How I do I turn my audience into loyal fans?
May 20, 2007 1:46 AM Subscribe
How I do I turn my audience into loyal fans?
We have several concerts coming up, and though we've got a handle on promoting shows (getting people to come out), our questions are: (1) how do we get them to run home and tell their friends to go to our next show? (2) and how do we learn more about people who come? Looking for personal experiences from concert-goers and tips from musicians and other industries -
Here's where I'm coming from: many times we play shows to packed enthusiastic crowds. We do all the typical things to get and retain the contact with those people - we have them sign a mailing list and buy our CDs. But I always wonder what more I could be doing - I always wonder how these people who did come out hear about us, what made them check it out, and what would make them help spread the word.
I realize that some of the answer lies in the quality of the show, the energy, intensity, and integrity of the artist. That's the obvious part of the answer, but I know there is more - people are just too busy and too caught up in their own lives, and it is something beyond the sheer quality that makes them go an extra mile. Very often, even if I'm blown away by a performer, I just don't make the time to look up the artist's next show, and it's rare that I forward friends event listings or CD recommendations.
So I am looking for ideas from any industry (not just music), and your personal experiences.
---How do we make everyone who comes to our show make that extra step to help us spread our music - buy a CD, tell their friends to buy a CD, call up their radio station, host a house concert, etc etc etc?
--Ideas for stuff to hand out/sell at shows (beyond t-shirts :) , other ways to engage the audience
--In your experience, what are some ways an indie artist has encouraged you to help them spread the word?
--On the other hand, what turns you off when artist attempt to self-promote?
Looking forward to hearing about your experiences!
Here's where I'm coming from: many times we play shows to packed enthusiastic crowds. We do all the typical things to get and retain the contact with those people - we have them sign a mailing list and buy our CDs. But I always wonder what more I could be doing - I always wonder how these people who did come out hear about us, what made them check it out, and what would make them help spread the word.
I realize that some of the answer lies in the quality of the show, the energy, intensity, and integrity of the artist. That's the obvious part of the answer, but I know there is more - people are just too busy and too caught up in their own lives, and it is something beyond the sheer quality that makes them go an extra mile. Very often, even if I'm blown away by a performer, I just don't make the time to look up the artist's next show, and it's rare that I forward friends event listings or CD recommendations.
So I am looking for ideas from any industry (not just music), and your personal experiences.
---How do we make everyone who comes to our show make that extra step to help us spread our music - buy a CD, tell their friends to buy a CD, call up their radio station, host a house concert, etc etc etc?
--Ideas for stuff to hand out/sell at shows (beyond t-shirts :) , other ways to engage the audience
--In your experience, what are some ways an indie artist has encouraged you to help them spread the word?
--On the other hand, what turns you off when artist attempt to self-promote?
Looking forward to hearing about your experiences!
Oh, and so some steps would be: offer free tickets or merch to people willing to work as local "promoters" for each town where you're doing a show. When you go to a town, find out who the "good" DJs are (assuming the town has something like an independent radio station) and send them a free invitation to your concert and a demo cd.
Also, totally wacky, have no idea if it would work: find an crowded outdoor local place and do an impromptu mini-performance for an hour or so (assuming it's legal and your music works unplugged). Leave the guitar case out with some CDs. If someone comes by and gives you a dollar or something, give them a small postcard or something with the band's website and other info on it and ask them to visit the site and then pass the postcard on to a friend. When you're done with the outdoor session, take whatever change you've gathered and give to a homeless guy or something, unless you really need it.
posted by Deathalicious at 2:03 AM on May 20, 2007
Also, totally wacky, have no idea if it would work: find an crowded outdoor local place and do an impromptu mini-performance for an hour or so (assuming it's legal and your music works unplugged). Leave the guitar case out with some CDs. If someone comes by and gives you a dollar or something, give them a small postcard or something with the band's website and other info on it and ask them to visit the site and then pass the postcard on to a friend. When you're done with the outdoor session, take whatever change you've gathered and give to a homeless guy or something, unless you really need it.
posted by Deathalicious at 2:03 AM on May 20, 2007
I mean this comment as kindly as it is possible to put this:
John Coltrane never worried as you do, for worrying about his music.
posted by paulsc at 2:06 AM on May 20, 2007
John Coltrane never worried as you do, for worrying about his music.
posted by paulsc at 2:06 AM on May 20, 2007
People go see bands for the experience, not the freebies.
The experience is you. You're personality, individually and as a band. I've seen bands who were incredible musically fail to get any gigs because they had no personality. An conversely I know a few bands with huge followings because people want to see the people and the performance, even though their music is really inferior.
Be yourselves on stage, make sure everyone is miked, at least between numbers and talk to the audience and between each other. Share your character and the interactions between the members. But don't put on an act, it will put people off.
Make yourself available before and after gigs to (potential) fans for face time. They'll remember you
Try to remember names or at least faces so you can notice when you see someone at a show more than once.
Don't put people "on a mailing list", Get a Myspace page and mention it during the show, get them to add you as a friend. Now you're not on a list, you're social networking.
posted by Ookseer at 2:15 AM on May 20, 2007 [1 favorite]
The experience is you. You're personality, individually and as a band. I've seen bands who were incredible musically fail to get any gigs because they had no personality. An conversely I know a few bands with huge followings because people want to see the people and the performance, even though their music is really inferior.
Be yourselves on stage, make sure everyone is miked, at least between numbers and talk to the audience and between each other. Share your character and the interactions between the members. But don't put on an act, it will put people off.
Make yourself available before and after gigs to (potential) fans for face time. They'll remember you
Try to remember names or at least faces so you can notice when you see someone at a show more than once.
