Build A Following
by Zach
A good band or artist can begin a successful career no matter where they are located. One does not have to live in a big city in order to find a market for their art; as a matter of fact, the smaller the audience for live music in your area, the easier it is to make an impression. Large-scale success begins with cultivating a small following of dedicated fans. Here are some tips:
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1) Get an idea of what your strongest material is. This doesn’t necessarily mean your personal favorite; remember, you are trying to get people to your shows. Which songs, beats, and hooks are most likely to win over a live audience? As a performer, you need to develop a sense of what your audience is into and, to an extent, cater to it.
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2) Have a specific, actionable goal in mind with everything you do. Are you trying to sell a song or a beat, or get noticed by an A&R rep, or sell CDs, or simply gain more fans? Different goals are achieved using different strategies and tactics, and focusing your energy to a specific end will greatly enhance your chances for success.
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3) Become well established as among the top artists in your area. Identify other artists in your league, seek them out, and attempt to ally yourself with them. If an artist wants nothing to do with you, don’t dwell on it and do not under any circumstances share your marketing plan with them. Likewise, if an artist with a demonstrable following approaches you for an alliance, always say yes, no matter how well you like their music. Remember, you are essentially promoting a business, not showcasing your musical taste.
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4) Respect your fans. They are your friends with whom you share an interest, not merely consumers of your merchandise. Give them things for free as often as you can, whether it be music, advise, swag, whatever. People want to feel personally connected to the artists they like, so always cultivate positive vibes, just as you would with any friend.
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5) Create a market where there isn’t one already. Even if you live in a town with no good live music to be heard anywhere, that doesn’t indicate a lack of demand so much as it indicates a lack of supply. Most small towns have at least one high school and are in proximity to some type of college or university. Get to know the people at your closest college radio station, or help a high schooler start a band or find a place to play.
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6) Publicize all your accomplishments. Call your local newspaper before your shows. Contact anyone who writes about local culture and try to get them to review your records or concerts. Chronicle your activities on a blog (a subject in itself). Make the right kind of noise and you will be noticed before too long.
