Practical Tips for Touring and Booking

Practical Tips for Touring and Booking 

by Lydia Walker Athey

CSMI IMPACT Conference 2015, Gatlinburg, TN

Planning - Keep a calendar, map out your goal. When do you want to book? Where? Keep track of your mileage for tax deductions.

Booking:

• Make a list of venues or contacts

• Write a short script of what you want to say.

• Place the call or email. Sometimes calling can be terrifying, but keep your goal in mind.

• Ask for the booking, ask about the payment, write down all the details.

• If they say no, ask them to refer you to others or recommend someone else to call who might be a better fit.  Give them something to say yes to.

Confirm - Call back ahead of time, confirm details, ask any questions, send flyer or info to promote.

Promote! Make it your goal to be the first person to come to mind when they need a musician. Create Facebook event pages and invite your friends (send reminders with interesting content like videos or links to your music). Send out your schedule to your email list. Print flyers and put them up around town on community boards. Text individuals in area and personally invite them.

Prepare - practice songs, make setlist, send lyrics or videos for projection, plan what to say between songs, remember to mention merch. Spontaneity will flow out of your preparation, and will give you more confidence. Remember to make a plan for travel, food and rest!

Show Up! (On Time = Early) Sound check is important to assure a quality experience. Play the gig, do your best, give 100%. Be confident, smile, be kind. Be respectful. Even if you’re not the most talented musician, people will appreciate a good attitude.

Make contacts- meet people, give out business cards. Say, “Can I give you a card?” or “This is for you”. (If you have a blank back on your cards, you can use it to write extra information and even offer for others to write on the back of your card and keep it.) Encourage the ones who are excited to refer you to their business, friends, family or organization with your card. This is the time when ministry can happen when you can ask about their story.  They will remember you positively if the conversation is not all about you :)

Thank the host /contact /sound guy. Smile, make eye contact, say “thank you”. It’s important to let them know that they are appreciated.

Repeat business - they will call you back if you do a good job, communicate well, and show up on time. They will also refer you to others. Feel free to ask them to keep you in mind for future events, and to refer you to others who are booking music. You can also ask people for a review or reference that you can use on your website, press kit, etc. 

After the gig,-report to fans how it went. Post highlight photos or video to social media. Use it to expand your audience and start promoting the next gig.

Resources:

CDBaby.com - Disc Manufacturing and Digital Distribution

MailChimp.com - Email lists made simple and easy

IndieOnTheMove.com - Venues and Booking Contacts organized by location and genre

Find more about Lydia at www.lydiawalkermusic.com

Her new worship album, Communion, is now available for download on iTunes!

What's Next? How you can help.

Friends,

I hope you are having a wonderful day! I wanted to check in with you since it's been about a month since the new cd, "Communion", released to the public!

Many of you have listened to the CD and given me some feedback on what your favorite songs are. I would love to have your help to let other people know what you think of the music.

Would you consider rating and reviewing "Communion" on iTunes? It only takes a few minutes. Here's how!

1. Go to the album on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/communion/id1033368767

2. Click "View in iTunes"

3. Click "Ratings & Reviews"

4. Select "Write a Review" and Rate the Album (5 Stars!)

Thank you so much! Your support is so important and valued. I appreciate you!

Blessings, 
Lydia

New Worship Album + Videos

I'm excited to announce that my new worship album, "Communion", just released on iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby on September 10, 2015. The goal of the album is to be a resource for a personal worship time. It includes upbeat praise songs, reflective worship songs, scripture reading and prayer. I would love for you to download a copy and hear the new music!

Download "Communion" on Amazon!

Watch my latest music video, "I Lift My Eyes", filmed at Dunbar Cave State Park in Clarksville, TN. Featuring a shofar call of worship, and Native American flute. 

Based on Psalm 121. 

Also, here is a live version of my song, "Come and Fill This Place", also on the "COMMUNION" album. This song is about welcoming the presence of the Holy Spirit. Thanks for watching!

Supporting / Partnering with Missions

There are many organizations and ministries to choose from to make an impact for good in the world. I wanted to share about my experience giving and some of the people that I support. A little effort can make a big difference. A few people united for one cause can change the course of history.

I'm a 22 year old full time musician, and I believe that I should give to people who are doing Kingdom work. God has provided for my needs through people who are willing to partner with me and who believe in my ministry. I believe that giving is a revolving door of sharing what God has given each of us. If I can do something like this, anyone can! We all can make a difference.