Don't put people "on a mailing list", Get a Myspace page and mention it during the show, get them to add you as a friend. Now you're not on a list, you're social networking.
posted by Ookseer at 2:15 AM on May 20, 2007 [1 favorite]
Have an easy to remember website name. Something like " comepluckourstrings.com" that identifies what your music is about, without really simple words, 'cause people can't spell. Mention it several times during the show. Have banner printed up with that website name and have it put up where people can see it as they're leaving.
Get cool stickers/bumper stickers printed, with the website name. give'em away for free. Give lots of them away for free.
Encourage recording of live shows and allowing people to trade them. Hell, record them yourself on pu'em on your site. Have
On the website, have a mailing list, upcoming dates and forum.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 2:16 AM on May 20, 2007
Get cool stickers/bumper stickers printed, with the website name. give'em away for free. Give lots of them away for free.
Encourage recording of live shows and allowing people to trade them. Hell, record them yourself on pu'em on your site. Have
On the website, have a mailing list, upcoming dates and forum.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 2:16 AM on May 20, 2007
I'm a small time Evangelist in my circle of family and friends (nice name for it Deathalicious).
There isn't one thing that gets me into a band or performer, but once I am hooked - I pretty aggressively sell them to my friends and family until at least a few of them are hooked as well.
I make mix cds with my current obsessions, I buy concert tickets for people, I send out emails detailing interesting facts about the band, with pictures and my thoughts on why they are so fantastic... and this behavior goes on for years. I think the important thing to note is that, like Deathalicious said, I'm just like this - no one else I know behaves this way when they find music they like, it is just a personality quirk of mine.
So you want info? Why don't you direct these questions to the people who are on your mailing list? Do you have a band website (at the least you should have a myspace page - it is annoying but useful)? Creating a forum would definitely give you an opportunity to see the thoughts of the faithful. I know of a band that hands out little questionnaires for people to fill out after the show asking what people thought of the show and asking for comments, suggestions, etc.
Merchandise side - The regular stuff is great - pins, wrist bands, t-shirts, posters, etc. Better if they are autographed. Even better if the band does an autograph session after the show.
Creating "Street Teams" of people would allow you to organize the evangelists already in your fanbase.
okay that is off the top of my head and I need to sleep. I'll try and think of some more stuff later.
posted by Julnyes at 2:31 AM on May 20, 2007 [1 favorite]
There isn't one thing that gets me into a band or performer, but once I am hooked - I pretty aggressively sell them to my friends and family until at least a few of them are hooked as well.
I make mix cds with my current obsessions, I buy concert tickets for people, I send out emails detailing interesting facts about the band, with pictures and my thoughts on why they are so fantastic... and this behavior goes on for years. I think the important thing to note is that, like Deathalicious said, I'm just like this - no one else I know behaves this way when they find music they like, it is just a personality quirk of mine.
So you want info? Why don't you direct these questions to the people who are on your mailing list? Do you have a band website (at the least you should have a myspace page - it is annoying but useful)? Creating a forum would definitely give you an opportunity to see the thoughts of the faithful. I know of a band that hands out little questionnaires for people to fill out after the show asking what people thought of the show and asking for comments, suggestions, etc.
Merchandise side - The regular stuff is great - pins, wrist bands, t-shirts, posters, etc. Better if they are autographed. Even better if the band does an autograph session after the show.
Creating "Street Teams" of people would allow you to organize the evangelists already in your fanbase.
okay that is off the top of my head and I need to sleep. I'll try and think of some more stuff later.
posted by Julnyes at 2:31 AM on May 20, 2007 [1 favorite]
Handing out stuff like stickers is good for getting a buzz going, people see these things on their friends car or even just random places and it gets ingrained in their mind "oh that band must be cool".
posted by sophist at 3:27 AM on May 20, 2007
posted by sophist at 3:27 AM on May 20, 2007
Think about what people are going to say to their friends about your show. Is there something distinctive that they can say about it, beyond just saying that the music was great? Some kind of visual gimmick or some unusual thing that you do in your performance? Then, when people are talking about your performance, they will have something more to talk about, which will mean that they will talk about you for longer, thus increasing the chance that you will stick in people's memory.
posted by Jabberwocky at 3:59 AM on May 20, 2007
posted by Jabberwocky at 3:59 AM on May 20, 2007
If I were the fan, I would want some easy way to pass on your music to a friend to get them hooked. The ideal way would be that you have some tracks available on your website, in a very simple and straightforward format e.g. plain jane mp3 files on http: URLs that you can send someone and they can click and listen using whatever player/device they prefer. It's important that you make these files as easy and as versitile to use as possible as peoples music listening habits vary greatly. They should be completely unencumbered: not locked behind a streaming RTSP server, or in a flash player, or any other system where it's clear that it's just a sample that you can only play in your browser that you're not meant to have and keep. They should have sensible filenames that include band name and track title as well as full and complete IDv1 and IDv2 tags, including all relevant fields, even liner artwork and lyrics if you desire. Ideally these should be full tracks at full quality, not reduced bitrate samples.
Why all of the above requirements? I believe that there is something psychological going on here: if you send someone a link an an mp3 file of the above specifications they will be much more likely to keep it and not delete it, because it seems like something of value; it's a real track, not just some quick freebie web thing. Consequently they will be more likely add it to their library/playlist, send it to their iPod, play it in the car, whatever. Nobody (that I know) would keep a 30 second sample mp3 after listening to it a couple of times, or a crappy 32kbit mp3 that has compression artifacts galore, let alone a RealAudio stream that they can't even save. If they like your music after hearing the 30 second sample their next thought is probably going to be something along the lines of either "let me fire up (p2p software of choice) and see if I can find some full albums" or "let me go to (music retail download site of choice) and see if they have any tracks for sale." Both of these are impulses that require more time, attention, commitment, and expense on the part of the potential new fan. And hey, your goal isn't to make it harder for people to become fans. If you give them a quality track without anything left wanting, they don't have to do any of that stuff, so you've lowered the psychological barrier to them listening more frequently, which ultimately means they become invested in the music and turn into a fan.
