to everyone you meet. The more buzz you can generate, the more likely you are to pack the house and have a successful gig.
Making Money at Your House Show
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – how do you actually make money at a private house show? After all, you’re not playing a traditional venue with a built-in ticket price and bar sales.
There are a few different models you can use for house show compensation:
- Suggested donation: Set a suggested donation amount for attendees, but make it clear that it’s not a requirement for entry. This allows fans to pay what they can afford, while still ensuring that you get compensated for your time and effort.
- Ticket sales: Sell tickets in advance or at the door, just like you would for a regular gig. This gives you a guaranteed income, but may be less accessible for some fans.
- Percentage of merch sales: Ask your host to take a percentage of your merch sales (usually around 10-20%) in exchange for hosting the show. This incentivizes them to promote the gig and encourage attendees to buy your stuff.
Ultimately, the compensation model you choose will depend on your relationship with the host, the size and demographics of the audience, and your own financial goals. Don’t be afraid to have an open and honest conversation about money – your time and talent are valuable, and you deserve to be paid fairly for them.
Building Momentum and Moving Forward
Once you’ve played a few successful house shows, it’s time to start thinking about how to build on that momentum and take your career to the next level. Private house shows can be a fantastic stepping stone to larger venues and opportunities, if you play your cards right.
Some ways to leverage your house show success:
- Ask for referrals: If your host and attendees had a great time at your show, ask them to refer you to other potential hosts in their network. Word-of-mouth is a powerful thing, and can help you quickly expand your house show circuit.
- Collect email addresses: Use your house shows as an opportunity to build your email list, by offering a signup sheet or online opt-in form. This will allow you to stay in touch with your fans and keep them updated on future gigs and releases.
- Record and share content: Take photos and videos of your house shows, and share them on social media and your website. This will give potential hosts and fans a glimpse into the unique and intimate experience of a house concert, and help build buzz for future gigs.
- Use house shows as a testing ground: House shows are a great place to try out new material, experiment with different setlists and arrangements, and get immediate feedback from your audience. Use this as an opportunity to hone your craft and take risks that you might not be able to at a traditional venue.
Private House Shows FAQs:
- What if I don’t have a large fanbase in a particular area? Start by reaching out to your existing fans and followers, and ask them to help spread the word to their local networks. You can also use social media and online forums to connect with music lovers in the area and gauge interest in a house show.
- How do I ensure that my host is reliable and trustworthy? Do your research and ask for references from other musicians who have played house shows in the area. Have a clear and detailed contract in place, and communicate openly and honestly with your host throughout the planning process.
- What if the attendance is lower than expected? Remember that house shows are about quality, not quantity. Even if only a handful of people show up, you have an opportunity to create a truly special and memorable experience for them. Focus on delivering a great performance and connecting with your audience, and the rest will follow.
Booking and playing private house shows can be a truly rewarding experience for indie musicians – both personally and financially. By building relationships with your fans, communicating clearly with your hosts, and delivering a killer performance, you can create unforgettable moments and make a real impact on your career.
But don’t just take my word for it – get out there and start booking those house shows for yourself. With a little hustle and a lot of heart, you can turn living rooms and backyards into your own personal concert halls, and connect with your fans in a way that no traditional venue can match.
Don’t sleep on this, unless the host offers you a bed.
Source Links:
- https://www.indieonthemove.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-booking-house-concerts
- https://aristake.com/post/15-tips-for-getting-house-concert-gigs-and-putting-on-a-great-show
- https://blog.sonicbids.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-playing-house-concerts
MORE FREE ADVICE
