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.
2022 Year in Review
We’re super proud to see more diverse representation in the artists who are signing up, the average artist's net revenue increasing and our V3 platform focusing on the artist’s needs of where and when they want to play.
Side Door Announces ‘On the Road with Side Door’ U.S. Touring Program
On the Road with Side Door is a touring incentive program available to Artists showcasing at Folk Alliance International (FAI) or South by Southwest (SXSW) in 2023. Showcasing Artists touring around the U.S. can apply to receive a $500 USD guarantee
Side Door x BreakOut West
The Side Door x BreakOut West partnership is coming to Calgary on Oct 1st! From a panel discussion on Developing western Canadian Touring Networks to a showcase featuring six terrific artists, we can’t wait to see you there!
6 Easy Ways to Promote your Show & Pack the House
Congrats, you created a show call and connected with a rad artist, and you’re going to host a show! Whether this performance is happening in an art space, cafe, or backyard, it can feel intimidating to sell tickets.
We’ve got some pro tips to help you pack the house.
Press Release: Side Door to SXSW 2022
Side Door announces a partnership with SXSW called Side Door to SXSW, which will book curated tours for six selected SXSW showcasing artists traveling to Austin, TX, for this year's festival and conference. Each touring experience will be documented along the road, culminating with an official Side Door to SXSW showcase on March 18th, 2022, at the Drafting Room.
Side Door 2021 Year in Review
Over the past two years, we’ve invested our time in our online show and ticketing solutions. In 2022, we maintain focus on ensuring artists have a space to perform and the ability to earn revenue from their performances. Whether it’s self-booking a show in-person or online, or helping them match with great venues or presenters, our big audacious goal is to open as many (side) doors to new and existing stages as possible.
Press Release: Side Door launches subsidy program for live and virtual shows
Side Door launches BACK TO LIVE with Side Door, a new support program designed to increase live performance spaces by supporting existing spaces and helping first-time hosts get started. The program will help artists return to live entertainment quickly within a financially sustainable model despite a widespread loss of small-to-medium-sized clubs throughout the United States.
Press Release: Side Door raises $3M USD Seed round to foster a thriving global middle class of artistry
Side Door, the “any space is a venue” marketplace platform for the arts, has raised a US$3M Seed round. The round was led by Vancouver-based Rhino Ventures and saw meaningful participation from Upside Partnership, as well as an impressive group of early partners from other groundbreaking platforms such as Thinkific, Shopify, and Airbnb.