Throw Your Album Release Party Professionally

As an indie artist, you've probably spent several months (heck, maybe even years) putting together a dope album. After putting in such a huge investment, part of your return is your release party. Just like any big event, you have to consider who will be there, why you want them there, and what it means for your career.

1. Plan your date and stick to it. Unless it's a family emergency, there's no reason for you not to follow through on your plan. Lack of funds? Throw a Kickstarter campaign and blast it on social media. No publicity? Start hitting up all your local alternative weeklies, and get your fans to promote your party on their social media profiles. Excuses don't make dollars.

2. Pick the right venue. For you, that is. This doesn't mean you have to rent out an expensive club or go so cheap that you're using your cousin's basement. Just do your research and figure out

• Where does your fan base hang out?
• Could you network your way into a better rate for a venue? Who do you know?
• What are the rules and requirements at the venue you want?
• Is the venue in a safe enough area?
• And any other relevant questions you can think to ask yourself.

3. Make that money. Try to sell your album as your ticket sales in advance. This does three things:

• It ensures you cover the cost of the venue.
• Your fans get something tangible for their cash. People love receiving gifts, so they'll be more likely to show.
• You can promote your entire album, not just the select songs you perform.

4. Get your "hype" team together. Enlist a few local bloggers, social media mavens, and a fan or two to help you put your show together. You'll need folks to help with the publicity, because you can't do it all on your own. Someone needs to man the tables when people line up to come into the party. You'll also need a hand (or several) when setting up the equipment, too. Preparation and manpower are key.

5. Put together a short list. It's a given that you want your existing fans there. But what about generating a new fan base? Or which media professionals would be willing to write up a piece about you? Write down the names/contacts of the people who you would like to attend and send out personal invites, especially to popular bloggers, radio personalities and music producers. You are throwing a show, but it's also the perfect opportunity to sell yourself.

Some other great resources you can check out are Hypebot (written by indie rapper @koshadillz) and Music Think Tank (it's a couple years old, but still very much relevant) for more tips.