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The realities of life on the road
For independent artists, touring can feel like both a dream and a logistical nightmare. Between finding venues, covering travel costs, and making sure each show counts, it’s a lot to juggle.
In this episode of Mastered. The Business of Music, Logan sits down with singer-songwriter Noah Derksen to talk about how he’s built his touring career from the ground up and what he’s learned from years of performing across Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
Building a tour one connection at a time
Noah has taken a grassroots approach to his career. Rather than waiting for a booking agent, he learned to network directly with venue owners, other artists, and fans. Every show, he says, is an opportunity to grow a community. That mindset has helped him fill rooms, sell merch, and continue to tour sustainably as an independent artist.
He emphasizes that consistency and communication go a long way. Following up with venues, staying professional, and being easy to work with are as important as the performance itself. Those relationships can turn one gig into many.
The financial side of indie touring
Touring can be expensive, but Noah’s experience shows that with careful planning, it’s possible to make it work. From carpooling and couch surfing to leveraging merch sales, he shares how creativity and resourcefulness are just as essential as musical talent.
Merch, he says, is often the difference between breaking even and making a profit. Having something unique for fans to take home not only boosts income but also deepens the connection between artist and audience. Simple items like T-shirts, posters, and CDs can go a long way when you’re connecting directly with fans after the show.
Staying organized and adaptable
Keeping a detailed calendar and budget is key to staying sane on the road. Between travel schedules, soundchecks, and social media updates, things can get hectic fast. Noah encourages artists to treat touring like a small business. Tracking expenses, reviewing what works, and staying adaptable to last-minute changes all help build momentum.
He also stresses the importance of self-care. Touring can be lonely and exhausting, especially without a team. Finding time to rest and recharge is just as crucial as promoting the next stop on the tour.
Lessons for aspiring touring artists
Noah’s biggest piece of advice is to just start. Even if your first shows are at coffee shops or community centres, each gig is a chance to learn and improve. Building a touring career takes patience, persistence, and a willingness to grow with every experience.
For artists looking to expand beyond their local scene, Noah suggests starting small with short regional runs before committing to a full cross-country tour. That approach allows artists to test new markets without overextending themselves.
Touring independently takes grit, heart, and hustle—but as Noah proves, it’s absolutely possible. With the right mix of planning, creativity, and connection, artists can turn the open road into their best classroom.
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