I've been so blessed by supporting several missionaries. I love hearing their stories of building relationships, sharing the gospel, and going wherever the Lord calls them. I know them each personally and I have seen their dedication to their faith. Most of them have been interviewed on my radio show to share their testimony with my listeners. I also support a 10 year old boy named Jason through Compassion. I have not regretted it! It's important to know what you're giving to. Let me share with you about people that I support, to inspire you and give you some examples of how you can give:

 

Jason, a child from Nicaragua sponsored through Compassion International
Sponsor a child here: http://www.compassion.com/

Lydia Grider, Every Nation, Youth Leader at Bethel Community Church
Go to https://admin.everynation.org/giving/, select "give to individual" and find Lydia's name

Heather Theilacker, Every Nation, Ministry to Students at Austin Peay
Go to https://admin.everynation.org/giving/, select "give to individual" and find Heather's name

Gregory Hayes, Long term mission trip to Africa through Operation Mobilization
Type in Greg's name to sponsor him: https://my.omusa.org/OM-Missionary-Search 

Maggie Norfleet, Missionary to Central Asia
Partner with Maggie - Enter code 44073 at https://antiochcenter.webconnex.com/support

Gathering In Oz - Missionaries to Australia
Donate to the Chapmans: http://web.nazarene.org/goto/ChapmansinAustralia
Donate to the Tarrants: http://web.nazarene.org/goto/Tarrantsgatheringinoz

Those are a few examples of ways to give towards building the Kingdom of God. Each person has a story and a specific calling. I'd like to give you an opportunity to have the blessing of giving to any of these missionaries, and also to share an opportunity to partner with me this year.

In 2014, I have the opportunity to go on several trips. The first is a mission trip with Community Life Church to Puerto Rico in June. We will be prayer walking in the areas where other groups will be leading Vacation Bible Schools during the following weeks. Some of us are musicians and will be singing and playing worship music in the different areas, and promoting the Bible Schools.  The cost of the trip is $300, with the rest being covered by the church. If you would like to partner with me and sponsor part of the cost of the trip, please send me a message.  I believe this is a great opportunity and I'm thankful for the chance to go. UPDATE! The trip has been completely paid for! PTL! Please be in prayer for us as we prepare. We will be in Puerto Rico June 11-16.

In October, I have the chance to go to the Hillsong Worship Conference in New York City (www.hillsongconference.org). I was sent last year and absolutely loved it. I got to spend time with friends there who are leaders in Gallery Church, and had great conversations with several people that attended the conference.  As a worship leader, I was refreshed by participating and learning from such great leaders. It was a breakthrough moment for me spiritually and I still am inspired by what I experienced there. As my friends and I are preparing for the trip, I've created a cost breakdown to estimate my expenses:

Registration - $179
Airfare - $250
Hotel - $200
Meals - $150

Total Budget: $779

If you feel led to give towards my trip, please send me an email at lydiawalkermusic@gmail.com.
If you choose to partner with me, I will give you updates on my trip and bring you a souvenir from New York! Thank you for your love and support! I'm excited about how God has provided for each opportunity so far, and I'm grateful for this season in my life to be able to go. God is good, and He gets all of the glory!

Here's a video of me singing in Central Park for a busker (street performer) named Bert.

Moving Forward, Big Things Ahead.

People ask me all the time why I haven't tried out for the Voice or American Idol. I take that as a compliment, that they like my voice and they think I could be on the show. But I see my purpose as being much more than being famous. I would actually be quite content if I'm never world famous, because that's not where I put my hope. If I trusted in music or money or stuff to make me happy, I might as well quit now. The only solid thing I can put my hope in is Jesus Christ, and He is the one who gives and takes away, opens and closes doors.

It's been awhile since I posted an update about my goals and the future of my music. Frankly because I've been trying to figure that out myself. Last year, I launched my own radio show which airs twice a week, and preparing those shows has taken a lot of time. I have learned so much from that experience, and have heard many testimonies through the interviews that have encouraged me along the way. God has such a creative plan that we can't always see coming. His bigger picture is way better than anything I could dream up.

That's where I'm at. I'm in awe at where I've been placed in my life, and I see how things in the past have shaped who I am. I have had so many de ja vu moments, where I feel like I've been in places or situations before. It almost feels familiar. I take that as a confirmation that God has gone before me and He is never surprised by what happens. He is not confined by time and is always working towards the good and towards His glory.

