be organised. be professional.
1. get the best sound system you can - nothing kills a show more than a bad sound.
2. publicise the event well in advance (use flyers, posters, sms database, word of mouth). don't leave it until the last minute. make sure all the prime spots are covered (outside clubs, record shops, clothing outlets,,, anywhere heads hang out). give the DJs and MCs at least 50 flyers each (well in advance) - they will be keen to advertise their own show. if you don't do this, don't be suprised when no one turns up.
3. keep a tight schedule. don't make people wait around until 1am to see the main act if you publicised they would be on at 11pm. keep things moving,,, get someone to host the night who can keep the crowd entertained if there are hold-ups or technical hitches (which there always are). see also point 7.
4. try to make sure the beers aren't too expensive - heads are usually on limited budgets so they aren't gonna want to pay R14 for a small bottle.
5. organising a good show takes a lot of time, don't do it on your own.
6. inform the media - tell your local radio station/ newspaper/ events listing magazine well in time for them to publish the details.
7. try to organise some free stuff to give out during the event - even CD-Rs of the artists who are performing - everyone likes a freebie and it's good promotion for the artist.
8. try to get sponsorship. easier said than done, but if you give companies proposals well in advance you'll be suprised how much money sponsors are willing to throw around. approach companies who you know are trying to market to the 'urban' youth market. sponsorship can either be used to subsidise the entrance fee, pay for a good sound system, or for free drinks or giveaways.
9. make sure the venue isn't too big. rather have 100 people packed into a tiny space with a queue outside than 100 people in huge empty hall. sound systems also sound better in compact spaces.
10. count the people going in so you know the money is straight at the end of the night. even good friend can fall out over this.
11. don't charge too much on the door. heads ain't gonna pay R50 unless there is a free bar :)
