Running a music venue is a dream for many people. Booking acts and performers, selling tickets and drinks to an audience and hopefully making some money in the process – it sounds like something we could all get behind. But a lot goes into starting and creating a successful music venue. You’ve got to ensure you have the right premises, location, facilities and atmosphere, and create an environment that people want to return to time and time again. It’s easier said than done, but what are some things you should be considering if you want to run a successful music venue?
Have a vision
Every venue owner needs to have a vision, an idea of how they want their operation to run way down the line. This helps to keep all aspects of the business on track and building towards an end goal. Maybe you want to host some famous names one day or you want to be the platform that helps new talent get noticed in the industry – have a vision and work towards that every day.
Book talented performers
A successful music venue needs talented performers. This doesn’t have to be the most expensive or exclusive musicians, but people that can hold a crowd and shine a positive light on your venue. Early on you need to be able to draw a crowd without knowing who the performer is, but that might change down the line.
Provide a platform for new acts
Every good music venue provides a platform for fresh music and talented up-and-comers. This is an opportunity to write your establishment in the history books if the acts you host go on to do great things. You’ve heard of The Cavern Club, where The Beatles famously started their music career – could your venue be just as significant?
Think carefully about design and atmosphere
Music venues need to provide an atmosphere that intensifies the energy of the music being played. Whether you want to specialise in rock, soul, dance or classic music – ensure that the atmosphere you create is in tune with the performance and audience. The atmosphere can be created with lights, structures, visual elements as well as other aspects such as seating or standing arrangements.
Don’t forget safety and security
Any successful music venue needs to be a safe and secure one. Most audiences want a secure viewing experience to allow them to enjoy the music as much as possible. Ensure you hire stewards with hi-vis clothing to help anyone who needs assistance and have strict policies on excessive alcohol consumption and drugs. Security on the door can also be a good way to stop troublemakers from entering your venue and disrupting the whole event.
Every venue owner needs to have a vision, an idea of how they want their operation to run way down the line. This helps to keep all aspects of the business on track and building towards an end goal. Maybe you want to host some famous names one day or you want to be the platform that helps new talent get noticed in the industry – have a vision and work towards that every day.
Book talented performers
A successful music venue needs talented performers. This doesn’t have to be the most expensive or exclusive musicians, but people that can hold a crowd and shine a positive light on your venue. Early on you need to be able to draw a crowd without knowing who the performer is, but that might change down the line.
Provide a platform for new acts
Every good music venue provides a platform for fresh music and talented up-and-comers. This is an opportunity to write your establishment in the history books if the acts you host go on to do great things. You’ve heard of The Cavern Club, where The Beatles famously started their music career – could your venue be just as significant?
Think carefully about design and atmosphere
Music venues need to provide an atmosphere that intensifies the energy of the music being played. Whether you want to specialise in rock, soul, dance or classic music – ensure that the atmosphere you create is in tune with the performance and audience. The atmosphere can be created with lights, structures, visual elements as well as other aspects such as seating or standing arrangements.
Don’t forget safety and security
Any successful music venue needs to be a safe and secure one. Most audiences want a secure viewing experience to allow them to enjoy the music as much as possible. Ensure you hire stewards with hi-vis clothing to help anyone who needs assistance and have strict policies on excessive alcohol consumption and drugs. Security on the door can also be a good way to stop troublemakers from entering your venue and disrupting the whole event.