Now of course if you just offer selected tracks this way there is still the incentive to (buy|pirate) in order to get the whole album, so there is still that barrier to some degree. But that's a good thing, because it leaves you something to sell: if you like these tracks buy the album.
But that's starting to get into the business model aspect of running a band and that wasn't what the question was about. The question was how to get your existing fans to proselytise the band for you. As above, the first step should be "make it easy for someone to spread samples of your stuff", and I think the second step follows simply from that -- just ask people to do that. Perhaps in between songs you just work something into your normal banter such as, "Hey if you like the set tonight and would like to help us out, send your friends a link to some of our tracks, that are on our site. We really benefit from your word of mouth." Even though it's logical knowledge that most any fan would probably say is a no-brainer, just hearing the band directly ask the fans to do something like this probably means a lot more people are going to do it. And like everyone already said, make sure you have your website easily plastered on your promotional stuff so that there's no doubt where to get those samples.
Anyway, that's just my opinion coming from the standpoint of being the theoretical guy in the audience that already likes your stuff but perhaps isn't quite sure what they can personally do to help the band. And once you rope the fan into this role, they themselves become more personally invested in the band's success, and so they're probably more likely to follow progress of the band, go to more shows, etc. It's win-win.
posted by Rhomboid at 4:04 AM on May 20, 2007 [1 favorite]
Why all of the above requirements? I believe that there is something psychological going on here: if you send someone a link an an mp3 file of the above specifications they will be much more likely to keep it and not delete it, because it seems like something of value; it's a real track, not just some quick freebie web thing. Consequently they will be more likely add it to their library/playlist, send it to their iPod, play it in the car, whatever. Nobody (that I know) would keep a 30 second sample mp3 after listening to it a couple of times, or a crappy 32kbit mp3 that has compression artifacts galore, let alone a RealAudio stream that they can't even save. If they like your music after hearing the 30 second sample their next thought is probably going to be something along the lines of either "let me fire up (p2p software of choice) and see if I can find some full albums" or "let me go to (music retail download site of choice) and see if they have any tracks for sale." Both of these are impulses that require more time, attention, commitment, and expense on the part of the potential new fan. And hey, your goal isn't to make it harder for people to become fans. If you give them a quality track without anything left wanting, they don't have to do any of that stuff, so you've lowered the psychological barrier to them listening more frequently, which ultimately means they become invested in the music and turn into a fan.
Now of course if you just offer selected tracks this way there is still the incentive to (buy|pirate) in order to get the whole album, so there is still that barrier to some degree. But that's a good thing, because it leaves you something to sell: if you like these tracks buy the album.
But that's starting to get into the business model aspect of running a band and that wasn't what the question was about. The question was how to get your existing fans to proselytise the band for you. As above, the first step should be "make it easy for someone to spread samples of your stuff", and I think the second step follows simply from that -- just ask people to do that. Perhaps in between songs you just work something into your normal banter such as, "Hey if you like the set tonight and would like to help us out, send your friends a link to some of our tracks, that are on our site. We really benefit from your word of mouth." Even though it's logical knowledge that most any fan would probably say is a no-brainer, just hearing the band directly ask the fans to do something like this probably means a lot more people are going to do it. And like everyone already said, make sure you have your website easily plastered on your promotional stuff so that there's no doubt where to get those samples.
Anyway, that's just my opinion coming from the standpoint of being the theoretical guy in the audience that already likes your stuff but perhaps isn't quite sure what they can personally do to help the band. And once you rope the fan into this role, they themselves become more personally invested in the band's success, and so they're probably more likely to follow progress of the band, go to more shows, etc. It's win-win.
posted by Rhomboid at 4:04 AM on May 20, 2007 [1 favorite]
Seconding Paulsc- Make the hairs stand on the back of my neck with some fantastically played tunes, and i'll be back. It doesn't matter how witty you are between songs, or what free crap i get.
posted by Joe Rocket at 4:07 AM on May 20, 2007
posted by Joe Rocket at 4:07 AM on May 20, 2007
It's sad that bands have to think about these things...but it's a fact of life for most....so....Too much self-promotion can seem like desperation. Unknown bands soliciting friendship on myspace is not great for anyone.
As someone who works in the music media industry a lot can be said for targeted promotion.....Do you have a manager? Get them working on getting you coverage in the kind of magazines and radio shows your sort of fans would be into. One great interview in a good magazine (a local fanzine would be a start) could mean you get 200 people at your next concert rather than the 5 that turn up because 'Michael' had been to your last concert (loved it, got a t-shirt) and brought along 4 mates.
There is a lot of crap out there, but the media still seeks quality music to wave a flag for. A little bit of hype does wonders and people love being part of a scene, especially when they feel like a little slice of history is being made everytime your band plays.
posted by DOUBLE A SIDE at 5:13 AM on May 20, 2007
As someone who works in the music media industry a lot can be said for targeted promotion.....Do you have a manager? Get them working on getting you coverage in the kind of magazines and radio shows your sort of fans would be into. One great interview in a good magazine (a local fanzine would be a start) could mean you get 200 people at your next concert rather than the 5 that turn up because 'Michael' had been to your last concert (loved it, got a t-shirt) and brought along 4 mates.