I'm 21, and it has almost been 10 years since I began writing music. All through middle school and high school I wrote songs, practiced and learned about the music business. I have been willing to work hard, to do something every day, and to always try my best. Music is an expression for me to share what I'm going through and what I'm feeling. It's been a great outlet that helps me process my own thoughts. I have played these songs hundreds of times and met many amazing people along the way who have encouraged me and supported me. I try to pay it forward and invest in other people's lives, like so many do for me.

By the time I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to play music full time. For the past 3 years, I have been playing around 200 gigs a year, at weddings, coffee shops, restaurants, churches, colleges, community events and festivals. I have been songwriting, recording, traveling, marketing, designing, printing, booking, and learning how each piece of the process works. As an independent self-employed musician, I've had to do a little bit of everything. As momentum builds in my music career, I realize I can't do everything myself. I am currently praying that God will help build a team of people around me to help and organize the business side of the music, so that it can continue to grow and thrive. Please pray with me in that! He knows what I need.

There are some big opportunities coming up that could potentially take my music career to the next level. I am working with a different producer to begin recording a new album! I am very excited to experiment and create the sound and style that I hear in my head. It's going to be an indie folk sound, with lots of acoustic instruments, strong vocals and creative harmonies. We are going to release the first song as a single soon, to give everyone an idea of the new direction. The first song is called "Troublesome Heart". The message goes against the popular opinion of following your heart, and it is about choosing to do what is right, no matter what it feels like. We are at the beginning stages of writing the rest of the songs for the album, but I will keep you updated on the progress.  I'm planning to set up a crowd funding campaign where fans can be a part of creating the album and helping me fund it while getting some awesome rewards! That will probably happen this fall. Let me know any ideas that you have for rewards!

This year I have also had many opportunities to record background vocals on country albums. Several of those artists have cut songs from my last CD, "Beloved". I love being in the studio and gaining experience. It is the biggest compliment for someone else to sing my songs, and to know that it relates to them.

We have released several professional music videos to songs from my last CD, and I plan to make several more videos before the end of the year. Never underestimate the power of YouTube. This past week, a company called me that found a live video of one of my songs on YouTube, and they asked about licensing it for a new commercial! We are in talks now to work out the details, but I'm very excited about the opportunity for my music to reach a whole new audience, possibly on a national level.

We will be re-designing and re-launching my website in the next month or so, with a more professional presentation and easier navigation. I am willing to invest in taking things to the next level, one step at a time. I feel peace and motivation at the same time, to be a good steward of the time and resources that I have. I want to do the right thing, and try to have discernment about what to say no to and what to move forward with. I feel like this is perfect timing to work on defining my image, to be ready when the world wonders what I'm all about.

With so much going on, it's hard to keep everyone updated through Facebook. I try to let everyone know what's going on, but it's difficult to get through all the clutter and "noise". With the re-launch of my website, I will be setting up an email list to keep you in the loop and get new music to you first!

If you read through this whole post, I just wanna say WOW, and THANK YOU. I know it's a long one and the fact that you took the time to read it shows that you care.  I appreciate your support of my music and ministry. Please pray for me to continue to have direction about the decisions that I need to make that will honor God and give Him the most glory. I would love to hear what you think and any ideas you may have. Don't be a stranger!

Email me at lydiawalkermusic@gmail.com, call me at 866-672-9034, or comment below!


DOWNLOAD LYDIA'S MUSIC ON iTUNES: CLICK HERE!

Smelling the roses...

Most days, in the busyness of life, we don't think past the here and now. With friends, family, work and crazy schedules, there's hardly time to take a breath. We crowd our days trying to do everything, and are actually proud of ourselves for being "multi-taskers" and "always doing something". I'm as guilty of this as anyone.

But then there are moments of clarity where we glimpse a piece of the bigger picture. When our life is frozen for a minute and we see in slow motion. When suddenly a feeling of a bigger purpose and almost an out-of-body experience shows us that we are part of a bigger plan. I am grateful for moments when I realize I am right where I'm supposed to be.

For me, sometimes I look up at the stars, feel the wind in my face, or see someone laughing, and it triggers a moment of thought. Stopping to thank God for the opportunities he's given me, and realizing that He is in control.

The old saying to "stop and smell the roses" can apply to pausing and being thankful for where we are. In spite of us, the world spins on, with roses blooming and fading. Will we stop to smell them and be glad we did? Take a moment to be still and take a breath, thanking God for the blessings of today.

