Ever attended a concert and left feeling like you just had the worst music experience of your life? the made you wonder why you bothered wasting your time and money going to this so called concert. Well, that is a common occurrence. In this article, we have taken it upon ourselves to guide you through the ways to achieve credible status as a concert organizer.

#1. Aim & Foresight

The first thing to consider is your aim. What do you plan on achieving by throwing this concert? Why even throw a concert?Once you have gotten your aim down, it will be easy to look into what you expect in and from the concert. It will give you the courage and willpower to run after your expectations. Organizing a concert can be complicated, you must have goals for the concert you plan on organizing and be willing and able to do it. Otherwise, as time goes on, problems will arise and quitting will be the first thing on your mind.

#2. Budget

Organizing a concert requires extensive financial planning. From the cost of the venue to the printing of flyers and posters, to the payment of bands, organizing a concert  will mean  the cost of everything.

It is best to draw out your budget at least a month before the date of the concert. This will give you enough time to make the necessary changes if needed and help map out what costs to cover. Include everything you think will be needed for the concert, even if it may seem unimportant. With time, that enlisted cost may actually come in handy.

Also essential to mapping out your budget is the issue of donations or sponsorship. If you have individuals or companies in mind that will be willing to participate in your concert financially, get in contact with them.

#3. Get Acquainted

Sounds quite strange right? Well this is one of the most important steps in organizing your own concert. You do not want a poor turnout; or people leaving with frowns on their faces. Thus, this step requires that you get your curiosity cap on and get yourself acquainted with people in the concert business. The best way to do this is by going out to local or major concerts around you, volunteer to help out where it is needed. The people you meet may assist you when throwing your own concert. Networking is very important in the concert business. Don’t forget to include friends that have relevant experience or would like to help out.

#4. Audience

The type of concert you wish to hold is vital. Therefore, you must ask yourself a few of these questions-

• What type of concert do I wish to hold- Rock or hip hop?
• What is my target audience- adults or teenagers?
• Will there be any dress code?
• What music should be played?

These questions and a few more are what will get you started on organizing a pretty good concert. Without answers to these questions, it will be a hard task deciding on what music to play or the venue itself. Now start brain-cracking!

#5. Music & Bands

The next step to consider is the kind of music or bands that will be playing. Would it be metallic, pop, reggae etc? Then the next thing to do is to find the artists that will play if you do not already have one in mind. Will you be featuring local talent or a big star? It is industry practice to feature fresh talent to open the concert and play before your main artist gets on stage.

Fresh talent could be easily found online or preferably from open mic nights hosted near you. Find the best that will be willing to participate in your concert. It will serve as a learning experience for them.

The more popular bands/artists will be especially  good for a great turnout. Not many people will be willing to show up to a concert with artists that they have never heard of. The best way to draw them is by finding really well-known bands with a strong fan-base. Three to 7 bands will be good for a first start.

#6.Venue

No one will want to go for a concert in a place with poor lighting or a place that feels like hell itself. So to avoid this, it is best to find a place in great condition such as a multi-a purpose hall, a theater etc.  However, do not forget to think about cost when making your decision as to the venue. A place with its own stage and sound system should reduce the overall cost. Location is important too. The place should be easily accessible for both the artists, staff, invitees and for the transportation of equipment, if need be.

#7. Marketing & Advertisement

The best way to ensure a great turnout is by publicizing your event. This step involves printing flyers and posters and sticking them up in various places. Also, distributing them out to people will help. However, make sure that your flyers are attractive enough to draw attention. A boring looking flyer or poster may just turn a few heads or end up in the rubbish bin.

Another method of advertisement is posting information about the concert on social media. You may post on the band or artist’s page, through email and/or get in touch with your local radio station.

#8. Tickets & Age Limits

As mentioned earlier, your audience is significant. If you are reaching for a younger audience, it will be important to set an age limit especially if certain things like alcohol to be on sale. Additionally, Make sure that the pricing is not too expensive but you will still be able to cover most or all of your costs.

#9. Timing & Security

For a successful concert, security is of the essence especially if the concert is going to be a big one. Door staff management will help in the sale of tickets and this could easily be done by your macho friends.

Moreover, the date and time for the concert is of essence so that the bands will be there on time.

The order of the program should be organized before the day, so that artists will know when exactly they will be mounting the stage and for what length of time. It will be preferable for the fresh talents to start off the night and the popular bands to finish it.

The most important thing is to also do sound checks before the concert commences . We would not want any flaws, would we?

#10. Day of the Gig

This is the most important day and all hands on deck are required. Get to the venue on time; ensure that bands and staff are on time too. The sound checking could be done before the program and every other arrangements perfected. Refreshments should preferably be on sale and it is a good chance for the bands to sell their albums, if any.

So is its party time! get in the spirit and have a great time along the way.