There is a lot of crap out there, but the media still seeks quality music to wave a flag for. A little bit of hype does wonders and people love being part of a scene, especially when they feel like a little slice of history is being made everytime your band plays.
posted by DOUBLE A SIDE at 5:13 AM on May 20, 2007
Also third that your music/shows should be the thing that blows people away not your packaging.
posted by DOUBLE A SIDE at 5:17 AM on May 20, 2007
posted by DOUBLE A SIDE at 5:17 AM on May 20, 2007
It's all about creating a relationship with your audience. This recent article from NY Times is worth a read.
posted by gfrobe at 5:44 AM on May 20, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by gfrobe at 5:44 AM on May 20, 2007 [1 favorite]
I was just coming into this question to link the same article gfrobe linked. There are some great ideas in there. Having a social network web presence, much as I avoid MySpace, seems to be a big help to a lot of lesser-known acts. Also, the part about finding out where your fans are and then targeting those cities/towns to play so you can sell out a venue is a smart move, I'd think.
posted by Melinika at 7:18 AM on May 20, 2007
posted by Melinika at 7:18 AM on May 20, 2007
Best answer: Forgive me if I am repeating anything that's already been said; if so, just consider it confirmation.
-E-mail list, as you are doing. Maybe a link to a different MP3 with each e-mail.
-A contest/drawing with each e-mail. They must reply or click a link to enter a drawing for some swag or a CD, or tickets to a show.
-Free (or cheap) sampler CD. Maybe 2 or 3 songs on a CD, just in a paper sleeve to keep cost down. Charge $1 if you want, and give one away for free with each full CD purchase, for them to give to a friend.
-Free full CD with purchase. If someone seems particularly enthusiastic, offer a second free CD if they promise to give it to a friend.
-The bigger picture: BRANDING. Repeated use of your logo, your colors, etc. It should be on anything you send out, any email, CDs, flyers, etc.
-Lots of sucking up. Your fans should feel they are part of a community. They need to be reminded that your success is entirely thanks to THEM and you can't do it without them, and you are oh so thankful for their continued support. OK that's not really sucking up, it's the truth. Build rapport.
-Feedback feedback feedback. Not from the speakers. But listen to what your fans say. Whether you ask for replies to specific questions, or just have a web link to "tell us what you think," feedback is valuable. YES, any artist must be true to his vision, and not try to water it down, BUT some things are just better than others. Dropping the weakest song automatically makes the whole gig stronger. Most bands and singers have a separate producer who greatly influences their final song choice, sound, etc. Don't be afraid of feedback, negative or positive.
I remember reading an article a few years back, about Tracy Chapman. After her initial success, she let her shyness and disdain for fame come between her and her fans. In concert, she would rarely acknowledge the audience. Her popularity waned. She then made a deliberate effort to get out of her comfort zone and connect with the audience, reply to fan mail, and be open to what they were telling her, and aware of what they expected from her. Her popularity increased dramatically, one fan at a time, one show at a time.
Good luck! Success is yours for the taking!
posted by The Deej at 8:09 AM on May 20, 2007
-E-mail list, as you are doing. Maybe a link to a different MP3 with each e-mail.
-A contest/drawing with each e-mail. They must reply or click a link to enter a drawing for some swag or a CD, or tickets to a show.
-Free (or cheap) sampler CD. Maybe 2 or 3 songs on a CD, just in a paper sleeve to keep cost down. Charge $1 if you want, and give one away for free with each full CD purchase, for them to give to a friend.
-Free full CD with purchase. If someone seems particularly enthusiastic, offer a second free CD if they promise to give it to a friend.
-The bigger picture: BRANDING. Repeated use of your logo, your colors, etc. It should be on anything you send out, any email, CDs, flyers, etc.
-Lots of sucking up. Your fans should feel they are part of a community. They need to be reminded that your success is entirely thanks to THEM and you can't do it without them, and you are oh so thankful for their continued support. OK that's not really sucking up, it's the truth. Build rapport.
-Feedback feedback feedback. Not from the speakers. But listen to what your fans say. Whether you ask for replies to specific questions, or just have a web link to "tell us what you think," feedback is valuable. YES, any artist must be true to his vision, and not try to water it down, BUT some things are just better than others. Dropping the weakest song automatically makes the whole gig stronger. Most bands and singers have a separate producer who greatly influences their final song choice, sound, etc. Don't be afraid of feedback, negative or positive.
I remember reading an article a few years back, about Tracy Chapman. After her initial success, she let her shyness and disdain for fame come between her and her fans. In concert, she would rarely acknowledge the audience. Her popularity waned. She then made a deliberate effort to get out of her comfort zone and connect with the audience, reply to fan mail, and be open to what they were telling her, and aware of what they expected from her. Her popularity increased dramatically, one fan at a time, one show at a time.
Good luck! Success is yours for the taking!
posted by The Deej at 8:09 AM on May 20, 2007
Make sure your website lists your upcoming dates clearly and prominently as soon as someone lands on it. Keep it updated - removing dates as they pass.
Sounds simple, but this is the #1 thing I need if I'm going to start following a local band more regularly. Ideally, the URL is yourbandname.com and the design is not some janked-out horrible flash thing or some other ugly ass setup. Don't make it fancy or impressive. Just show your dates - Google map links to each venue location would be a good addition.
It's amazing how many bands get this wrong. They rely on other entertainment listings sites to do it for them. They relied on a friend to do the website and golly gee he hasn't been all that reliable. They let the site get old for a couple of months, which only convinces all visitors never to come back... Like I said, it sounds simple but doing it right takes some attention.
posted by scarabic at 8:23 AM on May 20, 2007
Sounds simple, but this is the #1 thing I need if I'm going to start following a local band more regularly. Ideally, the URL is yourbandname.com and the design is not some janked-out horrible flash thing or some other ugly ass setup. Don't make it fancy or impressive. Just show your dates - Google map links to each venue location would be a good addition.
