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.
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.
How Much Do Indie Artists Make on Tour?
Ever wondered how much money indie artists make touring? Spoiler alert: it's probably not what you think. This post dives into the data to give you a realistic picture of what’s like to be on the road as an indie artist.
Side Door | NXNE
Hitting the stage at NXNE this year? Fill your tour gaps and save money by performing a show on Side Door!
Collaborate with ANYONE on Shows: Side Door's New Payee Invites!
Remember chasing down collaborators who aren't on Side Door yet? Say goodbye to those days! Our latest update lets you invite ANYONE to participate in your shows, no matter if they have a Side Door profile or not.
House Concerts Unlocked
You’re invited to steal the spotlight and make magic happen at House Concerts Unlocked! Presented by Side Door, this exclusive event at Folk Alliance International promises high-energy performances and captivating pitches as artists and house concert hosts take the stage to wow a live, enthusiastic audience.
Kitchener Public Library x Side Door
Side Door has partnered with Kitchener Public Library (KPL) to present a series of FREE noon-hour concerts this winter featuring some of our favourite Kitchener area artists.
The Future of Side Door
As we start 2024, we remain focused on what makes artists’ lives easier and supporting our hosts to have more successful shows. This year, we’re launching simple ticketing solutions to serve those without connections on Side Door or those doing self-promoted shows.
Complete Guide: How to Promote Your Show, Concert, or Event
The road to a successful event is paved with effective marketing strategies to promote your concert. Whether you're an artist or host, we've got you covered with these essential tips to sell more tickets.
Side Door Platform Update: Simplifying Connections
At Side Door, we are all about fostering connections between Artists and Hosts for unforgettable shows, and we are thrilled to announce that it just got a lot easier to make that happen.
Why You Should Book Your Holiday Show NOW!
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the opportunity to create magical moments and lasting memories with friends, family, and colleagues.
Whether planning a corporate event, holiday gala, a family get-together, or a festive party, booking entertainment can elevate your holiday gatherings.
11 Tips for Hosting a DIY Live Performance
Have you ever thought about bringing live music into your space? Whether you have a great living room, commercial space or public space to offer, opening up your space as a stage is a delightful experience, waiting to happen.
Side Door by the Sea Halifax Waterfront Free Concert Series
Any space can be a venue - even a container ship on the Halifax Waterfront! Announcing Side Door by the Sea, a free concert series.
How to Get Gigs: The Ultimate Guide to Publishing a Show Call
Meet Mat Kahansky, the Bookings Lead at Side Door, who has successfully booked around 1,000 shows. Get valuable insights from Mat on the effective strategy of publishing a Show Call to secure more gigs.
5 Unique Spaces for your Next Concert
We believe nothing beats the magic of an intimate show in an alternative space, whether in a living room or a bookstore — it's not just the home concert venue that can provide the backdrop for a memorable night.