Planetary Tour Series

Tour China

The Planetary Group has presented shows and tours in China, India, Singapore and Scandinavia for the past eleven years. This is the latest opportunity. It is truly a once in a life time tour to experience and is open to Sonicbids members only.

Planetary, Split Works, and Sonicbids are excited to be offering the next opportunity for artists to perform and tour in China, with the next Tour China event, for September 2011. One act will receive an all expense tour to China, including airfare, hotel, meals, etc and will perform at the Black Rabbit Music Festival in Shanghai and Beijing.

Genres accepted include Rock, Pop, Indie Rock, Reggae, World, Jazz, Blues, Singer/Songwriter and Hip-Hop. Pretty much anything – as long as it’s good.

Planetary takes care of all logistics: visas, airfare, food, equipment rentals, permits and housing. All band members must be over 18 years of age to participate.

The tour follows the successful recent Planetary/Sonicbids China tour (May '10) of Olafur Arnalds from Iceland (who has been back twice since because of this first tour) Locksley (‘07), and Something to Burn (Tour China ‘05) who performed at the Beijing Rock Festival. You can read more information about these tours, get FAQs & view photos of the shows in the tour section of our website. You can also view a video of Something to Burn's appearance, read press, view tour dates, and read testimonials from The Natural History (2004 Tour Scandinavia winner), Malajube (2005 Tour Scandinavia winner) and Falcon (2007 Tour Scandinavia Winner). Lots of photos and press clips are all posted on Planetary Group’s website. We have brought bands of all styles, from indie rock to Funk and Blues: Malajube, Locksley, Something To Burn, Damone, Superhoney, Entrain, The Realistics, Sam Hopper Blues Trio on these tours. Be sure to look at all the press, videos, and photos of what we have done.

Videos

Click to watch The Cruxshadows Official Birthday video from Beijing China.

Press

Testimonials

This is what Olafur had to say about his China tour last year:

"I didn't really know what to expect before going, thought it was just best to think of this as a nice trip, in case the shows would go horribly wrong... But it all went perfectly, the tour was amazingly well promoted and the shows turned out to be great! I have even been invited back in the autumn, got lots of good connections and even a contract with an agency over there."

PHOTO GALLERY

Tour India

The Planetary Group, through a partnership with the American Center and Rachel Tanzer, recently completed it’s first tour of India with Brooklyn’s Hurricane Bells. The tour included multiple stops in Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, and started on January 25th, in Chennai, India, at the Saarang Festival.

We are now offering this opportunity to Tour India, through our partnership with Sonicbids and Only Much Louder. After nine years of successful shows and tours in China and Scandinavia, Planetary Group is now accepting submissions for an unprecedented tour of IndiOne Sonicbids artist will be selected for a once in a lifetime, all expenses paid tour of India’s best venues throughout cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Bangalore.

The tour will take place in late January of 2011 and will be 1-2 weeks in length, depending on the number of dates confirmed. Planetary takes care of all logistics: visas, airfare, backline rentals, permits and housing.

Genres accepted include Rock, Pop, Reggae, World, Jazz, Blues, Singer/Songwriter and Hip-Hop.

You can get more information about Planetary Group’s successful tour history by going through this website, in the tour section. Also, please read the FAQs on the website. Previous artists to go on tour with Planetary include Hurricane Bells (see photos and videos of last year’s India Tour below), Olafur Arnalds, Malajube, Locksley, Something To Burn, Damone, Superhoney, Entrain, The Realistics, Sam Hopper Blues Trio, amongst others.

Press

U.S. Consulate – 1/01/2010
Chennai Chronicle – 1/25/2010
Chennai Hindu – 1/28/2010
People India – 2/01/2010
Hyderabad Times – 2/04/2010
Hyderabad Deccan – 2/04/2010
Hyderabad Local Tamil – 2/04/2010
Hindustan Times – 2/06/2010

Testimonials

“Hurricane Bells had an amazing time in India. we were very well taken care of, and got to see lots of beautiful Indian culture while traveling and playing some great shows. It was truly a once in a lifetime kind of experience (although we would do it again in a heartbeat)...”

-Steve Schiltz, Hurricane Bells

PHOTO GALLERY

Singapore

For ten years, Planetary Group has been offering exciting touring opportunities in China, Scandinavia, and India. It is now offering the opportunity to visit South East Asia – to the exciting city of Singapore - all expenses paid.

This event is open to solo artists only. Whether a singer/songwriter – or a solo project from a band – this tour is for artists who travel the road alone. All styles of music will be considered. One Sonicbids artist will be selected to perform five shows in Singapore at the well known Tab live music venue. Planetary takes care of all expenses, including airfare, hotel, backline and per-diem for meals. Artists will also be compensated $500 for their performance.

Submitting artists will also receive discounts of up to 50% on Planetary’s services, which include radio promotion, new media promotion, tour press and web page design. They only work with artists that are a good fit for them, but they have multiple services, so they can generally do something for most artists.

