How to become an opening act for a major artist: a complete guide for emerging musicians

If you’ve spent years driving from one small venue to another, playing your heart out to half-filled rooms, you’ve probably had the same thought as countless independent artists: “There has to be a better way. If only we could open for a big artist, we’d play in front of packed crowds every night.”

That thought isn’t a fantasy, it’s a goal within reach. Becoming an opening act on a major tour can completely change your career. It puts you in front of new fans, industry professionals, and media outlets that can accelerate your growth faster than almost anything else. But getting that opportunity doesn’t happen by chance. It requires strategy, preparation, networking, and persistence.

Here’s how to do it, step by step.

1. Understand how opening acts are chosen

Before you can land a support slot, you need to understand how the process works behind the scenes.

When a major artist plans a tour, their booking agent helps select the opening acts. Usually, the headliner’s team sends out a request for potential openers to other agents, managers, and industry contacts. Those agents then suggest bands that fit the style, energy, and audience of the main act. The headliner, along with their manager and tour manager, reviews the options and decides who gets invited.

Now, if you don’t have a booking agent yet, don’t panic. Many opening acts, especially those chosen for the first slot, are unsigned or independent artists who have built some local buzz. Often, a headliner wants to bring along an up-and-coming band that feels fresh, authentic, and still connected to the grassroots music scene. It makes the tour seem more exciting and relatable.

Ultimately, the choice isn’t just about who’s most popular. It’s about who fits the vibe of the tour, who can warm up the crowd, and who adds value to the overall experience.

So, the first step toward becoming an opening act is understanding that it’s not about luck, it’s about being the right fit at the right time.

2. Build genuine visibility and buzz

Once you know how artists are selected, the next question is obvious: How do I get noticed?

The short answer: you need to build visibility in the same spaces that artists, managers, and booking agents are already watching.

Most people assume that getting featured in big magazines or playlists is the key. But in reality, industry professionals pay close attention to smaller, genre-specific blogs and online communities that spotlight rising talent. These might have small audiences, but the people who read them (publicists, A&Rs, promoters) are the ones who make decisions.

Start reaching out to independent music blogs, local radio shows, and online curators who highlight new music. When someone covers your band, keep that momentum going. Release new singles consistently, share behind-the-scenes content, and stay active on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

One tool that newer bands often overlook is platforms like Matchfy, which connect artists with playlist curators, influencers and niche promotional opportunities. Matchfy is a music-promotion community where you can pitch to user-generated playlists and connect with niche audiences.

3. Network within the live music scene

Exposure online is only part of the equation. In the live music world, relationships matter just as much, if not more.

Every tour decision ultimately comes down to people talking. Someone on the team, a promoter, manager, or even another musician, might mention your name as a great fit. That’s why it’s crucial to build genuine connections within your local music community.

Go to other artists’ shows, introduce yourself to promoters, and get to know the venue staff. Play local festivals and support other bands in your scene. The more visible you are in person, the more likely you are to cross paths with someone who has a say in booking future tours.

Many opening-act opportunities come directly from previous performances. A headliner might remember a local band that opened for them once, or a tour manager might recommend a group that impressed them at a smaller venue.

Networking doesn’t mean being pushy or fake. It means being present, respectful, and engaged with the community around you. Over time, these small interactions add up to real opportunities.

Discover how to find collaborators in the world of music by reading the full article on our blog!

4. Be the kind of artist people want to work with

Talent and buzz will get you noticed, but professionalism, attitude, and reliability will get you hired.

Touring is demanding, and nobody wants to share a bus or stage with people who are difficult or ungrateful. Being kind, organized, and appreciative can be the deciding factor between getting a slot and being passed over.

From the sound engineer to the merch seller, treat everyone with respect. You never know who’s paying attention, today’s lighting tech could be tomorrow’s tour manager or A&R rep. Your reputation travels fast in the music industry.

Also, make sure your live show is tight and ready for bigger stages. Rehearse like you’re already on tour. Be prepared with your own gear list, sound requirements, and backup plans. The more professional you are, the easier it is for tour organizers to imagine you fitting smoothly into their schedule.

Finally, stay humble. Remember that being an opening act is about supporting the headliner’s vision while making new fans of your own. Approach every performance as an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.

5. Create your own momentum

One of the most powerful ways to get invited on a major tour is to create your own.

Plan your own small tours, even if they’re just regional weekend runs. Promote them professionally, document them with great photos and videos, and share the experience online. This shows booking agents that you’re capable of handling the logistics, endurance, and consistency required on a larger tour.

If you can demonstrate that you already know how to engage a crowd, sell tickets, and maintain professionalism on the road, you’ll instantly stand out from the hundreds of bands still figuring it out.

Momentum attracts opportunity. When you’re moving, people want to be part of your journey.

6. Be ready when the moment comes

Opportunities can appear suddenly, sometimes with just a few days’ notice. When that happens, you need to be ready to say “yes” immediately.

That means having updated press photos, a live performance video, a one-sheet or EPK (electronic press kit), and a clear contact method on your website and social profiles. Make it easy for decision-makers to find you and assess your band quickly.

It also means being financially and logistically prepared. Tours are expensive, travel, food, lodging, and equipment costs add up fast. Saving a small tour fund or finding a sponsor can help you jump on opportunities when they arise.

Being ready doesn’t just mean having music out. It means being mentally and professionally prepared to take that next big step.

Conclusion

Landing a spot as an opening act for a major artist isn’t about luck. It’s about persistence, preparation, presence. You have to earn it one show, one song, one connection at a time.

Keep creating, keep performing, keep showing up. Build your audience, engage your community, use the tools like Matchfy to amplify your reach. Your career is built on many small pieces coming together.

If you follow this roadmap, understanding how opening acts are chosen, building visibility, networking, being professional, creating your own momentum, staying ready, you’ll be much closer to stepping onto that major-tour stage.