Guide
How to advance a show as an independent band
Advancing is the work that turns a confirmed date into a show the band can actually walk into prepared. The goal is not paperwork for its own sake; it is removing surprises before load-in.
Start with the details that can break the day
The first pass should confirm the venue address, promoter contact, load-in time, soundcheck time, stage time, curfew, backline, parking, and settlement arrangement.
If one of those details is wrong, the whole day can become harder than it needs to be.
- Venue name and full address
- Promoter name, email, and phone
- Load-in, soundcheck, doors, stage, and curfew
- Guarantee, door deal, or settlement notes
Send useful band information early
Promoters and venue staff should not have to chase your stage plot, tech spec, input list, or hospitality notes. Send the version you actually want them to use.
TourNote keeps those files with the band so they can be attached to advance forms when needed.
- Stage plot
- Tech spec or input list
- Hospitality or rider notes
- Merch and parking requirements
Keep status visible
The easiest way to lose an advance is to leave it buried in a message thread. Track which shows are not sent, sent, in progress, and complete.
A simple status view tells the band where to chase before the tour gets too close.
Related resources
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