House Concerts are one of the most important trends in independent music today - and they're popping up all over the world!

A house concert is a chance to experience music in a warm and intimate environment. It's when someone opens up their home and invites you into their living room to share in a performance by one of their favorite musicians. There's just something about house concerts. For musicians, the intimacy allows for a deeper connection to the audience, which often leads to strong merchandise sales and lifelong fans and for hosts, it's a chance to meet the performers and get them to sign their CD. A house concert is also a great social evening of friends and neighbors.

ARTISTS can you perform...

- as a solo, duo or small trio?
- 60-90 minutes of mostly original material?
- with little or no amplification?
- for donation (around $20/person) from those who attend?

If so, you've come to the right place.

All genres are welcome! Pop, folk, rock, bluegrass, new age, Celtic, R&B, jazz, country and nearly everything in between. Maybe you're a poet, or a children's performer or comedian. Any act that can fit into a living room might eventually find a fan here.

As a member, you'll receive our monthly newsletter, booking tips, and access to our growing database of hosts. You also get your own artist page on the site to upload two songs, two pictures, a short bio and one video.

Still pondering? Here are some more benefits of being a HCA member.

* No agents fees
* No exclusive contracts
* Membership is LESS than a dollar a week
* Growth of your personal fan base
* Plugging into national and international house concert hosts
* Limitless sales of your CD's and merchandise
* Be paid to play
AND... your music is aired on "The Loungeroom" our very own weekly radio show exclusive to HCA artist members

Not to forget that at a house concert performance, 100% of your CD and merchandise sales go directly to you.

Annual membership for Artists is $49.00 AUD. Ready to roll? JOIN HERE
Payment is via Paypal secure online payment facility. If you do not have a Paypal account, you can also pay there by credit card.

HOSTS - Want to host a House Concert?!

It's simple; you just invite 10-12 (or more) friends, family, neighbours, co-workers, and anyone else you feel may enjoy the show, to a concert at your home.
Round up all your chairs or cushions if you prefer and arrange them in a comfortable and relaxed style. Remember, this is an intimate mode, and no P.A. is required unless you're planning on a bigger event.
We are particularly interested in hosts who may have a piano in their home!

Who pays the artist?

Many house concerts have a door person to collect fees, some hosts are uncomfortable charging their friends, especially for a first concert, until they understand the process. If this is the case, then simply place a jar by the entrance with a visible sign that says:

SUGGESTED DONATION

$20 each/kids free

THANKS (you and the artist set this together beforehand)

Most house concerts give all the proceeds to the artists, many guarantee a set fee when they get confident of confirmed guests attending, some take a percentage to help with expenses; it's your choice. Remember, your friends aren't paying you, they're paying the artist.

House concerts are a great way to expose your friends to new music as well as your favourite artists. There is a world of amazing artists that you might never get to hear otherwise. A mention of the donation concept during the welcome and introduction of the concert can serve as a reminder. This combination of tactics assures that everyone contributes to the 'jar' while keeping the host out of the money collecting responsibility. There is little or no cost to you, unlike throwing a party. A pot of coffee and some munchies is sufficient, although some hosts ask guests to bring goodies, food and drink.etc.

Gypsy Dave Smith with the Little Feat Guys


How long do artists play?

Artists normally play a 45 minute listening set (house concerts are not parties; people really sit and listen - up close and personal) and then take a 15-20 minute break for socializing, selling CDs and refreshments. Then, one more 45 minute set and that's a wrap.

What's in it for me?

A house concert is a unique and magical experience. Everyone walks away happy and it's a win/win situation. Your guests are thrilled to be part of a special event and you look great for being innovative and unique and bringing everyone together for such an exciting new experience. There is no economic benefit for doing this, it's simply for the love of the music.

Where do I sign up?

If this sounds interesting to you, just open up a page here and I'll get in touch to help you get started. You will soon see many artists advertising here who are either in your town or touring, and I will post up availability from agents who are cool enough to let me know about tours. Once you have your event confirmed, post an event here. If you need any assistance or advice, just email us. So please feel free to make enquiries and engage your own artist and promote your own shows.

Please post our badge and that of our European counterpart to your web pages, we encourage House Concert goers to get in touch with you here, to see if they can come to your next concert, but this is completely at your discretion.

Another good tip is to try them out on Mondays and Tuesdays. These are hard days to fill for artists so you will be more likely to attract bigger names and could very well attract your favourite artists to stop over at your place, instead of paying out for hotel accommodation. Your hospitality and friend's generosity will help balance the tour books and could help the artist stay in the black - it can be that close sometimes.

For a fully comprehensive description and guide to hosting or playing at a house concert, click here: CIYH_HouseConcertGuidex.pdf
Here is a map of our current hosts. Come and join the growing network!
Thanks for your support and we'll see you at your place!

View Host Network in a larger map

House Concerts Australia was created by Lisa J Aston; Songwriter, Musician, Author, Creative Writer and Animal Rights Supporter. Enjoy the site. You are very welcome to this community; all feedback is very much appreciated ... Lisa J Aston