You know that old saying “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink”? That is my dilemma! I know from the bottom of my heart, I could change the financial life of every indie artist out there, if only they were willing to listen.
I have to admit that “back in the day” Tom Jackson had trouble leading me to the water. But when I finally listened, it changed my career and my life!
It’s all history now, but here’s what happened years ago: Tom was approached by a very large charity at a huge week-long music event. They had noticed he worked with many of the major artists headlining the event, and they wanted Tom to introduce them to some of these major artists. They were hoping he would try to convince these artists to represent the charity from onstage.
Tom eventually agreed, but really felt in his gut that indie artists could be doing this too! He convinced the charity as well, and they grew that indie artist program to the biggest one out there! Where do I come in? Well, I was one of those first indie artists to sign up.
For the past 19 years I have been a full-time “road warrior” … able to eat real meals instead of Taco Bell, own a home, and pay my bills – because I have partnered with a charity.
Tom talks about the wisdom of having multiple streams of income – it is key to your survival! As the economy goes up and down, the ability to generate a steady income will be key to you sustaining a music career. Partnering with a charity is a great way of doing that.
This is how it works for us. During our gig, we take a few minutes in the middle of our set to talk about our charity and invite people to come by our table and check it out after the concert. On average, 2-5% of the crowd will respond. The charity then pays us around $75 for each person who signs up to be a donor, and at the end of the year we average an additional $50,000 of income from the charity.
Looking back, I believe that the key to our success has been a willingness to try something new, and a determination to keep experimenting and not give up while finding what works with our audience. Once we found that key, we just kept on doing it. And here we are, 19 years later, “still rollin”!
Want more info on this? It just might be the answer you’ve been looking for to keep your music career going! Simply click here, and check out our information on Tour Support…
I desperately need ideas on how I can do a better job at getting sponsors for Holt Int’l. I do not do ‘shows’ or concerts so-to-speak, but perform in resorts, small clubs/restaurants, or festivals? I play about 150 gigs a year, majority are 3-hours, with a constant turnover of people, & at about 3/4 of the venues I see some of the same folks every time. Of course there are always different people mixed in there also. Sometimes I’m ‘musical wallpaper’ but most often people are talking with each other, ordering, etc. and are continually tuning in and out. I want so much to help these kids with Holt Int’l but I feel like such a failure at this! and I don’t want to give up….just need some bright ideas! I do not have a merch table & often it’s difficult to even find a place to put my calendars & newsletter sign up. I put the Holt pamphlets out with my stuff but that doesn’t do much. Not a good idea to leave the individual packets with children’s photos out unattended. Thanks!!
First of all, Denise, you’re not a failure! You’ve got one of the hardest gigs anyone has to do! No question it is easier (in fact, these programs are geared towards people) playing to audiences who actually come to listen… not do something else.
To help you out, as an example, in the context of 3 hours, I would pick a couple times in the night to bring it up. “For the cost of 5-6 cups of coffee at Starbucks, you can change someone’s life!”, or something similar. Do this when the audience appears to be listening, not just chatting. Have a picture folder onstage, hold it up, and make an appeal.
We are working on getting some training materials Backstage to help artists like you with their appeal, so be watching for that.
Honestly, Denise, don’t even think of calling yourself a failure! Keep at it, try this idea, experiment, and let us know how it goes! Plus, don’t forget: Linda is always available to brainstorm and tell you what might work, too.
Awww thanks Tom! This helps! And having the folder right there in my hand is an excellent idea. I am frequently on the site so I will be sure to watch for training materials.
What an absolutely brilliant idea this whole artist support thing is!!! Such a simple method, but so very effective on getting the word out for these children!
Hey, Denise! The key to taking some of “the pressure off” of yourself is to give yourself permission to experiment. Relax – Play with it – Be creative. Since you are playing for 3 hours and don’t have a merch table – One idea would be to not put the picture folders out at all. Each night you could choose one child to “highlight”. You could weave pieces of the child’s story in throughout the night, use it as the lead in to a song, and “in your own way” let your audience know YOU want someone to change THAT child’s life ‘TONIGHT”! By focusing on just the “one” child, you are able to bring that child to life for your audience, you’ve put some urgency into the mix, (which gives them a little “push” ) and at the end of the week you could have several children sponsored! If you have any questions you can reach me at: TourSupport@OnStageSuccess.com
Hi Linda! Great idea!!! Thank you so much. This will make it infinitely easier also to talk about just one child. And will definitely give a face to an otherwise generic charitable request. Even though each child is important and special, when they are all lumped together, it does become a ‘faceless’ and impersonal plea.
I appreciate you and Tom taking the time to write back! And the kids thank you too!
P.S. ‘The book’ you told me about that your husband was reading is so totally amazing!!!! Wow. Thanks so much for mentioning it to me.
What a GREAT idea! It’s somewhat like an affiliate program for charities. Fantastic! Thanks, Linda.
-dave
CrazyEye Music Services
awesome stuff. but what are some charities looking for bands/artists right now? I am a part-time worship leader, with a heart for taking my worship music to others, but not sure how or who to contact. I am gearing up for my first full length indie album, which God willing, i will record this summer. Do i need an album done in order to join with a charity and get going? thanks for any help you can offer. I’m constatly in tune with Tom Jackson’s info and have applied much of this website’s infinite wisdom to my worship team. BIG Difference! Thanks Guys! #worship out loud!
Hey Randy, Linda here! . . .I appreciate your comments! If you would like more information about partnering with a charity for “tour support” – you can contact me by using the link at the end of the article.
Also, you don’t need to have a recorded product to qualify, but you do need to be performing at least 20+ gigs per year.