Oct. 17, 2024

Unlock the Secrets to Going from Local Artist to Touring Pro with Max Pohlmann | ELEVATED FREQUENCIES #70

Are you ready to hit the road and make a name for yourself beyond your local scene? In this episode, Max Pohlmann, co-founder of Audisbliss and a veteran touring manager, unpacks the essentials of moving from local stages to nationwide tours. With extensive experience managing tours for artists like Subtronics and Boogie T, and orchestrating over 150 events globally, Max brings unparalleled insights into making it big in touring.

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In this episode, we explore:

  • The Local Launchpad: Learn what foundational steps you need to dominate at home before you can dazzle on the road.
  • Strategic Moves: Discover whether you should aim for headlining smaller venues or seek direct support roles in bigger shows as your entry into touring.
  • The Real Cost of Touring: Touring isn't all glamour and applause. Uncover the often-overlooked downsides, from financial strains to mental health challenges.
  • Tour Construction: Crafting a successful tour involves more than just showing up. Dive into the nuts and bolts of effective tour planning, from branding and venue selection to overall management.
  • Universal Traits of Success: Hear surprising qualities shared by all successful clients Max has worked with—traits that could set you apart from the crowd.

About Max Pohlmann: With a background ranging from tour management for high-profile clients to event production, Max is a beacon of knowledge in the touring and event management industry. His experience spans coordinating high-stakes festival operations and managing critical emergency situations, making him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to break into or excel in the world of music tours.

Why This Matters: Many dream of stepping up from local artist to touring powerhouse, but the path is fraught with challenges and requires meticulous planning and personal resilience. Max’s firsthand experiences offer a roadmap for aspiring artists to navigate this transition successfully.

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Video editor/audio engineer: James Fixx

Chapters

00:00 - Episode Intro

02:41 - Introduction to Max and His Journey

03:10 - Listening to Your Team: A Key to Success

06:00 - Max's Diverse Roles in the Music Industry

10:00 - Establishing Credibility in Dance Music

15:08 - Defining What Constitutes a Tour

16:05 - From Local to Touring Artist: The Journey

20:04 - The Role of Personal Branding in Music

22:39 - Navigating the Modern Music Industry

23:26 - Overcoming Stagnation in the Music Industry

26:08 - The Importance of Mental Health for Artists

31:27 - Components of a Successful Tour

36:00 - Leadership Qualities in Touring Artists

40:05 - Navigating Rising Costs in Touring

43:45 - The Role of Merch in Touring Success