If you’ve been dropping electrifying beats and tunes for a long time, you may feel that it’s time to take things to a new level and start making your mark as an artist in the dance and electronic scene.
Photo Credit: Pexels- Photo by Lachlan Ross
But while making your grand debut on the big stage may seem more like a distant dream right now, headlining a small, intimate concert is within easy reach. While it can help you get your name out there, it will also give you a good feel of what to expect when the big stage beckons. This is how many aspiring artists and musicians got started before finally breaking through. While they may take a bit of planning, small and intimate gigs are the ideal rehearsal that lets you fine-tune your set and enhance your skills on stage. Get it right, and it could be life-changing. A mind-blowing concert can connect you with a fanbase and set your career on the path to success. Feeling inspired? Here, we’ll walk you through creating a memorable, intimate concert that will prepare you for your first big event.
Choose the right venue
The first step to hosting an intimate concert is choosing a venue that sets the mood for an unforgettable night. While you’ll want it to provide the right kind of backdrop for your gig, you also need to ensure it can accommodate a small, enthusiastic crowd. So think about the size of your audience and what would work best. It could be anything from your own backyard, a friend’s loft, a small club, or a local art gallery. Remember, acoustics are going to be incredibly important. Ensure the venue can accommodate the sound and lighting equipment you’ll need and whether you’ll want to hire additional equipment to live stream the concert. Creating an inclusive event should be a priority, so consider the accessibility of the venue. An accessible entrance, ramps, and wide and obstruction-free pathways mean that everyone can enjoy your music and be part of the electrifying experience.
Create the perfect setlist
Aside from yourself, of course, the star of your concert is the setlist. A setlist for a live concert is like a story in music that you’ll be sharing with your audience. Each new track adds a new chapter to the story. With this, you’ll need to think about the mood and energy you want to create with every track. You may want to begin with some chill beats to ease the audience in before gradually cranking up the tempo. You can even drop some unreleased tracks or remixes for that element of surprise. But with anything new you add to your setlist, ensure you also play tracks your audience expects. After all, some of them may have sought you out to hear that one tune. And remember, it’s always great to engage with your audience and ask for their favorite tracks, but if you do, be prepared to change your setlist on the fly.
Promoting your event
Now it’s time to create a buzz for your concert and build excitement and anticipation. Get the word out about your upcoming concert by harnessing the power of social media. You can create event pages across Facebook, Instagram, and X that not only tell everyone about the gig but encourage people to interact with you. Visuals also matter here, too–so create eye-catching graphics and teaser videos that reflect your music and grab your audience’s attention. You can also collaborate with local promoters and influencers to spread the word and help you reach a wider audience. And for a personal touch, send personalized invitations to close friends and family or any music contacts you’ve already made.
The day of the concert
On the day of the concert, you’ll need to make some last-minute checks to ensure everything goes to plan. Ensure the venue is set up how you expect and you’re happy with where you’ll be performing in relation to the audience. A thorough sound check is a must. You’ll also want to ensure that all your equipment works perfectly and the sound fills the venue the way you want. Whether you have a couple of friends helping you or a team of people, have a quick pre-show meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page. If you get the chance, greet the audience as they arrive to create a feeling of camaraderie. After the performance, engage with your audience, get feedback, and use this experience to fine-tune your act for when your time on the big stage finally arrives.
Hosting an intimate concert before your first big event can act as the bridge between being an aspiring music artist and your future in the industry and gives your audience a peek into what they can expect from you when you go on to put on big events.
