Touring Is a Career Skill

Touring isn’t just about shows , it’s about preparation.

Contracts, travel, merchandise, riders, and expectations are the difference between a tour that builds your career and one that drains you.

Most artists learn this the hard way:
on the road, underpaid, unprepared, and overwhelmed.

This week, we’re focusing on touring as a practical, learnable skill — one that protects your time, your money, and your momentum as an artist.

Because great performances don’t fix bad planning.
And touring works best when you know what to look for before you leave home.

Most tour mistakes happen offstage.

Touring is where opportunity turns into income — but only if you’re prepared.

Artists don’t lose money on tour because they lack talent.
They lose money because details go unchecked.

What gets overlooked most:

• unclear contracts

• merch logistics that eat profits

• missing or late travel documents

• vague riders that lead to poor treatment

• technical issues that derail the show

Touring rewards artists who treat it like a system — not a scramble.

Learn from someone who’s lived it.

Kokayi, Grammy-nominated artist, author, and touring professional breaks down the five things every artist should lock in before going on tour.

Not theory.
Not hype.
Real-world guidance from years on the road.

In this STEP, Kokayi walks through:

1. Contracts — knowing exactly how and when you get paid

2. Merchandise — maximizing profit without overpacking or overpaying

3. Passports & visas — avoiding costly travel mistakes

4. Artist riders — setting expectations so you’re treated properly

5. Technical riders — making sure the show runs smoothly

This is the kind of information that saves artists money, stress, and reputation.

Get Tour-Ready with Kokayi →