5 Things Local Bands Can Do to Sell More Tickets in Montreal
For local bands in Montreal, selling tickets can feel like an uphill battle. The city is alive with shows almost every night, which means competition is fierce. But the good news is that fans here love discovering new acts , you just need to give them a reason to show up. Whether you’re a punk band trying to break into the scene or a metalcore group looking to pack Piranha Bar, these five strategies can help you sell more tickets.
1. Start Promoting Early
Too many bands wait until a week before the show to start pushing. By then, most fans already have plans. Instead, start promoting four to six weeks out. Create teaser graphics, announce your set list, or drop a short clip of a rehearsal. Early promotion builds anticipation and ensures your show is on people’s radar.
2. Create Shareable Content
Posters are great, but fans are more likely to share videos, memes, or behind-the-scenes moments. Think of content that’s easy for fans to repost — like a 10-second clip of your loudest breakdown or a funny rehearsal blooper. If you make your show look fun and unmissable, fans will help spread the word for you.
3. Collaborate With Other Bands
Montreal thrives on community, and fans love lineups that feel like an event. If your band pairs up with another local act in a similar genre, you’re instantly doubling your reach. Don’t think of it as splitting the audience — think of it as expanding it. The more crossover appeal, the more likely you’ll see new faces at your set.
4. Use Social Proof
People want to be part of something that feels exciting. Share videos or photos from your past shows, especially if the crowd was hyped. Even if you’re still growing, showing proof of a high-energy night can convince someone to buy a ticket. Fans want to feel like they’re part of a moment — your content should give them that impression.
5. Personally Reach Out
Sometimes the most old-school methods still work. Message fans directly. Ask your friends if they’re coming. Print flyers and hand them out at other shows. Montreal is a city where personal connections matter, and a direct invite often goes further than a boosted post.
Putting It All Together
Selling tickets isn’t about luck — it’s about consistency. The more you treat each show like an event and less like “just another gig,” the easier it becomes to fill the room. Montreal is full of music lovers who want to discover new acts. All you have to do is make it easy for them to say yes.