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

-Proverbs 19:21, ESV

Check out my latest video, featuring Manna Cafe

Passion: Everything's the Same, but I'm Different

It's a crazy feeling to come home and everything's the same, but you're different. 

On January 1st, I boarded a church bus at 6am to ride to Atlanta, Georgia to be a part of the Passion Conference in the Georgia Dome. The conference consisted of worship sessions with writers of songs I have grown up singing, teaching from the Bible by some of the biggest names in the modern Christian circle, and family groups of complete strangers who share their hearts and become good friends.

Being one person in a crowd of 60,000 college age students who are all singing the name of Jesus at the top of their lungs changes your life. Separating yourself from the normal routine, and absorbing the Word of God for 4 days helps you feel the presence of God in a new way. When you take a breather from the stress of life and realize that God has a greater purpose for you than you could ever plan... it opens your eyes.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. -Ephesians 3:20-21

Louie Giglio, founder of Passion and 268generation.com, focused on this verse in Ephesians throughout the conference. He spoke of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37, and compared it to our generation. Louie reminded us that God has the power to bring life, and He wants to replace our heart of stone with a heart of flesh. Can these bones live? Can we reach this generation? If you hear the Word of God, then breath will come into you. God will restore and repair what what broken. You will come to life and know that He is God.

Another thing that Louie said really caught my attention. He talked about the things that we think are impossible, that we wait on and only dream of them happening. When Jesus comes into our hearts and lives, anything is possible. He is alive and powerful. In our own power, we have so many limitations. But with Jesus, those dreams can live!

Francis Chan reminded us that God is the only person you can trust 100%. If we endure, we will reign with Him. If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

It was my 3rd year at Passion, and I knew that I would get something out of it. I found myself asking, What did I come here for? I think there was a deeper longing that I didn't even know how to express. And in that crowd of 60,000 people, I had a personal, one-on-one connection with God. He started stirring my heart and showing me deep desires that I didn't even know to ask for. I realized I was there because I wanted to hear His voice in a new way - to put myself in a position where I could hear clearly from Him. I wanted to break away from selfish habits that I had allowed in my heart. This was a desperate attempt to feel alive again.

God was waiting for me with open arms. In fact, He's been there for me all along, calling me to Himself. I was afraid that if I gave everything in my life to God, that I couldn't keep my end of the bargain. Knowing that I would mess up, and that I would let Him down kept me from going all in. But that's just the point. The verse that Francis Chan quoted about God remaining faithful because that is His character, really connected the dots for me. He knows we can't measure up to His standard of holiness, yet He loves us anyway and continues to call us to Himself every day.

Starting the new year on a new page with God is so refreshing. He spoke to me through the Word, and through the music, and He placed a desire in my heart to focus more on worship leading and not as much on performance. He also gave me a new desire to prepare to be used in more girls ministry and women's ministry. That's something I hadn't been focused on but now I am starting to see how that may unfold. I'm very excited to see what this new year holds, and what God has planned for me.

On January 4th, around 8pm, I stepped off the church bus with a sleepy grin. My hometown, family, sleeping in my own bed... everything was the same as when I left. But my heart will be forever changed. Praise Jesus!


P.S. Passion raised over $3 million dollars to help end modern day slavery. I am excited to be a part of the movement! Learn how you can help at www.enditmovement.com!




Watch my latest music video for my song, "Butterfly". Share and help us reach 5,000 views!

Why I Love Chick-fil-A...

This was my lunch today, at one of my favorite restaurants. I love the food at Chick-fil-A, and have always had a great experience at their restaurants. Today I ordered a #1 combo, with the Original Chicken Sandwich & Waffle Fries. I used a coupon from the Clarksville City Saver to get a free Hand-spun Peach Milkshake, which is their limited time flavor right now. Of course, I requested their special Chick-fil-A sauce, which I use on my sandwich and with my fries. So yummy! This meal definitely hit the spot.

There are many reasons why I love Chick-fil-A. Over the years, I have had friends who worked at our local Chick-fil-A, and remember them saying it was a great work environment. As a customer, I have always been treated respectfully, and seen employees and managers go above and beyond to create the best atmosphere possible. The quality of the service and the food is always impressive and consistent. I appreciate that they smile, and respond to my "thank you" by saying, "my pleasure". Good attitudes are a huge part of customer service, and they are definitely at the top of my list for fast food.