It's amazing how many bands get this wrong. They rely on other entertainment listings sites to do it for them. They relied on a friend to do the website and golly gee he hasn't been all that reliable. They let the site get old for a couple of months, which only convinces all visitors never to come back... Like I said, it sounds simple but doing it right takes some attention.
posted by scarabic at 8:23 AM on May 20, 2007
I like the Phish approach: never play the same show twice, experiment on stage, keep it fun, keep it varied, involve the audience however you can, and promote taping and trading of live shows to pass for free to would-be fans.
posted by trinarian at 9:07 AM on May 20, 2007
posted by trinarian at 9:07 AM on May 20, 2007
In my opinion, barmaljova the secret lies in having something out of the ordinary that will capture people's attention and will make them want to run to tell everybody about it.
Luckily for you, you don't need to resort to astronaut suits or facial make-up, you already have this "something-out-of-the-ordinary." The first time I listened to Bagel on the Malecon I was struck. I became a fan and I started showing it to people. People are always surprised to hear something that sounds so "serious" (as in classical ensemble) and so bustling, alive (as in Caribbean music) at the same time.
So, if a friend dragged me to a concert of yours, not knowing who you are and I got to hear Bagel on the Malecon there, I would come back home to google you, and then I would send everyone the last.fm link so that they could download Bagel on the Malecon.
I know you were asking for something extra, something that you might not already have, but I had to tell you that, in my opinion, you already have what you need.
posted by micayetoca at 9:35 AM on May 20, 2007
Luckily for you, you don't need to resort to astronaut suits or facial make-up, you already have this "something-out-of-the-ordinary." The first time I listened to Bagel on the Malecon I was struck. I became a fan and I started showing it to people. People are always surprised to hear something that sounds so "serious" (as in classical ensemble) and so bustling, alive (as in Caribbean music) at the same time.
So, if a friend dragged me to a concert of yours, not knowing who you are and I got to hear Bagel on the Malecon there, I would come back home to google you, and then I would send everyone the last.fm link so that they could download Bagel on the Malecon.
I know you were asking for something extra, something that you might not already have, but I had to tell you that, in my opinion, you already have what you need.
posted by micayetoca at 9:35 AM on May 20, 2007
Seconding the "make your music accessible" comment. In most cases over the past couple years when I've been convinced to see a concert of an unfamiliar band, it was after a friend sent me a couple mp3s. Make at least a couple of your tracks available as free downloads from your website or myspace or amazon (if your CDs are available there), etc. Be more loose with your music, in general. Encourage the audience to share live recordings of your shows.
I am going to disagree with Ooskeer about mailing lists vs. myspace. I hate myspace, so I get most of my band news through newsletters and blogs. (There's another thing, keep and promote a blog. Share your personality with your fans.) Yes, myspace is probably a good idea, but keep a mailing list, too!
posted by tuffbunny at 9:35 AM on May 20, 2007
I am going to disagree with Ooskeer about mailing lists vs. myspace. I hate myspace, so I get most of my band news through newsletters and blogs. (There's another thing, keep and promote a blog. Share your personality with your fans.) Yes, myspace is probably a good idea, but keep a mailing list, too!
posted by tuffbunny at 9:35 AM on May 20, 2007
I used to be a college d.j. What made me come out to shows or play stuff on the air when I didn't already know something about the band was sample music, something I could take home with me, and the band got extra points for considerately making things even easier for me, by, for example, telling me which songs were profanity-free and could therefore be played without contextualization (this was in Canada, where we can play profanity as long as we "contextualize" - i.e. defend - the song immediately before playing it). In the US, this would translate into "these are the songs you can play without bleeping," I presume.
Press kits were largely ignored. Glossy photos of the band often made me assume they had more money than sense. Nobody cares what you look like. Include a short bio that's appropriate for lazy djs who don't research to read on-air, and include a track listing. Bonus points for profanity info, and mad crazy bonus points for lyrics.
If a band sent music to the station, it went into the station's library and I had to go into the station to listen to it. I did a two-hour show, and I went in for the two to three hours before it to listen to new CDs that had come in that week. I had a lot of music to go through in that time (usually about fifty or sixty CDs), so I was only listening to the first ten to fifteen seconds of a song unless something about it grabbed me. I would reject CDs on the basis of maybe a minute or a minute and a half of listening. Sometimes I rejected them on the basis of crap faux-gothic or too-70's-punk or too-80s-neon cover art.
I was considered very conscientious for coming in for so long to preview new music. Lots of djs didn't bother.
If somebody sent a CD to me at the station, with my name on it, then I could take it home. I'd listen at my leisure. I was able to make a much more fair judgement about the quality of the work. I also was just a little bit flattered that they'd done their research enough to know that they were likely to fit into my show, so I was predisposed to want to like them.
Most college stations have detailed websites now with show calendars. Some have streaming audio that allow you to actually listen to the shows. Find two or three shows that are a good fit for your music, and send a CD personally to those djs in addition to the one you send to the station. And include a little card (you can just stick it in the jewel case) letting them know which songs contain lyrics the FCC is likely to object to.
posted by joannemerriam at 9:43 AM on May 20, 2007
Press kits were largely ignored. Glossy photos of the band often made me assume they had more money than sense. Nobody cares what you look like. Include a short bio that's appropriate for lazy djs who don't research to read on-air, and include a track listing. Bonus points for profanity info, and mad crazy bonus points for lyrics.
