How to book an artist for your event or festival
A practical guide for promoters, venues and companies: what to prepare, what to ask and how the booking process usually works.
Booking an artist is simpler when you know what the other side needs to see. Whether you run a festival, a club night or a company event, the process follows the same basic steps.
1. Know your event
Before you reach out, have these details ready:
- Date, city and venue, with capacity.
- Type of event: public show, festival, private or corporate.
- Set length and rough stage time.
- Your budget, or at least a range.
An enquiry with this information gets a faster and more useful answer than "are they available?".
2. Contact the right person
Most artists are booked through a booking agent or their management. Look for a booking contact on the artist's website or social profiles. Writing to the right person saves days.
3. Understand the offer
An offer usually covers the fee, what is included, and who pays for travel, accommodation and backline. Some deals are a flat fee, others combine a guarantee with a share of ticket income. Put everything in writing.
4. Read the rider
The technical rider lists sound, light and stage needs. The hospitality rider covers food, drinks and rooms. Read both early. If something is impossible for your venue, say so before the contract is signed, not on the day.
5. Sign and plan promotion
Once both sides agree, a contract confirms the booking. Then agree on how and when the show is announced, which photos and texts to use, and who handles ticketing.
6. On the day
Share a clear schedule: load-in, soundcheck, doors, stage time. Name one contact person who answers the phone. Small things, like a quiet room and a working sound system, are what artists remember.
Booking a NOBIZ artist
Choose an artist on our artists page and use the booking button, or send an enquiry on the contact page. Include your date, city, venue and budget and we will get back to you.