BTS: Building a Showcase
In most musical communities, it seems that the number of showcases is growing exponentially every day. There’s at least one showcase for the type of music you want to see somewhere. But, what if you wanted to start your own? What if you have an idea for a showcase or, just want to put a bunch of really awesome artists together in one room and hear great music all in one evening? How do you start? WHERE do you start? Well, since we have some experience in that area, we decided to help you out!
First off, you want to start with a clear idea. This idea can evolve, and usually does but, if you don’t have a clear idea of what you want to showcase, it can evolve in to something you didn’t necessarily want. For example, in our showcases we aren’t genre-specific, we are here to showcase female talent of all genres, as long as it can be played with live instruments (can I get a Hell Yea HellCats?!)
This clear idea should also be what sets you apart from other showcases. Why should people spend their money on a ticket to come see what you’ve put together? If you can answer that with your idea behind the showcase, you’ve got a clear idea!
Next, you’ll need to find the who. (No, not the epic rock band) Who are the artists and musicians you want to showcase? Usually these people align with what you’re trying to highlight. If it’s a Pop showcase, you’ll want artists who’s sound is very clearly “pop music.” If it’s multi-genre, look at it from a “big picture” perspective. Would these artists sound good in a playlist together? Would they make sense if I put them on the same bill? Sometimes, putting two seemingly different genres together can work (it’s the whole premise behind CMT’s Crossroads!) but it has to make sense to the listener!
Then comes the how. You have to find a venue, make a marketing plan, start selling tickets, make sure the artists that you picked have all of the information they need to put on a great show Things such as: marketing expected on their part, Day-of-Show schedule, whether or not there will be a backline at the show, what instrument they’ll be bringing and how it will need to be amplified, and making sure that everyone’s on the same page at all times.
There are many, MANY ways to put on a showcase. As we get closer to our next showcase on March 20th at The Basement East, we’ll keep sharing Behind-The-Scenes info about how we put them on, who’s playing, and how it all comes together!
Stay Tuned!