Back to All Events

Self-Promotion & Organising a Tour with Katch Holmes

  • Scottish Music Centre 100 Candleriggs Glasgow, Scotland, G1 1NQ United Kingdom (map)

In this two-part development day, artists will be able to investigate some very important aspects of being a musician.

Shameless or not, some kind of self-promotion is necessary.

We will consider such questions as: 
- Why and how to promote?
- What is my music?
- Who am I making it for?
- What do I want to get out of my practice?
- How do I describe my music?
- Do I need an 'artist' name?
- Is branding for me?

Participants will take a look at who they are as an artist, how they promote themselves, what they want to achieve, an understanding of a good biography, and some kind of plan for next steps.
Suitable for new musicians working out who they are, what they do and what direction they are headed, as well as established artists who wish to improve, reflect on or change their current direction / image.

Touring is considered to be a vital part of being a musician.

We will consider:
- Where and when to tour
- How to get the most out of it
- Practical steps such as how to build contacts, approach promoters, negotiate fees and costs, advance shows, and promoting your tour
- Agents, press support, and funding

The workshop will include practical exercises such as writing a pitch to programmers, and some things to consider if you are considering applying for funding.

Participants should leave with a clearer sense of when and how to go about building and delivering a tour, and how to make touring work best for you.

----------

Katch Holmes has worked in the music industry in Scotland for 25 years. She has represented artists, commissioned new music, produced residencies and promoted gigs with folk and crossover music acts through her company Off Site Productions. She organises Knockengorroch roots music festival in Dumfries and Galloway. She sat on WOMEX selection panels in 2021 and 2017 and is a Relational Dynamics business coach working with professional creatives.

----------

This workshop is part of the Traditional Music Forum of Scotland's Workshop Programme 2025.
View the full workshop programme here

The Traditional Music Forum of Scotland (TMFS) aims to develop, sustain, support and maximise the potential of traditional music in Scotland.

www.traditionalmusicforum.org

Book Tickets Here

Previous
Previous
25 September

Cryptic Nights 2026 Open Call and Advice Sessions

Next
Next
3 October

Funding & Finances with Ailie Robertson