In this short episode of For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom breaks down one of the biggest reasons artists aren’t getting booked, and why it’s almost never about talent.

If you’ve been sitting around waiting to be discovered, thinking your music should speak for itself… this one’s for you.

Here’s what we’re covering:

• Why promoters aren’t “discovering” new acts
• The most common mistake artists make when trying to get gigs
• What actually makes a booker say yes
• A dead simple message you can send today
• One task to help you finally get the ball rolling

This isn’t about chasing virality or begging for slots. It’s about learning how the live side of the industry actually works, so you can start getting your foot in the door instead of waiting by it.

Don't forget you can join the Patreon for free, for daily deep dives into topics like this!

Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s shining a light on the middle of the fanbase funnel, the part nobody talks about but nearly every artist is missing.

If you’re stuck in the loop of trying to go viral but not gaining fans, this episode is for you.

Here’s what we’re covering:

→ What Is a Funnel & Why It Matters

Most artists focus on the top (TikToks, playlisting, exposure) or the bottom (merch, ticket sales, streaming numbers). But the middle? That’s where the trust is built, and it’s what actually moves people through.

→ Why Socials Alone Won’t Save You

It’s tempting to chase views and follows, but that won’t build a sustainable fanbase. Middle funnel work is slow, unsexy, and real, and that’s why nobody sells it to you.

→ The Metrics That Actually Matter

A DM reply, a newsletter open, a voice note from a fan. These feel small, but they’re the seeds of loyalty. And they mean more than 1,000 passive views.

→ A Simple Funnel Example to Steal

Tom breaks down a basic but powerful example of a working artist funnel, from the first interaction to a paying fan and shows how middle funnel activity makes or breaks the process.

This episode is taken from a full-length video on the ⁠Patreon⁠. The free tier has full access to daily content like this, and the bonus tier gives you extra tools, templates and exercises to take it even further. If this episode hits home, come join the community.

This week on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom's breaking down four big things that trip up independent artists, not because they’re hard, but because you’re being told to do them the wrong way.

Here’s what we’re covering:

→ Reaching Out to Radio & Press

Most artists either overthink this or copy/paste the same template that gets ignored every time. Tom talks about what a press release actually is, when you should actually reach out, and how to follow up in a way that builds relationships, not radio silence.

→ Why Social Media Isn’t Everything

You’re told to treat social media like your life depends on it, but it’s just one tool. If it’s draining the joy out of making music, this part’s for you. Tom talks about how to show up without pressure, and what else you can focus on that builds genuine momentum.

→ Self Doubt & Imposter Syndrome

That feeling like you’re not doing enough, not good enough, or not as far along as you should be? Yep, it’s part of the process, but it doesn’t have to derail your progress. This segment’s about how to keep showing up, even when your inner critic’s the loudest voice in the room.

→ The Importance of Middle of Funnel

You can have viral TikToks and still struggle to sell 20 tickets. This is the bit no one talks about, nurturing your audience and turning casual interest into long-term support. If your fanbase isn’t moving, chances are you’re missing this middle step.

Each of these segments comes from full-length videos already posted on the Patreon this week, so if any of them hit home, go dive deeper over there, the free tier has full access to all the daily videos, and the bonus tier comes with extra tools, templates and exercises to help you take action.