First Year Music Festival Talent Buying

phil

When asked to help program a first year camping music festival that crosses multiple genres including Jam, Bluegrass, Funk and Brass, I was ecstatic. I have been buying talent for music festivals for many years and all have their own flavors and quirks, but Ramble Festival presented an opportunity to make it about more than the bands, it’s about what’s important to a festival audience reflected in the curated entertainment choices. 

The goal is to put the ideals and wishes of the prospective audience first and create situations where they can see their favorite acts or perhaps get a unique collaboration that they may only see at Ramble Festival. Past that, we looked for acts that would interact with the audience and that people will really connect with. 

Finding a balance in the acts was of upmost importance. We wanted bands who reflect the ethos and the values of the festival brand. Finding a flow between the genres allowed for diversity in music types but also in the act’s themselves. Brass, bluegrass, and jam all make up the Ramble Festival. 

Working with trusted industry folks to craft the best possible experience for attendees and get the best for the festival long term is what will help the audience see the acts that provide maximum entertainment while not being over saturated within the market.