And yeah, I mean I put a good amount of money into music

lol.

Here's my advice: If you're coming across people saying your music isn't up to par, don't take it personally- see how you can grow from it. When I was just beginning, I basically had my ass handed to me on a platter by the likes of 8GB and Saskrotch when I posted on 8bc. I was upset at first, but then realized that they were just being honest about the quality of my music. And it wasn't good. I know that now. But that initial rejection made me want to work harder and write music i was truly proud of and could show to people with a smile on my face.

I think the hesitation most people are expressing on this thread come from genuine concern regarding the state of touring musicians today. Without established fans in different locations, it's hard to make money or even break even on a tour. Due to that, it's probably a bit premature to try and book a big tour until you know you have people who will attend the shows you're booking (also remember that getting shows often also depends on your ability to pull in a crowd, depending on the venue you're working with). Also take into account that we're in a niche scene and this becomes all the more important.  This is why chipmusic is pretty heavily dependent on the Internet- without that lifeline, this scene really would never have existed. And I'm betting that 99% of the chiptune artists you've heard of, you discovered online.

If you're completely comfortable with the idea that you might spend lots of money on gas, lodging, promotion, etc. only to find that people aren't showing up to your shows since they haven't heard your work before, then go ahead and book the tour. I sincerely wish you luck. Just know that anyone telling you that touring at this point might not be the best idea is only speaking out of genuine concern and from experience.

So, that's my novel-length contribution. I hope it helps in some way.

NimbleF0x wrote:

well right now it's just about getting more people to know that i even exist and that people still do this.
the shock factor gets me most of my shows.

Write good music and you don't need shock factor. Otherwise it's a full on gimmick. And rarely does that work out.

lol.

well right now it's just about getting more people to know that i even exist and that people still do this.
the shock factor gets me most of my shows.

Write good music and you don't need shock factor. Otherwise it's a full on gimmick. And rarely does that work out.

There was at least one person from Savannah, GA lurking here though I'm not sure he's still around Savannah or the board.

I am in the process of booking a small tour for the duo project I am in with a buddy, doing chip-heavy EDM. It's incredibly hard to get booked in most of the deep South for electronic music. And chipmusic? Good luck. It's not impossible but it is freaking hard. Even if you were Bit Shifter or Danimal Cannon no one would show up because there simply isn't a lot of great nerd friendly culture/bars in the South period. EDIT: unless you are playing in Atlanta or maybe Nasheville or Orlando. I am DJing the once-a-year videogame themed night that happens in Birmingham and I am dreading it. I promote locally and this show always has the smallest turnout. No unity of geeks in the South, none at all.

If you plan on booking a tour and breaking even, make sure you feel like you can kill a show. Possibly sell tee shirts or a CD. Maybe even business cards with QR codes going to a free EP download. You want to be well-remembered so you can play somewhere again and have returning listeners should you do another show. It pays to be well-equipped.

The final thing I have to say is that if your music doesn't have vocals and you are playing some sort of bar where people regularly go to hear music with vocals, you might wind up in a bad spot if they don't find your music interesting. Best of luck with the bookings. I find that local footage from anything - house party, rave, jamming at an open mic - helps with your press kit.

I've got a good amount of shows down here. I've got a way with people and i know the places to play at, i guess.
I don't have tees or anything but free cd's in jewel cases that have my info in the sleeve along with a url to download my other music.

even if the OP was a beginner, and assuming that most beginner's songs are technically less evolved, I would still love to see and hear it played live. No matter how shitty it is, I'd still be happy that someone is going place to place sharing what he or she is creating on a gameboy, laptop, sequencer, cell phone etc.   It does so much more for me than having to watch another fedora wearing white boy singing Hey Ya on an acoustic guitar.  No offense to fedoras and white boys.

hahahaha this.
thank you for seeing it the same way i do.

If you plan on booking a tour and breaking even, make sure you feel like you can kill a show. Possibly sell tee shirts or a CD. Maybe even business cards with QR codes going to a free EP download. You want to be well-remembered so you can play somewhere again and have returning listeners should you do another show. It pays to be well-equipped.

The final thing I have to say is that if your music doesn't have vocals and you are playing some sort of bar where people regularly go to hear music with vocals, you might wind up in a bad spot if they don't find your music interesting. Best of luck with the bookings. I find that local footage from anything - house party, rave, jamming at an open mic - helps with your press kit.

Also the Charlotte show was awful because it was at a terrible venue with barely any people at it.