If a band sent music to the station, it went into the station's library and I had to go into the station to listen to it. I did a two-hour show, and I went in for the two to three hours before it to listen to new CDs that had come in that week. I had a lot of music to go through in that time (usually about fifty or sixty CDs), so I was only listening to the first ten to fifteen seconds of a song unless something about it grabbed me. I would reject CDs on the basis of maybe a minute or a minute and a half of listening. Sometimes I rejected them on the basis of crap faux-gothic or too-70's-punk or too-80s-neon cover art.
I was considered very conscientious for coming in for so long to preview new music. Lots of djs didn't bother.
If somebody sent a CD to me at the station, with my name on it, then I could take it home. I'd listen at my leisure. I was able to make a much more fair judgement about the quality of the work. I also was just a little bit flattered that they'd done their research enough to know that they were likely to fit into my show, so I was predisposed to want to like them.
Most college stations have detailed websites now with show calendars. Some have streaming audio that allow you to actually listen to the shows. Find two or three shows that are a good fit for your music, and send a CD personally to those djs in addition to the one you send to the station. And include a little card (you can just stick it in the jewel case) letting them know which songs contain lyrics the FCC is likely to object to.
posted by joannemerriam at 9:43 AM on May 20, 2007
If you have a handful of songs ready, get a CD-R put together that you can flog at shows and send to relevant press outlets. Find a visually-inclined band member or friend of the band and get that first release out the door.
These days, a CD-R doesn't have to be a Sharpie-labeled visual nightmare. Inkjet-printable white-topped blanks are affordable and can be printed, rubber-stamped, and I've even come across artfully silkscreened and spray-painted discs.
Folk/psych/improv groups such as Charalambides and Sunburned Hand of the Man have been leveraging this format for the past decade, with lovingly-crafted artwork, packaging and hand-signed small runs. As The Wire magazine's David Keenan states, the CD-R has been redeemed as a legitimate format, well worth your interest.
After you graduate from homebrewed CD-Rs, DiscMakers can help you get a factory-pressed disc produced affordably.
posted by porn in the woods at 9:57 AM on May 20, 2007
These days, a CD-R doesn't have to be a Sharpie-labeled visual nightmare. Inkjet-printable white-topped blanks are affordable and can be printed, rubber-stamped, and I've even come across artfully silkscreened and spray-painted discs.
Folk/psych/improv groups such as Charalambides and Sunburned Hand of the Man have been leveraging this format for the past decade, with lovingly-crafted artwork, packaging and hand-signed small runs. As The Wire magazine's David Keenan states, the CD-R has been redeemed as a legitimate format, well worth your interest.
After you graduate from homebrewed CD-Rs, DiscMakers can help you get a factory-pressed disc produced affordably.
posted by porn in the woods at 9:57 AM on May 20, 2007
--On the other hand, what turns you off when artist attempt to self-promote?
1. MySpace
2. MySpace
3. See 1 and 2
I get comments on my profile from BNADS!1!! that are nothing more than plugs for their stupid shows at some rib joint in a strip mall. While well intentioned, it is annoying as hell and MySpace is rife with this type of guerrilla promoting. Nine times out of ten, these bands suck major wang and I go out of way to avoid them.
Based on your question, you have 99% of the equation figured out - enthusiastic fans at shows, large crowds, CD sales, etc.. Most bands would kill to have the type of atmosphere you seem to have created for your band. I guess I'm confused by what you're really looking for. More fans? More CD sales? More merch sales? From the sounds of things, you're doing a lot of things right and it may just be a matter of time before the right person sees you at the right time and takes you to the next level.
The best suggestion I would have is some type of focused promoting from a pro; someone who will take the time to know your product and plug it in the right places, to the right people. Our manager did this for our band and we have more shows than we can shake a stick at and they are at the right clubs in front of the right people.
One other suggestion would be NOT to take any shows that wouldn't benefit your band as a whole. By that I mean don't take shows with four other bands on a Wednesday night (people will not see you, period), don't play benefits/charity gigs as these tend not to be your crowd. Pick and choose these type of shows because once word gets around that you will play for free (or for food and drink), your phone will not stop ringing. A great example of this was a metal band I saw at a battered woman's shelter benefit. Did not make any sense and was, to me, inappropriate but the band, attention whores that they were, didn't care. Be choosy in this respect.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:19 PM on May 20, 2007
1. MySpace
2. MySpace
3. See 1 and 2
I get comments on my profile from BNADS!1!! that are nothing more than plugs for their stupid shows at some rib joint in a strip mall. While well intentioned, it is annoying as hell and MySpace is rife with this type of guerrilla promoting. Nine times out of ten, these bands suck major wang and I go out of way to avoid them.
Based on your question, you have 99% of the equation figured out - enthusiastic fans at shows, large crowds, CD sales, etc.. Most bands would kill to have the type of atmosphere you seem to have created for your band. I guess I'm confused by what you're really looking for. More fans? More CD sales? More merch sales? From the sounds of things, you're doing a lot of things right and it may just be a matter of time before the right person sees you at the right time and takes you to the next level.
The best suggestion I would have is some type of focused promoting from a pro; someone who will take the time to know your product and plug it in the right places, to the right people. Our manager did this for our band and we have more shows than we can shake a stick at and they are at the right clubs in front of the right people.
One other suggestion would be NOT to take any shows that wouldn't benefit your band as a whole. By that I mean don't take shows with four other bands on a Wednesday night (people will not see you, period), don't play benefits/charity gigs as these tend not to be your crowd. Pick and choose these type of shows because once word gets around that you will play for free (or for food and drink), your phone will not stop ringing. A great example of this was a metal band I saw at a battered woman's shelter benefit. Did not make any sense and was, to me, inappropriate but the band, attention whores that they were, didn't care. Be choosy in this respect.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:19 PM on May 20, 2007
MySpace...
I vote: yes, with caveats.
