How to Get Support Slots With Bigger Bands as an Unsigned Act

Practical strategies to get your name on better bills — even without a label or agent

Playing live is one of the most powerful ways for an unsigned band to grow. But opening for a bigger artist can be a game-changer. It exposes you to a ready-made crowd, boosts your credibility, and can spark a domino effect of new fans, future gigs, and industry attention.

So how do you actually get one of those coveted support slots when you don’t have a manager, a label, or a booking agent?

Start by Targeting the Right Bands

Look for touring artists who:

• Are slightly ahead of you, not stadium-level acts

• Share your genre or vibe

• Play venues you can realistically slot into (think 100–500 capacity)

These are the gigs where you’ll be most relevant to the audience and most valuable to the headliner.

Find Out Who Books the Show

Most gigs are arranged by one of three people: the promoter, the band themselves, or a booking agent. Your goal is to figure out which one is making the decision for each show.

• Check the event page or ticket link — many list the promoter’s name

• Visit the headliner’s website to find their agent or manager

• Ask the venue directly who’s booking support

Once you know who to contact, you’re no longer just “hoping” — you’re taking direct action.

Send a Short, Focused Email

Your pitch should be short, polite, and focused on why your unsigned band is a great fit for that specific gig. Mention:

• The date and venue

• Why you match the headliner musically

• Links to a recent live video and your best song

• Any history of playing that venue or drawing a crowd locally

Make it easy for them to say yes — or at least check you out.

Show That You Can Draw

If you’re reaching out to play a local show, you need to prove you’ll help get people through the door. Even a modest following (30–50 people) is impressive to a promoter booking a 200-cap room.

Screenshots from previous ticket sales, gig photos with crowds, or social proof (comments saying “can’t wait!”) go a long way.

Be Active in the Local Scene

Unsigned bands who show up for others get noticed. Go to shows. Support other acts. Build relationships with promoters, venue staff, and artists. Often, support slots come through personal connections, not cold emails.

If you’re known as reliable, easy to work with, and bring value, your name will start coming up in the right conversations.

Make Your Set Unmissable

Once you land the slot, the real work begins. Treat every support set like it’s a headline gig. Bring energy. Win over strangers. Play tight. Engage with the crowd. Sell your story.

A killer support set can lead to new fans, more gigs, and maybe even an invitation from the headliner for the next tour.