Todd Hansen is the Creator of Better Than The Van , a couch-surfing social network for bands on tour. Todd has spent the past 10 years playing/touring in bands and running a label out of Minneapolis. He now calls Austin, TX home and spends his time creating new ways to help bands do great things.

I feared writing this blog post only because I've read so many in this vein and usually there is very little new information. But, Dave asked me to so why not right? I'll give it a go.  Disclaimer:  I hope those that read this peel off some new ideas; or it lights a fire under your butt to tour; or gives you cause to lambast me with ironic whit about how my ideas are passé'.

I know touring is hard but it's absolutely necessary. If you want to quit your job and do music you must tour. It's even more important now as most money to be made is out on tour. Plus if you find yourself on a label, they'll expect you to be in a van more than your apartment.  Let me tell you one quick story from a few years back about Syd Butler of Les Savy Fav and owner of French Kiss Records.

When I first met Syd French Kiss was picking up a band from the label I was helping to run. Over drinks one night The Plastic Constellations (TPC) and I listened to Syd talk about his expectations for the band. TPC would not be sitting around, waiting for something to happen. Syd's conviction was borderline religious. "Tour, tour, tour…that's it", he would say and drive the point home the rest of the week. He believed that on whatever level a band exists, touring is beyond a necessity.   I couldn't argue. Syd had built a band and a label on that foundation. In the years that followed, Syd never let up, always asking TPC when they were touring next, even when they were out on tour. I got it. A label is helpful but a band's success is usually launched via your four-wheeled pirate ship sailing to all points USA. (Note: Syd’s not alone, read the last paragraph of this interview at Hypebot with Patrick Amory of Matador Records.

Understand I don't think that all bands just kick back, write some songs and wait for magic to happen. But it's important to know that making a personal connection in other cities builds momentum and makes your band familiar. Yes, I know this isn't a new concept but I'll keep going. As you meet other bands and people you build a friend base that evolve into a fan base.  It's these people that act on your behalf in those cities by passing along your music and stories of your show(s) to friends. Word of mouth is the most potent marketing tool.

So how do you get shows outside of your city when you don't have a booking agent or are just starting to tour?

Simple. Relentless networking. My DYI game plan was to go around the venues and straight for bands in the cities I wanted to play. I'd hop on MySpace or like site and start asking around. I looked at it no different than being in my home city and meeting people/bands at shows. It becomes mutually beneficial situation as they are probably looking to tour as well. They help you, you help them and your network grows. They may not be able to help when you right away, but they might pass you on to another band; or introduce you to someone at a venue; or hook up a house show. Basically don't be afraid to ask for help and give help when asked.

It takes time, patience and genuine willingness to help people out but the benefits are worth it. Be smart when you try to show swap by finding bands that fit the style, genre or mode of your band. Obviously you’ll have a better chance of the crowd being into what you’re doing. You will make stronger connections that can lead established friend bases that grow into fan bases. MySpace is not the only option either. As social networks become more tailored for particular needs, space will be created for sites dedicated to helping bands with the practical necessities of touring; like finding a free place to stay after a show.