No spamming. Keep the page simple.
Let others link to your songs from their pages. This can be valuable viral marketing.
Your reputation won't suffer from being on MySpace, as long as you do it the right way. But you may as well be available.
Look at the list of bands that have been helped by MySpace.
posted by The Deej at 12:58 PM on May 20, 2007
I vote: yes, with caveats.
No spamming. Keep the page simple.
Let others link to your songs from their pages. This can be valuable viral marketing.
Your reputation won't suffer from being on MySpace, as long as you do it the right way. But you may as well be available.
Look at the list of bands that have been helped by MySpace.
posted by The Deej at 12:58 PM on May 20, 2007
Also probably a repeat of advice above, but wanted to throw in my two cents to sort of reinforce what others have said. I'm also that one friend in a group of friends who pesters or badgers people until they listen to the current band I happen to be enamored with.
1. This is easily, put on a good show. Not just that the music needs to be good, because that's subjective and you don't have control over that, but that the show is enjoyable. When a band looks like they're having fun and want others to have fun that intrigues me. I have bands I like for their music and their live shows, bands just for their music so I don't bother going to their live shows, and bands who I enjoy listening to live more than listening to them on CD, so you can attract a crowd that'll come to see you based solely on the quality of your live gigs.
2. As reported above, have something easy to share, like Myspace with music, because I don't mind going to shows alone since I like checking out new sounds or if you're my absolute favorite. However, if I'm going back to see you again I might want to bring friends or I might be more inclined to go to say, "Hey, you need to check these guys out" if it's not an absolute fave band.
3. To elaborate on the idea of "sucking up" to people, like someone said, it's not just about free stuff. I've gotten free stuff before and not given a second thought about a band plenty of times. Actually connecting to people and giving them a sense of community or at least some sort of connection or relationship to the band is pretty key. As a habitual show goer I have a bad habit of staying behind and if I really enjoyed the show I'll let a band know. I know it's a thin line because sometimes you get some people who really are weird or annoying at shows that want to talk to the band, but at least don't give off a "ugh, give me a break" vibe from the beginning or treat me (a girl) like just another groupie, because as crazy as it may sound, I might just want to talk to you because I happen to like the music not because I'm trying to get into your pants.
I've had bands who I enjoy very much that I don't go to see live because they have a crappy attitude towards people coming to see them. I mean most of us coming to see you aren't kidding ourselves. I for one don't expect to become your best friend, but I'd be cool too if you just said a "thanks" or something. A full-blown conversation is unnecessary really. Also if a band is pleasant I might be less afraid about bringing people I know ("Hey I saw these guys play and they're pretty good, but actually they're kind of cool dudes too.") to another show. I don't know what kind of venues you play but a lot of times just mingling with the crowd around the bar and being available works pretty well.
Case in point, I have one band that I go to see all the time now based a lot on the fact that three years ago I ran into them while trying to find a venue. I didn't know who they were at all, but they gave me directions and chatted a little bit about how they were an opening act. It helped that later on I did enjoy their music, but the initial enounter was so pleasant that it really set me up to like them even more. Even now when I go to shows they're the friendliest group of guys I've seen talking to everyone and anyone and remembering people even if they've seen them just an hour ago or three months ago. People come to their shows whenever they are playing specifically coming to see them even if they're opening and they don't know who else is playing.
posted by kkokkodalk at 1:20 PM on May 20, 2007
1. This is easily, put on a good show. Not just that the music needs to be good, because that's subjective and you don't have control over that, but that the show is enjoyable. When a band looks like they're having fun and want others to have fun that intrigues me. I have bands I like for their music and their live shows, bands just for their music so I don't bother going to their live shows, and bands who I enjoy listening to live more than listening to them on CD, so you can attract a crowd that'll come to see you based solely on the quality of your live gigs.
2. As reported above, have something easy to share, like Myspace with music, because I don't mind going to shows alone since I like checking out new sounds or if you're my absolute favorite. However, if I'm going back to see you again I might want to bring friends or I might be more inclined to go to say, "Hey, you need to check these guys out" if it's not an absolute fave band.
3. To elaborate on the idea of "sucking up" to people, like someone said, it's not just about free stuff. I've gotten free stuff before and not given a second thought about a band plenty of times. Actually connecting to people and giving them a sense of community or at least some sort of connection or relationship to the band is pretty key. As a habitual show goer I have a bad habit of staying behind and if I really enjoyed the show I'll let a band know. I know it's a thin line because sometimes you get some people who really are weird or annoying at shows that want to talk to the band, but at least don't give off a "ugh, give me a break" vibe from the beginning or treat me (a girl) like just another groupie, because as crazy as it may sound, I might just want to talk to you because I happen to like the music not because I'm trying to get into your pants.
I've had bands who I enjoy very much that I don't go to see live because they have a crappy attitude towards people coming to see them. I mean most of us coming to see you aren't kidding ourselves. I for one don't expect to become your best friend, but I'd be cool too if you just said a "thanks" or something. A full-blown conversation is unnecessary really. Also if a band is pleasant I might be less afraid about bringing people I know ("Hey I saw these guys play and they're pretty good, but actually they're kind of cool dudes too.") to another show. I don't know what kind of venues you play but a lot of times just mingling with the crowd around the bar and being available works pretty well.
Case in point, I have one band that I go to see all the time now based a lot on the fact that three years ago I ran into them while trying to find a venue. I didn't know who they were at all, but they gave me directions and chatted a little bit about how they were an opening act. It helped that later on I did enjoy their music, but the initial enounter was so pleasant that it really set me up to like them even more. Even now when I go to shows they're the friendliest group of guys I've seen talking to everyone and anyone and remembering people even if they've seen them just an hour ago or three months ago. People come to their shows whenever they are playing specifically coming to see them even if they're opening and they don't know who else is playing.
posted by kkokkodalk at 1:20 PM on May 20, 2007
I actually disagree with paulsc on this one. There are plenty of amazing musicians out there with no fan base, and there are multi-platinum recording artists who have literally no musical ability at all.
