Since the dawn of rock, it has always been a thrilling rite of passage to cross the Atlantic. From the Beatles doing The Ed Sullivan Show to Sonic Youth and the New York Dolls making a splash in Europe and returning home as heroes; international touring is sometimes the key to making a name for yourself on your local scene. While we are all familiar with the “who” and “what” of European touring, the “how” might still be a mystery. Never fear! This month Performer is going to go over the basics of touring Europe and attempt to fill in the blanks so that you and your band can get working on becoming big in Berlin, loved in London, or huge in Hungary!

Doing Your Homework

The first step to planning your trip to Europe is figuring out where you want to go. Unlike our heroes of yesteryear, we have the internet (Google and MySpace, especially!) at our disposal. Give yourself ample time to do a little research into venues, festivals, and promoters. Where are other like-minded bands touring and with whom? Another great resource is other bands that have toured in Europe. Go to one of their shows, grab them a beer, and pick their brains. Chances are they’d love nothing more than to knock back a few, brag about their tour, and tell you all about how things work “over there.” They will also give you an idea of places and people to avoid. Tons of bands have toured Europe, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.

Another factor that might influence your decision of what countries you want to tour or play is the exchange rate. If — like many first time bands — you are touring with little-to-no label support, you are going to have to foot the bill for everything from plane tickets to hotels to car rental to backline rental. Websites like ExchangeRate.com and Yahoo! Finance both have easy currency converters that will give you a good idea of what your dollar will be worth. This can help you sort out whether you should even try to tour Sweden or Slovenia.

The second step is figuring out when you want to go. Summer is primarily reserved for festivals, from smaller concerts in the park to massive events like Reading and Leeds; Europeans want to watch you play out in the sunshine in the summer. In many European countries, clubs will close down completely or — at best — operate on severely reduced schedules. On the other hand, late fall and early winter can sometimes be a great time to tour. Matthew Covey, a permit agent and the former US booking agent for the Knitting Factory’s European office, advises, “Winter is pretty grim in North, Central, and Eastern Europe, which is a minus, but there is less competition, and you’re more likely to be really needed!” Regardless of when you decide to go, Marilyne from Zoobook Agency in France suggests that you start at least six months in advance. She says, “Most official venues are printing their venue programs per trimester. Six months in advance is a minimum.” She also reminds that you should avoid touring when there are major sporting events going on. While most Americans might not be into it, soccer is a religion in the rest of the world!

Finding an Agent

Newly armed with your thorough research, the next step is to try and find an agent who’ll handle the tour booking for you. Again, looking at the European booking agencies your contemporaries have used is a good place to start. Keep in mind that agencies don’t operate that differently from those in the US. If an Agency Group or a William Morris was not responsive to your band stateside, it’s doubtful they’re going to want to take you on overseas where you have even less clout. Try to shoot for respected smaller boutique agencies. Covey again makes the point that one size doesn’t always fit all, “The biggest difference is that many Central and Eastern European venues are not yet on the radar of British agencies. German agents tend to be more in tune.” So take the time to scour prospective agencies’ websites or the websites of their bands and take note of which countries they focus on before you contact them.

Before entering into dialogue with a European agent, it is important to have information about any European presence your band may already have. If you’re fortunate enough to have a European label this will benefit you greatly when shopping for an agent. Brendan Quigley of Boston’s Campaign for Real-Time says that while his band’s UK label does not handle the booking of the tour, they are extremely instrumental in promoting the shows, “With the internet, and especially MySpace, you can level the field somewhat, but a label can help at least in providing an audience from the start. There seems to be a lot of ‘brand loyalty’ in the indie scene. By ‘brand loyalty’ I mean the kids tend to lavish entire label’s rosters.” If your band has been written up by any [of the] European press outlets, or if your label has good distribution in any European countries, [then you have some] significant selling points.

It is also important to know what to expect from a European booking agent. There is no one standard for what agents will and won’t handle, but generally you can expect that in addition to booking shows and securing guarantees, European booking agents will be instrumental in helping with the permit applications, arranging backline rental, securing lodging and catering. Make sure you ask the agent what they can handle on your behalf and what it will cost. Most agents take a percentage of your guarantee, but the deal can vary from country to country.

Going It Alone

If you can’t find a booking agent, don’t worry. It is possible to go it alone. While this approach might be time consuming it offers two benefits: 1) you have a better chance of getting into “off the beaten path” underground venues and 2) you can build your own contacts that you may be able to leverage to get an agent for the next tour. If you must go it alone, the best resource you can have on your side is time. If you suspect you may have to do it yourself, give yourself a little longer than six months to work things out. Everything from the routing to the plane tickets to the permit applications will have to be sorted out by you and your band. This is where any personal relationships you have would come really handy; any and all referrals are invaluable. MySpace is also a superb resource; every day more and more venues and promoters are coming into the MySpace network, and are often open to new and unsigned bands.

