Find a booker.
This guide explains how find a booker of music with a credible project: live press kit, stage video, targeting the right professionals, reaching out, and signals that make people want to represent you.
Booking, promotion and press · Independent artists, labels and managers · France & international
Booker, tour manager, programmer: who does what?
Before find a booker, clarify which professional you’re looking for. The roles are distinct and often confused.
| Professional | Works for | Main role | Commission | How to approach them |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booker | Theartist | Prospects and negotiates gig dates | 10–15% of the fee | Email + complete live press kit |
| Tour manager | The artist | Organises full tours, logistics | 15–20% of tour revenue | Via manager or recommendation |
| Venue programmer | The venue | Selects the artists to book | None — they buy the show | Email the venue directly |
| Festival programmer | The festival | Chooses the annual line-up | None — they buy the show | Festival press kit + timing |
To get started: contacting venue programmers suited to your capacity is often faster than finding a find a booker who agrees to represent you. A booker only invests time in projects with momentum that’s already visible.
The signals a booker expects before representing you
A booker receives dozens of requests. For find a booker to agree to work with you, your project needs to tick several boxes.
| Signal | Minimum threshold | Why it’s important |
|---|---|---|
| Distributed releases | At least 1–2 singles on Spotify | Proof that the project exists and is active |
| Live video or performance | 1 quality live video | The booker needs to see how you perform on stage |
| Streams Spotify | 500–2,000+ streams/month | Signal of an existing audience |
| Social presence | Active account, regular content | Ability to mobilise an audience |
| Visual identity | Consistent HD photos | Professional, credible image |
| Media signals | 1 article or feature radio | Third-party validation of the project |
| First shows | A few gigs played | Proof that you can perform live |
Project ready to find a booker
Project not ready yet
- No release published
- No live video or filmed performance
- Artistic direction is vague or non-existent
- No presence on social media
- Never played live
Prepare your live press kit to find a booker
The live press kit is the central tool for find a booker. It should enable the professional to understand your project in under 2 minutes.
| Element | Format | Importance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artist bio | 150 words maximum | Essential | Concise, impactful, no clichés |
| Live video | YouTube or private link | Essential | Acceptable quality — the booker must be able to see the stage |
| Spotify link | Direct URL to the artist profile | Essential | With at least 1–2 releases visible |
| HD live photos | JPG minimum 300 dpi | Essential | Stage photos if possible, not just portraits |
| Technical rider | 1-page PDF | Recommended | Required equipment, set-up time |
| Past dates | List short | Recommended | Even small venues — shows you perform |
| Press coverage | Article links | Recommended | Articles, radio appearances secured |
| Social stats | Screenshot | Optional | If you have an engaged audience |
Ideal format: everything in a single Google Drive or Notion link — bio, live video, photos, rider, past dates, press. A clean, complete press kit in one link significantly increases response rates when you are looking for a booker.
Where to find a music booker in 2026
LinkedIn — targeting by musical speciality
Cherchez "booking musical France", "tourneur [genre]" ou "agent artistique musique". Consultez leur portfolio d'artistes avant de contacter. Envoyez une demande de connexion avec une note courte et personnalisée pour find a booker suited to your genre.
Recommendations — the most effective channel
Most collaborations between artists and bookers happen via networking. A press officer, a agency promotion agency or other artists can recommend you to a booker. Build your professional network before trying to find a booker cold.
Contact concert venues directly
For artists at the start of their development, contacting venue programmers for appropriately sized rooms (50–300 people) directly is often more accessible than find a booker. Venues receive fewer requests than bookers and can programme directly without an intermediary.
Before looking for a booker: strengthen your credibility with a music promotion structured. Streams, media articles and radio plays give the booker concrete proof that your project has an audience — and make the steps to find a booker. See: Beathoven music promotion.
The email to contact a booker or a programmer
Hello, [Prénom],
I saw your work with [artiste similaire de leur roster] — our project speaks to the same audience and I think the collaboration could be interesting.
I am [Artiste], [genre en 3 mots]. We’re looking to develop our live presence in [région/territoire ciblé] — [1 fait notable : X streams, article Y, date dans Z salle].
Live video: [Lien YouTube]
Spotify: [URL]
Full press kit: [Lien Google Drive]
Available to chat at your convenience.
[Prénom — Instagram — Email]
3 rules: under 120 words, one personalised sentence about their roster, and a live video that’s directly clickable. Without a live video, it’s almost impossible to find a booker who responds.
How much does a booker take: commissions and contracts
| Type of professional | Standard commission | On which income | Typical contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent booker | 10–15% of the gross fee | Each gig negotiated | Simple mandate contract |
| Booking agency | 12–18% of the gross fee | All gigs via the agency | Exclusive or non-exclusive contract |
| Tour manager | 15–20% of tour revenue | Fees + live merchandising | Assignment contract + co-production |
Red flag: Any booking agent or tour manager who asks for an unjustified upfront fixed payment is not a standard professional. The normal model is commission on the fees generated. Consult the resources of the CNM on contracts in the live performance industry.
Mistakes that stop you finding a booking agent
Getting in touch without a live video
A booking agent needs to see how you perform on stage. Without a live video, your email will be ignored — no matter how good your studio music is.
Aiming too big too soon
Big booking agents and tour managers only represent projects with existing traction. Start with 50–200-capacity venues and small local festivals before aiming for larger organisations.
Email with no personalisation
A generic message sent to 50 booking agents gets 0 replies. To find a booker, mention an artist on their roster and explain why your project is a good fit for them.
Looking for a booking agent before you’ve played
A booking agent can’t represent you if you’ve never played live. Do a few dates in small venues or at showcase events before looking to find a booker.
Is your project ready to reach out to booking agents?
Present your music, your live video, your first dates and your goals. Beathoven helps you prepare the press kit and targeting to find a booker or approach suitable programmers directly.
FAQ — Finding a booking agent
For find a booker : 1) Prepare a complete live press kit — bio, live video, Spotify links, photos, press. 2) Target booking agents who work in your genre and at the capacity that matches your current stage. 3) Send a short personalised email with a clickable live video. 4) Introduce yourself at industry trade fairs (MaMA Festival, BIS de Nantes). 5) Build credibility with releases and media coverage before reaching out.
The booking agent works for the artist — they prospect and negotiate dates. The tour booker organises full tours with logistics. The programmer works for a venue or a festival — they select artists. To get started, contacting programmers at small venues directly is often more accessible than find a booker someone who agrees to represent you.
Yes — a booking agent only invests their time in projects with existing momentum. Spotify streams, media articles and an active presence on social networks strengthen your credibility. Before trying to find a booker, build your visibility through the music promotion.
A booking agent generally takes 10–15% of the gross fee per negotiated gig. A tour booker takes 15–20% of tour revenues. The commission applies only to dates negotiated by the professional. Be wary of any booking agent who asks for an upfront fixed payment. Resources: CNM.
To contact a venue programmer: send a short email with your live pack (bio, live video, streaming links, press). Mention why your project fits the venue’s programming. Venues with a 50–300 capacity are the most accessible for independent artists. Avoid busy programming periods (December–January).
Resources to develop your live project
To strengthen your credibility before looking for a booking agent.
360° music promotion
Credibility before approaching booking agents.
Discover →Promote your music
10 levers to build your visibility.
Read →Music press officer
Media articles = signals for booking agents.
Discover →Radio promotion
Radio appearances = live credibility.
Read →Find a label
To take your development further.
Read →Find a manager
The manager coordinates the booking agent and label.
Read →Send your music to the media
Build your press before going live.
Read →Free analysis
Let’s talk about your live project.
Get started →
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