house concerts and 21st century touring

Long time CIYH and Folk Alliance member, and folk-rock legend Kenny Edwards passed away August 18, 2010 near friends and loved ones. Add your tribute to his facebook page.

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Another EPK?
Don’t I have enough of those on the web?
What are the benefits of creating a full page of ME on CIYH?

Although there is a good bit of variety in genres and tastes in the house concert community, it is a unique market - and one that deserves a personal, fine-tuned presentation of how your act is a great fit for these opportunities.

For example, your main website might feature your most “radio-ready” songs to impress labels, radio, and other mainstream media opportunities. Your SonicBids EPK is (or should be) tailored to the needs of festival bookers and the types of opportunities you pursue there.

Your CIYH profile, however, should feature some of your most “acoustic” or stripped-down recordings and videos, as well as a personalized bio that shows how you appreciate getting up-close-and-personal with audiences. Get it? Shape your message and content so that it connects with the intended viewer.

If you are going to spend time searching for and contacting house concert hosts, don’t you want to show them a page that shows you are part of the community, aware of their needs, and able to quickly deliver the information they most want to see and hear?

Plus, an upgraded membership not only gives you a full page with room for widgets and videos, but also allows you to pitch the most important gaps in your touring schedule. This information shows up in your profile AND on the availability pages - a new resource that helps pro-active hosts look ahead for opportunities that fit their schedules.

Upgrade today.

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Language clues… the words we use are important.

House “Concerts” are what we do. CIYH focuses on non-aggressive music, mostly acoustic, usually with an ensemble that doesn’t have a full drum kit. Suggested donations and accommodations are usually enough to respect the caliber of national touring artists.

House “Shows” tend to be punk or aggressive rock, with a pass-the-hat mentality that would make it hard for a solo act to survive, much less satisfying the needs of a full band.

House “Parties” are events where music takes a back seat to the festivities, socializing, and theme of the night. We recommend a DJ, not a performing songwriter.

Now you know.

The problem with “house shows.”

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