We get it.
Choosing an artist to perform at your campus, venue, or festival can be very nerve-wracking. It’s a lot of pressure to choose the “right” artist. You want the very best you can get for the money you have been allotted, and you want that artist to continue to be relevant until the show actually happens.
We have a few tips for becoming more decisive during this process!
1. Ask for input.
Ask your committee (if you have one) so you are not trying to make these decisions on your own. Ask for some opinions outside your committee, too. Gathering data in the form of surveys, genre selection, past experiences, and more can help you make a more educated decision.
2. Do your research.
You will make a more informed decision if you have thoroughly researched each artist on your list of favorites. Search for the latest news on that artist, look up their social media and online streaming numbers, and even look at their legal records and explicit lyrics in case you think that may be a problem for your ticket buyers or those allocating your funding. Know the ins and outs of any artists you are targeting.
3. Take the leap.
After weighing the options, asking for input, and doing your thorough research, you need to jump in. You need to make an offer to an artist and be confident in that offer. You are never going to make EVERYONE happy, but if you are excited about what you are booking, there is a good chance that excitement will become contagious. Be proud of this awesome responsibility you have been given, own it, and dive in head first.
4. Know when to move on.
If you have made an offer and the artist is not responding – stick to your expiration date. Or, if you have extended your deadline already, give the artist another 24 hours, and let them know after 24 hours you will be moving on. Always give fair warning to the artist team in case they are able to pull it off, but also know when to move on to avoid wasted time.
5. Always have Plan B ready.
In addition to knowing when to move on, you should always be working on the “next best option” in the background. If your artist confirms – GREAT! But if they do not, you want Plan B ready and waiting to be sent in right when the first offer expires. Then it’s time to get excited about Plan B, or C, and so on. Always keep your enthusiasm up and have multiple options on the table ready to go.
Good luck! Choosing artists is tough, so being confident and prepared is key.
Jolene Chevalier
Founder & Talent Buyer | How To Concerts
Jolene has been a middle buyer for over a decade, helping colleges and others with their concerts, comedians, and speakers. (And, yes, she is named after the Dolly Parton song.) She would love to talk with you about helping to book, plan, and prepare for your event.
Jolene Chevalier
Founder & Talent Buyer | How To Concerts
Jolene has been a middle buyer for over a decade, helping colleges and others with their concerts, comedians, and speakers. (And, yes, she is named after the Dolly Parton song.) She would love to talk with you about helping to book, plan, and prepare for your event.
