Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s walking you through the live show game, from getting booked to making a lasting impression on stage.

If you’re struggling to land gigs or feel like you’re not making the most of the ones you do play, this is the one to tune into.

Here’s what we’re covering:

→ Booking Gigs

The number one reason most artists aren’t getting gigs? They’re not asking. Tom breaks down why waiting to be discovered doesn’t work and how to pitch yourself in a way that actually gets replies.

→ Promoting Your Gigs

You’ve got the slot, now you need to fill the room. This bit’s about shaking off the cringe, showing up consistently, and promoting your shows in a way that doesn’t feel desperate or awkward.

→ Gig Prep

Going in unprepared is how good sets become forgettable ones. We’re talking gear checks, setlists, tech plans and mental headspace, everything that goes into walking on stage with confidence.

→ Gig Etiquette

Want to get booked again? This one matters more than your set. From soundcheck behaviour to post-show thank yous, Tom walks through how to be the kind of artist that venues and promoters want to work with.

Each of these segments is pulled from full-length daily videos posted on the ⁠Patreon⁠ this week. If any of these topics hit home, go check them out, the free tier gives you access to every video, and the bonus tier includes tools, templates and resources to help you take action straight away.

In this short episode of For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s tackling one of the most damaging myths in the music industry, that you need to find your genre to stand out.

If you’ve ever panicked about not having a “clear sound” or not fitting into one genre, this one’s for you.

Here’s what we’re covering:

• Why genre doesn’t matter as much as personality
• What fans actually connect to
• Why forcing a genre might be holding you back
• A quick mindset shift to help you show up more authentically online
• 
  

Instead of asking “what genre am I?”, ask “how do I make people feel?” That’s your niche. Build your content, your visuals, and your community around that emotional story, not a box someone else created.

In this short episode of For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom breaks down one of the biggest reasons artists aren’t getting booked, and why it’s almost never about talent.

If you’ve been sitting around waiting to be discovered, thinking your music should speak for itself… this one’s for you.

Here’s what we’re covering:

• Why promoters aren’t “discovering” new acts
• The most common mistake artists make when trying to get gigs
• What actually makes a booker say yes
• A dead simple message you can send today
• One task to help you finally get the ball rolling

This isn’t about chasing virality or begging for slots. It’s about learning how the live side of the industry actually works, so you can start getting your foot in the door instead of waiting by it.

Don't forget you can join the Patreon for free, for daily deep dives into topics like this!