Welcome to Side Door News
From exclusive artist interviews and festival spotlights to platform updates and insider tips for the independent music scene, this is where we share what’s new, what’s working, and what’s next. Tune into The Side Door Sitdown podcast for artist stories, booking tips, and behind-the-scenes chats. New episodes drop regularly—subscribe wherever you listen.
The Side Door Sitdown: Episode 03 – Kelly McMichael
In episode 03 of The Side Door Sitdown podcast, Laura Simpson sits down with indie music hero Kelly McMichael to talk about finding your front person energy while managing all the things that come with being an independent artist.
The Side Door Sitdown: Episode 02 – Dan Mangan
Episode 02 of The Side Door Sitdown features JUNO-winning artist and Side Door co-founder Dan Mangan, and it’s packed with advice for artists who want to tour independently and build a sustainable career without burning out
The Side Door Sitdown: Episode 01 – Eric Kane
Episode 01 of The Side Door Sitdown is all about self-booking tours as an independent artist — no agent, no manager, just grit and a game plan.
We Started a Podcast, Friends 😃
The Side Door Sitdown is a podcast featuring honest conversations about the independent live music scene. We talk to DIY artists, indie venue owners, and behind-the-scenes pros about how they book shows, build their audience, and try to make a living — without losing their minds.
We Need Your Help!
As a startup, we’ve been very fortunate to build and operate as a result of private fundraising efforts, but we’re nearing the end of that runway. We’re trying to make the critical leap to sustaining ourselves through revenue alone, and we need your help.
NOWADAYS Festival
Join us in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, for a weekend of live music, art, and community. NOWADAYS brings together bold performances, local creativity, and unforgettable experiences. Grab your tickets now!
How Eric Kane Booked His Own Tour as an Independent Musician
Independent artist Eric Kane shares exactly how he self-booked his Leave It All Behind tour across Western Canada — no booking agent, no manager, just strategy, hustle, and heart. Eric walks us through the tools he used, how he reached out to venues (even ones that had never hosted music before), and how he promoted and sold out his tour.
How This Musician Sold Out His First Headline Show
How to promote your first concert: A real case study with the artist BASYL.
After 8 Years of Side Door, Here's What Still Drives Us
The reason for starting Side Door was a response to a need. Now, it feels like a compulsion. The need is greater.
We Just Made Ticketing Even Better—You Pay $0
We’ve made a huge change to help YOU 🫵 keep more of the revenue from your shows. This isn’t just a one-time deal—this applies to all shows booked from today forward!
A Canadian Ticketing Company You Can Trust
Side Door makes it easy to create, manage, and sell tickets with zero upfront costs. Keep 100% of the ticket revenue!
Dan Mangan Takes on Florida
For the first time, Mangan is bringing his singular energy to Florida. As he embarks on this leg of his journey, Mangan shares his thoughts on travel, chaos, and the joy of creating something magical in uncertain times.
How a Vancouver Café Is Drawing New Crowds with a Simple Idea
There’s a special energy that makes Aperture Coffee Bar in Vancouver stand out. With its warm, cozy vibe and growing reputation, the café has become a go-to spot for something unique that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
House Concerts Unlocked 2025
We’re thrilled to bring back House Concerts Unlocked at the 2025 Folk Alliance International conference. FAI artists and hosts, this is your chance to take the stage, spark connections, and wow the crowd.
Vancouver’s Must-Visit Music Venue
This live music venue is pure East Van grit and heart. With deep roots in the local DIY scene, they’ve created a space where passion and creativity take centre stage. Their artist-first approach aligns perfectly with Side Door’s mission of creating meaningful connections between artists, hosts, and fans.
How To Host A Holiday Concert in 2024
So, you’re thinking of throwing a holiday concert to send off 2024? Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re a seasoned pro, we can help make it happen! Continue reading to learn How To Host A Holiday Concert.
How To Get Help With Concert Promotion in 2025
In this post, we’ll show you how to use our resources effectively and set realistic expectations for how our promotion can help with ticket sales.
From Coffee to Concerts: How this Coffeehouse is becoming a Music Hub
There’s something magical about the combination of great coffee and live music—it just feels right. At Good Earth Cranston Market, this pairing is coming to life in a whole new way.
What’s New with Side Door: Making Gigs Easier Than Ever for Hosts
We understand that finding the time to book and organize gigs can be challenging, especially if it’s your first rodeo. That’s why we’re rolling out a fresh approach to make hosting easier than ever.
Promote Your 2025 Concert Easily with Free Templates
Getting the word out about your show is crucial for filling those seats. At Side Door, we've got you covered with FREE customizable templates to make it super easy to design print posters, social media posts and stories.