After you have your dates confirmed, the next step is to work on the particulars. The most important of which is obtaining your work permit. The best way to handle this is by going through a company that will file the applications for you. Don’t try to sneak into the country as you might find yourself in dire straits, Katie Ray at Traffic Control Group, an Oxford-based group that handles permit processing 2/3 of the music industry (from heavyweights like Eric Clapton to up-and-comers like DMBQ) warns, “Many performers are incorrectly advised that if they are not being paid to perform in the UK, that work permits are not required. Recently this has led to two bands calling me from Stanstead and Heathrow airports, as they were being held in custody for removal back to the US.”

You will need a promotions company or reputable venue to sponsor your visit if you don’t have a European label so make sure you have that information first. Tina of T and S Immigration Services advises, “Around 30,000 band [and] crew members receive work permits each year — the majority being American. On top of this, there are fifty-six annual festivals in the UK, which are deemed ‘permit-free’ (the bands just need invitation letters). These include Glastonbury, the Edinburgh Festival, V Festivals, etc.” So taking the time to find out whether your promoter can get you exemption can be a major money saver.

Taking It In Stride

After you’ve sorted out all the logistics, the final thing to do is spend a little time every day just trying to get the word out. Chances are you don’t have a PR or publicity team on your side, but with a little networking you can make some advances towards building a buzz and getting people out to your show. Sending packages to bloggers and DJs can help to get you attention. Prominent radio DJs and label A&R people are always trolling through the clubs looking for the next big thing or just having another look at bands they heard about at CMJ or SxSW. Campaign for Real-Time’s first tour to Europe resulted in them getting signed. However, don’t be discouraged if your first tour doesn’t propel you into instant international stardom. Just focus on playing great shows, making solid connections, and having a good time. :

Performer’s Guide to Touring
Disclaimer: While we do our best to get you the most up-to-date information each month, we would like to remind you that it’s a great big world out there and it moves fast. The information that we’re supplying here was accurate as of press time. Performer strongly suggests that you use this information as a starting point and do your own research using our supplied contact information. Buena suerte!


EU Basics

Who are the members of the European Union (EU)?

Austria*
Belgium*
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland*
France*
Germany*
Greece*
Hungary
Ireland*
Italy*
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg*
Malta
The Netherlands*
Poland
Portugal*
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain*
Sweden
United Kingdom

*uses Euro
($1 = 0.78 Euro)

Other currencies and exchange rates (per $1):

COUNTRY _____CURRENCY UNIT_____EXCHANGE RATE/USD*

UK______________Pound___________________0.53
Cyprus________Cyprus pound________________0.46
Czech Republic____Koruna__________________22.17
Denmark__________Krone___________________5.83
Estonia___________Kroon__________________12.24
Hungary__________Forint__________________207.70
Latvia_____________Lats____________________0.55
Lithuania__________Litas____________________2.70
Malta_____________Lira_____________________0.36
Poland____________Zloty____________________3.10
Slovakia__________Koruna__________________29.48
Slovenia__________Tolar___________________182.12
Sweden__________Krona_____________________7.31

*For the most up-to-date monetary exchange information, check www.exchangerate.com

The first thing to do when you arrive in a non-English speaking country is to buy a copy of the local English language newspaper. Thanks to American and British ex-pats, most of these countries have an English language newspaper. These publications will tell you about events, places to eat and drink, and local news. Go to www.thebigproject.co.uk/news for a complete list of newspapers.

Lodging

Hostels:
Hostels are provide a cheap ($25 or less per night) bed, often with cooking facilities. If a hostel is a member of Hostelling International (www.hihostels.com), a membership with Hostelling International ($60/year) will get you discounted rates; some H.I. hostels do not allow non-members to stay with them. Drawback to hostels may include: 4+ people per room, no private bathrooms, and some hostels have a curfew. Many hostels now offer private rooms.

Pensions:
Pensions are Continental Europe’s answer to the Bed and Breakfast. This is a great travelers’ secret for those who want a private room but don’t want to spend a lot of money. They tend to be family run.

