Hosting a Listening Room Session
First of all, thank you.
Opening your home or space to host a Listening Room Session is an incredibly generous (& cool!) thing to do. These shows simply wouldn't exist without people like you, and I'm genuinely grateful that you've chosen to be part of it.
While hosting should be pretty straightforward, it's natural to have a few questions. This guide explains how everything should go, what to expect, and includes a few tips to help the day run smoothly.
Please take a few minutes to read through it, and if anything is unclear, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Ticket Sales
All tickets are sold in advance. Guests purchase tickets through the Dekker webshop, so you won't need to handle ticket sales or collect money at the door.
After purchasing, each guest receives a confirmation email containing a PDF with all the information they'll need for the show. This PDF is created using the details you provided in your host application.
Your privacy is important to us. Your personal information, including your address, phone number and email address, will NEVER be published online. Ticket holders receive these details privately after purchasing a ticket, helping us keep your information out of public view while still ensuring guests know where they're going.
Complimentary Guests
As a thank you for hosting, you're welcome to invite up to five guests free of charge.
Anyone who lives in or works at the venue is also welcome to attend at no cost. There's no need to send me a guest list. Simply welcome your complimentary guests when they arrive.
Tips for a Smooth Day of Show
Guest List
I'll send you the final guest list on the day of the show. As guests arrive, simply check their names off the list. That's all there is to it.
Arrival Times
Guests are asked to arrive no earlier than 45 minutes before the advertised show time.
I'll normally arrive shortly before guests to load in and get set up. Shows usually begin promptly at 8:00 pm and run for around 60 to 90 minutes.
Guests are also asked in advance to leave within about 30 minutes of the show ending, giving everyone a chance to say hello while still respecting your home and your evening.
A Chair and a Small Merch Table
I'll usually need a simple chair to perform from. An armless dining chair works perfectly.
I'll also need a small table or bit of countertop space for merchandise after the show.
If I'm travelling with a PA system or any additional equipment, I'll let you know well in advance but I'm wanting to keep these shows unplugged and intimate
Before the Show
A little background music while guests arrive always helps people settle in and chat. Keep it fairly low so conversations are easy and please. (One small request: please don't play my music before the performance. It's always nicer when the first song people hear is played live.)
Lighting
You don't need anything elaborate, but softer lighting always helps create a warm atmosphere. Lamps, dimmers or gentle ambient lighting all work beautifully.
If your lighting can't be adjusted, don't worry. We'll make it work.
No Opening Acts
Listening Room Sessions are designed as an evening with Dekker.
Please don't ask if a local musician or friend can play before the show. It can be awkward having to say no, and keeping every show to a single performance helps the evening stay focused, relaxed and on schedule.
Pets
I love animals, but a room full of unfamiliar people can sometimes be stressful for them.
If possible, please arrange for pets to stay in another part of the house or with a friend until the evening is over.
One Last Thing
The best Listening Room Sessions don't feel like parties. They feel like people gathering to share an evening of music.
Please avoid turning the event into a social gathering where conversation continues during the performance. A quiet, attentive room makes all the difference, and it's one of the reasons these shows feel so special.
There will be plenty of time to chat before the music starts and after it finishes.
Thank you again for opening your space.
Some of my favourite concerts have happened in living rooms, studios, cafés and community spaces. There's something special that happens when a small group of people gather to really listen.
I hope this evening becomes one of those memories for you too.
If you are happy with everything outlined here, please click the box below to read and accept the Host Agreement.