I think the key is to make things as easy as possible for your potential evangelists. Get an easy to remember website (and a myspace page) with obvious free downloads of a few tracks. I really like the idea of including a free CD (or sampler) with every CD you sell.
posted by Rock Steady at 1:55 PM on May 20, 2007
I think the key is to make things as easy as possible for your potential evangelists. Get an easy to remember website (and a myspace page) with obvious free downloads of a few tracks. I really like the idea of including a free CD (or sampler) with every CD you sell.
posted by Rock Steady at 1:55 PM on May 20, 2007
Hand out stickers! Hand out keychains! Hand out ANYTHING, people love free stuff and people will use free stuff. Also, start a blog and put the url on your stickers, then people have an easy way to find out whats going on with you and a way for them to contact you.
posted by thebrokenmuse at 3:49 PM on May 20, 2007
posted by thebrokenmuse at 3:49 PM on May 20, 2007
Nthing the meet and greet at shows. Many top name singers make it a point to meet and greet their fans after shows. If they are not too big to do it, then it must have value beyond the "just being nice" aspect.
posted by The Deej at 4:54 PM on May 20, 2007
posted by The Deej at 4:54 PM on May 20, 2007
As far as what I like at a performance: obviously the music is #1. Be good, be GREAT, in fact, and I will gush about you. If you're playing several shows at the same location, change your setlist.
Talk to the audience. I don't mean mumble into the microphone and tell us we're the rockinest town in the USA, but be friendly. Show me you're a person, not a guitar-playing robot. And not too much ego, please.
As far as you're able to control it, be on time. I hate, hate, HATE having to wait an hour after the supposed "start" time of a concert. I know it's not always up to the musician, but--have some respect for the audience.
posted by Bella Sebastian at 5:03 PM on May 20, 2007
Talk to the audience. I don't mean mumble into the microphone and tell us we're the rockinest town in the USA, but be friendly. Show me you're a person, not a guitar-playing robot. And not too much ego, please.
As far as you're able to control it, be on time. I hate, hate, HATE having to wait an hour after the supposed "start" time of a concert. I know it's not always up to the musician, but--have some respect for the audience.
posted by Bella Sebastian at 5:03 PM on May 20, 2007
I am not a music performer or promoter. I am a fan of local music. As far as I can tell, the best way to get fans is to be really good at what you do, and make sure everyone else can see for themselves that you are really good at what you do.
I found out about my favorite band from college when a buddy of mine gave me the MP3s from the album they'd just self-produced/released. The songwriting and performance was stellar, and I got hooked. I started going to their shows and wound up buying my own copy of their CD, and dragging several friends along with me (they also bought the CD). My one complaint with that particular band is that they had a pretty small repitoire of original music, and they played a LOT of covers, often to the exclusion of some of their original work. I'd much rather have heard all the original stuff and fewer covers.
Upon reading this I realize it's very college-town specific, but I figure I'll post it anyway. Hope it helps. :)
posted by Alterscape at 5:34 PM on May 20, 2007
I found out about my favorite band from college when a buddy of mine gave me the MP3s from the album they'd just self-produced/released. The songwriting and performance was stellar, and I got hooked. I started going to their shows and wound up buying my own copy of their CD, and dragging several friends along with me (they also bought the CD). My one complaint with that particular band is that they had a pretty small repitoire of original music, and they played a LOT of covers, often to the exclusion of some of their original work. I'd much rather have heard all the original stuff and fewer covers.
Upon reading this I realize it's very college-town specific, but I figure I'll post it anyway. Hope it helps. :)
posted by Alterscape at 5:34 PM on May 20, 2007
Best answer: i'm not sure these ideas would turn people into rabid fans, but a couple things we did that were fun:
1. always wear outfits. like everyone in the band wearing the same thing. very important!
2. wear giant foam cowboy hats, if possible.
3. comment cards: we handed out comment cards for a year or two at every show and hundreds of people filled them out. it's a great way to get people involved. we made them fun/funny with a mix of multiple choice, short answer and essay/freeform questions. you would be amazed at how willing people are to fill out comment cards. you MUST PROVIDE PENS, though. and if you do comment cards, make different ones so your biggest fans don't get bored.
posted by snofoam at 9:05 AM on May 21, 2007
1. always wear outfits. like everyone in the band wearing the same thing. very important!
2. wear giant foam cowboy hats, if possible.
3. comment cards: we handed out comment cards for a year or two at every show and hundreds of people filled them out. it's a great way to get people involved. we made them fun/funny with a mix of multiple choice, short answer and essay/freeform questions. you would be amazed at how willing people are to fill out comment cards. you MUST PROVIDE PENS, though. and if you do comment cards, make different ones so your biggest fans don't get bored.
posted by snofoam at 9:05 AM on May 21, 2007
and, of course you must have free stuff. toothbrushes are great because they're inexpensive, and practical, yet a bit out of the ordinary.
posted by snofoam at 9:07 AM on May 21, 2007
posted by snofoam at 9:07 AM on May 21, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
Also, you might be going around this the wrong way. I think most people are either evangelists or not evangelists. So, instead of turning your audience into evangelists, you need to turn evangelists into members of your audience. This means actively seeking out and courting the kinds of people who do recommend bands to all their friends and go out and buy the cds.
posted by Deathalicious at 1:58 AM on May 20, 2007 [1 favorite]