Artists can get more information about Planetary Group's successful tour history by visiting Planetary Group's website. Also, please read the FAQs on the website. Previous artists to go on tour with Planetary include Hurricane Bells (see photos and videos of last year's India Tour below), Olafur Arnalds, Malajube, Locksley, Something To Burn, Damone, Superhoney, Entrain, The Realistics, Sam Hopper Blues Trio, amongst others.



What other's have said about their Planetary experiences:

I didn't really know what to expect before going, thought it was just best to think of this as a nice trip, in case the shows would go horribly wrong... But it all went perfectly, the tour was amazingly well promoted and the shows turned out to be great! I have even been invited back in the autumn, got lots of good connections and even a contract with an agency over there.

Olafur Arnalds, Tour China 2010 Contest Winner

Singapore Winner, Tim Fagan

Scandinavia

Planetary and Sonicbids are excited to be offering the next opportunity for artists to perform and tour in the Scandinavia region, with the next Tour Scandinavia event, for Spring 2008.

The Planetary Group have presented shows and tours in the Scandinavia region for the past eight years. One winner will receive an all expense tour to Scandinavia. Airfare, hotel, meals, etc. This event is exclusive to Sonicbids members.

Genres accepted include Rock, Pop, Reggae, World, Jazz, Blues, Singer / Songwriter and Hip-Hop. The tour will be in Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

The tour will be from 1 to 2 weeks in length, depending on the number of dates confirmed. Planetary takes care of all logistics: visas, airfare, equipment rentals, permits and housing. All members must be over 18 years of age to participate.

The Scandinavian tour follows the successful recent Planetary/Sonicbids China tour (May '07) of Locksley, and Something to Burn (Tour China ‘05) who performed at the Beijing Rock Festival. You can read more information about these tours, get FAQ's & view photos of the shows in the tour section of our website. There is also a video of Something to Burn's apparance, as well as press, view tour dates, and read a testimonial from The Natural History (2004 Tour Scandinavia winner), Malajube (2005 Tour Scandinavia winner) - and Falcon, (2007 Tour Scandinavia Winner).

The Planetary Group and SonicBids are pleased to announce the winner of our Tour Scandinavia Competition: FALCON!

Upcoming Tour Dates
May 2 - Gothenborg
May 3 - Linkoping @ Herrgarn w/Shout Out Louds
May 4 - Stockholm @ Debaser
May 5 - Jonkoping @ Popadelica Festival
May 6 - Copenhagen
May 8 - London @ Club Fandango / Dublin Castle



Tour Scandinavia! (Spring 2007 - NOW CLOSED)

Check out the Tour China 2007 open until March 9th!

Planetary has presented shows and tours in the Scandinavia region for the past several years. Shows have been at the club, theatre and special event level.

Past winners include Malajube (below), The Natural History, and The Realistics. Bands performed in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and London. You can view past tour dates, and read a testimonial from The Natural History HERE. Planetary and Sonicbids are excited to be offering the next opportunity for artists to perform and tour in the Scandinavia region, with the next Tour Scandinavia event, for Spring 2007. This event, like our current Tour China series, is exclusive to Sonicbids members.

Genres accepted include Rock, Pop, Reggae, World, Jazz, Blues, Singer / Songwriter and Hip-Hop. This submission is for a 1-2 week tour in Spring 2007.

The tour will be in Sweden, Norway, and Finland and you will likely travel through London or parts of Europe as part of the tour. The tour will be from 1 to 2 weeks in length, depending on the number of dates confirmed. Planetary takes care of all logistics: visas, airfare, equipment rentals, permits and housing. All members must be over 18 years of age to participate.

Past Tour Scandinava 2006 Dates
05.08 Stavanger, NO @ Check Point Charlie
05.09 Oslo, NO @ Garage
05.10 Lund, SE @ Mejeriet
05.11 Gothenborg, SE @ Wish
05.12 Norrkoping, SE @ Klubb Mogwai
05.13 Stockholm, SE @ Debaser
05.15 Helsinki, FI @ TBA

PHOTO GALLERY

The Realistics



The Natural History (2004)



Malajube (2005)



Falcon (2007)

Tour FAQ

Why is there an entry fee to be considered for this opportunity?
The money raised from the submissions will go directly towards helping to underwrite this series. As you could imagine, it is quite expensive to bring artists halfway around the world.

If we have applied in the past to a Planetary tour event, and have not been selected, why should we apply again?
Because every event is different. Planetary has different partners and sponsors for every event, thus your application is reviewed by different people every time.

What type of artists should submit?
We are looking for all types of acts: Rock, Pop, Reggae/World, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Blues, Punk, Singer & Songwriters.

