It feels like it’s been forever since we were able to watch our favorite artists perform live. Live shows separate the casual listeners from the music lovers. You can literally reach out and touch your idol. For super fans, the meet and greet tickets have always been the holy grail. They are a guaranteed way to meet big time artists like Snoop Dogg and Cardi B. These tickets come with a heavy price and usually set your wallet back at least a couple months. But what if I told you there was a better way? Here are the 3 best (and cheapest) ways to meet your favorite artists.

1. Watch Shows At Small Venues

Going to a show at a small venue might be one of the most underrated experiences. Not only is the vibe more intimate, you also have several opportunities to meet the artist if you pay attention.

In 2016, Anderson .Paak released his critically acclaimed album Malibu. It was only his second studio album so he was still relatively unknown to most people. To promote his new release, he played a live show at Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT. Toad’s Place is a small venue and is well known for showcasing up-and-coming artists before they go viral. As a frequent attendee, I knew the bathroom is right next to where the artists exit the stage. Once he finished performing I sprinted towards the bathroom and acted as natural as possible. Sure enough there he was exiting stage left. I was easily able to dap him up and pay my respects.

You must know your favorite venues like the back of your hand. Become a regular and you might just get lucky.

2. Go To Exclusive Parties

Once an artist starts getting a little buzz they become a part of the elite. They’re invited to all the fancy parties to meet others in the music industry. Attending these parties is an incredible way to simultaneously meet all your favorite artists and have the time of your life. I know what you’re thinking. “I’m just an average person, how can I go to exclusive parties?” I’m happy to tell you that you don’t need to be well connected to attend these events, you just need to be aware. The biggest reason people miss out on these events is because they don’t even know they’re happening until they show up on an Instagram story. You need to work smarter not harder.

The biggest feeding ground for these events is Coachella Weekend (RIP Coachella 2020 and 2021). And of course I mean Weekend 1 not Weekend 2; don’t be basic. Most people think being packed like sardines at the festival is the way to go but they are mistaken. The Coachella side parties, also known as side-chella or no-chella are the best ways to get up and close with your favorite crooners. Over the years, I’ve attended legendary events like Hypebeast Hotel and You Had To Be There and partied with Migos, Gucci Mane, SoSuperSam, and even Kaytranada. Everyone from rappers to DJs to producers attend these parties and are treated to free food, drinks, and sometimes merch. As an avid music lover, your best chance of getting in is through scouring the internet for an RSVP link. This is the hard part. It often requires deep diving into blog posts or sliding into random people’s DMs.

Once you have completed this step, it’s smooth sailing. Just show up and mingle like you would anywhere else. Only this time it’s with your favorite artists.

3. Stop By Sound Check

When it’s showtime artists get in game mode and block out all distractions. This is not a wise time to approach them. Not only will they be less receptive but security will also be on alert. Instead try showing up to the venue early and catch them during sound check. Sound check is when artists fine-tune their vocals for the performance and typically occurs a couple hours before doors open.

In 2017, GoldLink was scheduled to perform in Seattle, WA with Masego as his opener. For some reason I decided to procrastinate and buy tickets at the last minute. I lived close to the venue so instead of buying tickets online, I decided to do it the old fashioned way and walk to the box office. When I arrived, I found out tickets were already sold out. As I’m leaving, I see a familiar looking face chilling by the side of the building. And there he was. GoldLink was outside getting some fresh air. I introduced myself and told him I was a huge fan. He was shocked that I had already seen him live 4 times and gracefully decided to put me on his guest list for the show that night.

Stopping by shows early is one of the best chances you’ll get to bump into your favorite artists. You probably won’t always end up with free tickets but at the very least you can meet the artists you love.

Have you ever tried any of these tactics? Let us know if it worked in the comments below!