Booking glossary

What the artist is paid to play, before travel, accommodation and the booking fee.

The fee is the artist's payment for the performance itself. It is quoted net of travel, accommodation and the agency's booking fee unless the offer says otherwise. Always state the currency, because an agency compares offers across countries.

Shorthand for the fee plus travel, accommodation and the booking fee.

When an agency writes "3000 +++" it means the fee is 3000 and the promoter also covers travel, accommodation and the booking fee. It is not a negotiation marker. If your budget is all-in, say so in the enquiry so the agency can quote against it.

The agency's commission on the booking, typically 15% on top of the fee.

The booking fee is what the agency charges for making and running the booking. It is usually 15% of the artist fee and is normally paid by the promoter on top of the fee. It appears on the invoice as a separate line.

Proof of payment — a bank receipt showing the transfer left your account.

POP means proof of payment: a screenshot or PDF of the bank transfer. Agencies ask for it because a pending transfer is not a paid one, and travel is usually only booked once the deposit is confirmed. Send it as soon as the payment is made.

The equipment and stage setup the artist needs to perform.

The technical rider lists the sound system, monitors, DJ or backline equipment and stage requirements. The venue's technical team should read it before the show is confirmed. Tell the agency early if something on it cannot be supplied.

The travel, hotel, ground transport and catering the artist needs around the show.

The hospitality rider covers everything off stage: flights or trains, hotel nights, airport pickups, dressing room and food and drink. It is separate from the technical rider and usually the promoter's cost. Confirm the hotel and pickups in writing.

The logistics phase after the contract is signed, when all the details are settled.

Advancing is the work between signing and show day: travel, hotel, set time, running order, technical details and payment. The agency, the promoter and the venue exchange the final schedule here. Most problems on the night come from a show that was never advanced.

The exact hours the artist plays, for example 01:00-03:00.

The set time is the slot the artist performs, written as a start and end hour. It affects the fee, the travel plan and whether the artist can accept at all. Give a real slot rather than "late" — a two hour peak-time set is a different offer from an opening set.

The full list of who plays when, across the whole night.

The running order is the night's timetable: every artist and their slot. It shows the artist their context — who is before and after them, and whether they close. Agencies read it to judge billing as much as timing.