Another thing I appreciate about Chick-fil-A is the family friendly and kid friendly environment that they consistently present. Kids love eating chicken nuggets and playing in the playground area. It's a safe place to bring the whole family, and there's something for everyone. I have seen people from all different backgrounds in the restaurant, and they are treated with the same respect and speed of service. Businessmen and college students using the store's free Wi-Fi, young families with kids in baseball uniforms, local police officers, ands groups of high school friends sharing a meal after a small group bible study. 

For the past two years, I have been hosting a live music night at our local Chick-fil-A of Madison Street in Clarksville, TN. In 2012, Music Night is held every second Monday of the month, from 6-8pm. I play guitar and sing original songs as dinner music for my fans and patrons in the restaurant. Chick-fil-A offers a sweet deal for anyone with a college ID, to receive a FREE Chicken Sandwich when they purchase Medium Waffle Fries & a Medium Drink, every Monday night from 5-10pm. Everyone is welcome, and we always have a great time! As an independent musician, I am grateful for the support they have for local music, and their willingness to invest in our community. 

There has been some controversy lately spreading through social media, about what the founders of Chick-fil-A believe. Each store is independently owned and operated, and everyone has their own personal views. Even if people don't agree with the founder's stand for what constitutes a Biblical marriage and family, I don't think boycotting or protesting (and thereby depriving yourself of their amazing food) is going to help anybody. I see the founder's statement as consistent with how they have successfully and honestly built their business. I was not surprised to hear that they still stand for what they have always stood for, even when it's not popular or politically correct. I admire anyone who stands up for what is right, and for what they believe.

In closing, I hope that you will research for yourself what the other businesses you buy from stand for. You might be surprised to find out what your hard earned money is supporting when you buy from other companies. It's important to be informed, and to make decisions that will leave a positive impact on our world. Eat Mor Chikin. 

Drum roll, please...

There's a big opportunity that I have been so excited to announce, and can finally tell you!


I'm going to host my own radio show! :D


After working out the details, I am proud to announce that the show will start airing in July! We will broadcast every Tuesday & Friday, from 11am-noon. It will be called, uniquely, The Lydia Walker Show! The station is 105.1 FM WVRY, and has a huge 50,000 watt signal across Middle TN & KY.


We met with some friends who own the station, and were talking with them about getting airplay for my songs.  They mentioned needing someone to host a morning show during the week. I jumped right in, and said, "Hey, I could do that." :)


I am so excited about this new endeavor, and can't wait to see how it all comes together. I plan to interview other Christian musicians, discuss various topics, and play inspirational and uplifting music. Watch for new updates on who I will be interviewing on the show! If you have any suggestions, please let me know. :)


My next step in the preparation process is to find sponsors for my show. If you, or someone you know, own a business that would be interested in radio advertising in the Middle TN  & Southern KY area, please let me know! I believe that the spots will fill up fast. Pray with me that the right people will hear about it and be able to sponsor the show.

My God Shall Supply All My Needs

I just want to brag on God, and how He provides for His children. The Word tells us...

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to the riches in glory in Jesus Christ." - Philippians 4:19

Let me tell you, God provides for me in more ways than I realize. But sometimes He likes to show off. He moved some sweet friends to give me a brand new sound system. I hadn't even asked, but He laid it on their hearts to bless me with this wonderful gift. I have used my sound system for several years, at hundreds of shows, and it has a lot of wear. We have patched it and fixed it several times, but it was falling apart. So thankful for this provision, at the perfect timing!

The Lord is bringing new opportunities and opening doors. Pray for me to have guidance and to move in the right direction. I want to make good decisions and use my music for God's glory.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and encouraged me. Your prayers mean the world!

Picking Up My Dream Guitar!

Today I picked up my dream guitar at Mary's Music in Clarksville, TN! I've always wanted a Taylor 314ce, complete with the Taylor Expression System. The most exciting and amazing part is that I have YOU to thank! On my birthday this year, I set up a "Guitar Fund" for my friends and fans to donate towards my new guitar. And they did! This would not be possible without you! Thank you so much for believing in me and supporting my music.

I made a video of picking up the guitar, to show you how excited I was and so you could see how your donations were used. I will be taking good care of the guitar and playing it at my shows. Watch the video here:

If you'd like to support my music, you can download a copy of my new "Beloved" album wherever you download music!