Time and time again, music festivals have catapulted artists from the likes of Tracy Chapman and Chappel Roan to stardom in the blink of an eye. They’re arguably one of the most impactful ways to gain industry exposure, grow your following, and boost your credibility as an artist in one fell swoop. For that reason, you’d think landing a spot in a festival lineup is a complicated and gatekept process – we’re here to debunk that myth.
In order to book a gig at a festival, artists must have previous live show experience. If you haven’t performed live before or need more practice, you can contact booking agents through Groover here to help you get some gigs under your belt and document them before your application!
Festival Applications
It may come as a surprise that many music festivals often have a structured application process for independent artists, but they do! Though having a label or booking agent is a fast track for consideration, it’s not required to land a spot in the lineup.
The festival submission season typically spans from September to November for the following year’s lineup and is open to all artists, no matter how big or small. Applications involve submitting a detailed artist package, which almost always includes:
- An EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
- Your EPK should have an artist bio, professional photos, links to your music, videos of live performances, any notable achievements/milestones, and any upcoming news
- Proof of Performance History
- It’s important that you prove you can handle the pressure of a large crowd and rowdy audience by listing all your past gigs and the venues/locations they were hosted at
- Music and Socials
- Include links to your artist pages on streaming platforms as well as links to any and all social media profiles to show that you are active and have an existing community of fans
Depending on the festival, you may have to pay a small fee to apply. Others may only require a submission package along with your contact information. Make sure to check guidelines and deadlines so you follow everything as requested.
Where to Find Opportunities
Research is your best friend when it comes to knowing where to send your assets and try your luck. Festivals often focus on a specific family of genres and tend not to stay too far from center; Tyler the Creator’s Flog Naw in LA features hip-hop and R&B artists, while Lasso Festival in Montreal features country artists. Start smaller by looking into regional festivals if you’re new to the scene, and look on their websites to see what genres they accept. Expand your search to bigger stages if you feel qualified. As long as you could see your music fitting in with their previous lineups, you’re good.
Platforms like Groover serve as a channel artists can apply through directly, offering the opportunity to play at festivals and events at the popular SXSW in Austin, Mondo Festival in NYC, or The Great Escape in the UK, to name a couple. Keep an eye on Groover’s Instagram page for upcoming festival opportunities where you can apply through the platform and increase your chances of getting chosen. Application windows give you enough time to get your assets in order, but make sure to apply as soon as you can.
Application Tips
Every submission page will have its own system, but you’ll be walked through the process for each. Though some festivals may not ask for every asset, make sure to have your EPK, past performance list, and links ready to go to streamline the process and be prepared.
Tailor your submission to each festival. Let them know why you want to perform for them specifically and mention artists in past lineups of theirs that you are similar to. They’ll be able to better place you musically and imagine you in their future events.
If you have any live performance footage, it’s highly recommended that you include it in your application. Bookers want to know that you have a confident stage presence and that will be felt by the crowds you perform for if you’re selected, so prove that you can hold your own and give them a show in such a situation.
Examples of Music Festivals that Accept Applications
- SXSW – Austin, TX
- Summerfest – Milwaukee, WI
- Joshua Tree Music Festival – California, USA
- POP Montreal – Montreal, Canada
- Trreefort Music Fest – Boise, ID
- Springtide Music Festival – Ontario, Canada
Here’s an extensive list of the music festivals happening in the US over the next year – check it out to get inspired and potentially find a festival with an open submission page!
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