Equipment Rentals/Backline
(all UK-based but serve ALL of Europe):

Terminal Studios, www.terminal.co.uk/rentals.html
The Outside Lighting Company (TOLC), www.tolc.co.uk
Matrix Productions, www.matrixproductions.co.uk
Nimulus, www.nimulus.co.uk
Audiotech Services Ltd., www.audiotechuk.com
SPL Audio Services, www.splaudioservices.co.uk
Thames Audio Limited, www.thamesaudio.co.uk
The Noizeworks, www.thenoizeworks.co.uk
Komotion Ltd., www.komotion.ltd.uk
GLS Light & Sound Production Ltd., www.glslighting.com

Transportation

Car Rental

With gasoline in most Western and Central European above $7 a gallon, diesel or bio-diesel cars might cost-effective way of travel. The diesel vehicles in Europe are more efficient than their American counterparts with diesel vehicles getting 35-50 mpg. Renting an economy car will cost you at least $35/day plus insurance and gasoline. Almost every American rental company (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise) has a presence in most of Europe with Alamo, Eurocar, and Budget being the cheapest.

Van Rental

About $100 dollars/day (around $70 rental, $120 total)

Train

If you plan to travel to more than one country using at least two weeks devoted to travel days, a Eurail train pass (www.eurail.com) might be an option. The most expensive EU countries to travel in are Austria, Germany, and Netherlands. Remember: Eurail does NOT cover the UK (England, Whales, and Scotland). If you are under 28, use the Youth Eurpass to save 50%.

There are several different types of passes:
1. Eurpass: unlimited Rail travel in 18 European countries travel for 15 days up to 3 months in a row ($700-$1,700)
2. Flexi Eurpass: travel 10-15 days within a two month time period ($600-$950)
3. Regional Eurpass: for travelers who only want to travel within a region (i.e. Austria — Czech Republic). Travel 10-15 days within a two month time period ($300-$500).

Flying

Since 1993, the EU has de-regulated the airlines. This allows for an era of low-cost airlines with flights costing as low as $40 round-trip. For traveling more than 500 miles, air travel might be the cheapest and fastest option. Many low-cost airlines have already gone out of business so be careful. Some great low-cost airlines are: Ryan Air, EasyJet, and Virgin Express. To find European low-cost airlines: http://www.attitudetravel.com/lowcostairlines/europe/

If are you under 26, you qualify for even larger discounts from the airlines. Just ask for the “Youth Fare”.

Booking Agents/
Promoters

These are certainly not the only European booking agencies, but here are three reputable companies that helped Performer put this article together.

Tina and Steve Richard
T&S Immigration Services Ltd.
United Kingdom
Phone 0044 1557 339 123
Email steve@tandsimmigration.co.uk
Website
www.tandsimmigration.demon.co.uk

Traffic Control Group
United Kingdom
Phone 0044 020 7637 3450
Email info@trafficcontrolgroup.com
Website www.trafficcontrolgroup.com

FAO Garry Hutchinson
S-a-N Agency Ltd
United Kingdom
Phone 0044 1429 864208
Email garry.hutchinson@s-a-nagency.com
Website www.s-a-nagency.com

Festivals

V Festival UK Rock 8/19-20 www.vfestival.com

Middlesbrough Music Live UK All 6/18 www.middlesbroughmusiclive.co.uk

Larmer Tree Festival UK Reggae, Roots, & Blues 7/12-16

www.larmertreefestival.co.uk

Bloodstock UK Metal 7/14-15 & 9/29-30 www.bloodstock.uk.com

Tin Pan Alley Festival UK All 7/16 www.tinpanalleyfestival.co.uk

Wickerman Festival UK Reggae 7/21-22 www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk

Green Man Festival UK Folk 8/18-20 www.thegreenmanfestival.co.uk

Oxegen Ireland Rock 7/8-9 www.oxegen.ie

Pukkelpop Belgium Rock 8/17-19 www.pukkelpop.be

Roskilde Music Festival Denmark All 6/29-7/2 www.roskilde-festival.dk

Festival Internacional de Benicassim Spain Rock 7/20-23 www.fiberfib.com

Jazzkaar Estonia Jazz late April www.jazzkaar.ee

Kalott Jazz & Blues Festival Finland Jazz/Blues late June/early July www.kalottjazzblues.net

Children’s Song City Finland Children’s Music mid-June www.lastenlaulukaupunki.net

Furia Sound Festival France Rock late June www.furia.tm.fr

International Dixieland Festival Germany Dixieland May www.dixieland.de

Dresden Gods of Metal Italy Metal early June www.godsofmetal.it

Uppsala Reggae Festival Sweden Reggae 8/10-12 www.uppsalareggaefestival.se

Nova Rock Austria Rock mid June www.novarock.at

Metalmania Poland um, Metal March www.metalmind.com