Can we apply if we are not from The United States? What if one member is from a different country than the rest of us?
Bands and Band members from all countries are allowed to submit. We only ask that you notify us ahead of time as to your citizenship on the application, so that we can deal with the necessary paperwork.

How long would we be going over for?
Trips will vary. In general, trip lengths are from one to three weeks in length. There will also be several opportunities to go for extended stays of 1-3 months in length.

But I don’t know Chinese or Hindi!
Not a major problem. As most of the shows are in Shanghai, English is commonly spoken in many areas there. In India, English is spoken by many.

Do we have to submit through Sonicbids or can we submit directly to you?
At this time, all applications need to be submitted through Sonicbids, as we find this is the easiest way for us to be able to review material in an effective way in the US, China, and India.

Are we affiliated with or the same company as Sonicbids?
No, the two companies are not connected in any way, other than working together on this event. We are both Boston-based but are not the same company.

What is the weather like?
In China, very similar to the Northeast in the United States: hot in the summer, cold in the winter. However, Shanghai does not get snow like New England. Beijing does get snow. In January, it is still hot in India, but not too hot. Figure on high ‘80’s and a little muggy in Delhi and Mumbai.

Are there any age restrictions on members going on these tours?
All musicians should be at least 18 years of age.

Do we need a passport?
Yes. However, if you are a U.S. citizen, we can help you get one. If you are thinking of applying but don’t have a passport, you can still apply.

Do we need a visa or work permit?
Yes. We take care of securing all necessary paperwork and permits. Obviously, these can sometimes fall through. However, we have staff in China & India that is very good at this and we have not had that experience yet.

Will we be paid?
Every case is different. Sometimes you will be paid for a show or will be on salary for longer stays. Other appearances will be of a promotional nature and you would just be doing it for the experience. Remember, your expenses are paid, so if this is the case, just enjoy the trip!

What will we eat? Can we drink the water?
The local food is great. There are also western restaurants and western supermarkets for when you are craving a hamburger or a sandwich. Everyone in China and India drinks bottled water; it is available everywhere.

Is China and India safe?
Absolutely. We have not had any problems and find the country to be very safe. As in any country, follow the laws, and you will be fine.

Can we bring merchandise to sell?
Yes. You might consider having in made in China or India ahead of time to avoid customs fee’s. Also, you will have to charge less than western prices.

Is there a lot of paperwork to do if selected for this?
Absolutely. However, we take care of all of that for you. We will need a lot of biographical and personal information, but we will take care of all forms for you.

How do we get to China or India? Where do we stay? Are meals covered?
We take care of the airfare to get you over there. Lodging is also taken care of. This is often in the form of a long term furnished apartment or hotels. The venues that you are performing in will often feed you dinner. Breakfast and lunch are normally your responsibility, with per-diems – or breakfast provided by the hotel. However, food is very, very, cheap and every situation is a little different.

Do we bring our gear with us?
We provide most of the backline. Artists bring guitars, bass, snare and cymbals. Keyboards are the gray area as sometimes we use local keyboards and sometimes we bring them over.

Can we bring our crew, road manger, manager, Etc. with us?
No. We have production staff in China and India to assist you. The economics do not afford us the luxury of bringing extra people. We will provide a tour manager for you.

Even if we are selected, could this all fall through?
Yes. The fact of the matter is, we are dealing with another country, another culture and another set of government rules and regulations. Things could fall through. All we can guarantee is that we will use our best efforts to insure that this does not happen. All of our confirmed shows have happened so far.

Tell us about the legal fine print...
Selection of artist will be from all eligible applicants whose applications are received by Planetary by the stated deadline. By applying, applicant agrees to the following:

Selection decision will be based solely on the International Touring Promoter’s discretion. If for any reason after selection, Planetary and/or the International Touring Promoter find the selected artist unsuitable, the touring opportunity will be withdrawn and another artist will be selected. Planetary and the International Touring Promoter will not be liable whatsoever for any asserted damages by artist due to such withdrawal of touring opportunity. All members of selected artist’s group or ensemble agree to execute a liability release, which must be returned to Planetary within 5 days from receipt of such liability release. If the liability release is not received by Planetary within the 5 day period, the touring opportunity will be withdrawn. Application fees are non-refundable. Sorry, Planetary or it’s partners, are not able to return any entry materials or able to give feedback to entrants on said materials.

Artist agrees that Planetary is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged equipment of the artists while on tour. Artist is responsible for all gear rented for bands use while in your possession.

Finally, artist agrees that should any subsequent engagement of artist results from this Tour within a one-year period after the final performance of this tour (i.e., artist is hired directly by a venue operator or an individual or entity to perform in China/Scandinavia/INDIA or any other type of commercial engagement), Planetary shall be entitled to a percentage of no more than 20% percent and no less than 10% percent of the amount paid artist. The actual percentage will be determined by the length of and payment for the subsequent engagement. In no way shall this arrangement be construed to be a management contract between the artist and Planetary.