Oct. 31, 2024

Stand Out and Score Gigs by Creating Unique Festival Experiences with Drew Dapps | EF EP 72

Are you looking to stand out in the music industry and secure more bookings? This episode features Drew Dapps, who shares how creating a unique community around his concept, Camp Dappington, not only differentiated him from the crowd but directly led to numerous gig opportunities.

Drew discusses his journey as a boutique house artist and the strategic moves behind Camp Dappington, a themed activation that has captured attention at festivals. He emphasizes the power of building a community as a proof of concept that showcases your value to promoters and venues.

Key Takeaways:

  • Community Creation: How forming a unique community can significantly enhance your visibility and appeal to festival organizers.
  • Proof of Concept: Demonstrating your ability to draw and engage an audience, proving your potential for bigger bookings.
  • Diversification: The importance of diversifying your offerings beyond music to include merchandise and unique fan experiences that reinforce your brand.
  • Brand Investment: Investing in your brand isn’t just about spending money—it’s about creatively engaging your followers and turning them into a loyal community.
  • Merchandising Strategy: How smart merchandising can not only increase profitability but also serve as a walking billboard for your brand.

Dive deeper into the world of music and community building at the upcoming Chicago Music Nexus. Here, you’ll connect with influencers and industry professionals who are eager to share their knowledge and network. Secure your spot now with the code PODCAST for $30 off: www.chicagomusicnexus.com

Continue your journey on my Patreon, where we explore more in-depth strategies for artist development and career growth. Join today for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Connect with me on Instagram: @oliviamancuso__

Video editor/audio engineer: James Fixx

Chapters

00:00 - The Value of Brand Presence

03:09 - Drew Dapps: A Boutique House Artist

05:58 - Diversifying as an Artist

08:48 - Creating Unique Experiences: Camp Dappington

12:13 - Finding Opportunities in Unconventional Spaces

15:03 - The Importance of Brand Awareness

18:12 - Investing in Your Brand

21:04 - Merch as a Revenue Stream

23:53 - Quality Merch and Inclusivity

27:14 - Advice for Emerging Artists

30:04 - Future Plans for Camp Dappington