I still remember a late summer gig somewhere between fields, drinks trolleys and a stage on pallets. There were maybe 40 people there, and I knew: no lights, no big technology, no glamor. And yet - I loved every second of it.

Because presence is not created by size. It is created through connection.

Many people think that small stages are "worth" less. But they can be a real game changer for your development. This is where you practice closeness, respond directly to your audience and learn to trust yourself - without a safety net.

There is this strange gap between "I want to be visible" and "I don't want to be too loud". Many female musicians know this. We want to be heard, but not annoying. We want to show our presence, but without imposing ourselves.

Especially in summer, when the attention span on the Internet feels like three seconds, many people think: It's no use anyway. But you know what? That's exactly why it's your time.

Everything slows down a little in August. And that means: your voice can come through more clearly. Without noise. Without competition.

August can feel strange for many female musicians. The big festivals are over, it's quieter in the cities and while others are on vacation, it feels as if everything has somehow come to a standstill. No concert, no new request, no movement on social media - and suddenly you doubt everything.

This so-called summer slump is nothing unusual. But it doesn't mean that you're "not good enough" or that your career is at a standstill. It's simply a pause on the outside. And that's exactly why it's the perfect time to get active on the inside.

August is a quiet time for many event organizers. It's vacation time, the big festivals are over and the mailboxes aren't as full. This is exactly your chance to make yourself known - without getting lost in the noise.

Instead of waiting until everyone becomes active again in September, you can work quietly in August - but remain visible.

If you want to be booked in the fall and winter, now is the time to get your EPK - your Electronic Press Kit - in shape. Bookers, festival offices and event organizers often make their decisions months in advance. And you have exactly one chance to make a lasting impression.

A good EPK not only shows who you are, but also why people should book you. It's your digital stage set.

Tours mean freedom, applause and excitement. But they also bring fatigue, restlessness and the constant change of places, beds and people. As a musician in particular, you need a strong foundation so that you don't get lost between the gig and the after-show.

Self-care is not a luxury, but the basis for really living up to your potential - and staying healthy.

Festivals are more than just a stage. They are a meeting place for people who shape the music business. While you concentrate on your performance, conversations, connections and spontaneous encounters happen all around you. And this is exactly where your greatest opportunity lies to become visible - not just on stage, but in the minds of those who make the decisions.

Dreaming of summer on tour? A new place every evening, applause, sunsets and exciting encounters. Yes - all of that can be true. But there are also sides to life on tour that are rarely talked about. Especially as a musician.

In this article, I share experiences that you won't learn in music schools - and that will strengthen you on your next summer tour.

Festival season is a long-awaited highlight for many female musicians. Big stages, new faces, sun on your face and the thrill just before your performance - a summer dream. But this dream can quickly become a challenge if you are not well prepared. Because the reality on festival stages is very different from a small club gig.

The 3 pillars of a successful musician's business
Many musicians think:
"If my music is good enough, I'll be discovered!"
But unfortunately, the music business works differently today.

Talent is important - but without the right strategies it remains unheard.

Why you feel like a failure - and how to get your strength back

Are you more of a type 1 or type 2 artist?

Type 1 says:
"Social media is killing me."
"I'm not getting any reach."
"It just feels frustrating."

Type 2 says:
"Social media is my biggest opportunity."
"I reach people with my art."
"I love what content makes possible."