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jkuf 1 April 2011

I started an indie band last spring and, after several member changes, we have put together a pretty good set. We have played allot of miscellaneous shows in surrounding cities that range from battles to sorority events at kstate, but it doesnt seem like we retain any fans from our shows and i havent been able to really establish a report with venues. I have done everything from boosting our stats online and make us look much bigger than we are (at least locally) to sending out press kits. I dont understand how some of the other local bands got their foot in the door and are able to play payed shows every weekend. What are some things that you guys have had success with?

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leopoldolopes Mon, 04/04/2011 - 14:53

Professional posture is the key, and for that you must do several things and maybe one is to edit a demo with a couple of your songs, professionally recorded, mixed and mastered! One other thing is to have a "image" - your image - but I think that the music is 90% of your business! You must find within yourselves the right professional and commitment attitude! BTW spelling right is one of the important things!

- Like on this forum - Did you guys have done the full profile on the forum - Where's your sig!?! - avatar!? Commitment is the key! And every minor things count to the whole picture!

aaronwaudio Fri, 05/27/2011 - 12:47

My top three tips.
1. Use social networking. It quantizes your following, and gives your fans a place to talk to you and connect and see what you are doing. Use it well. Respond to things fans say, make them feel special.
2. Have merchandise. Sell some cds and shirts and stuff, but also have cheap things like stickers and photos/posters. Give them something to remember you by.
3. Play small towns. Usually there is nothing else going on, and people will show up and think you are famous. If you build a following in small towns, then they join your facebook page or whatever, it just adds to the number, which is what is important. When venues want to book a show they will want proof that you have a following, and facebook will provide a number of fans, leaving out exactly where they are or whatever. Doesn't matter where fans are. Fans are fans.

Hope this helps.

audiokid Sat, 05/28/2011 - 10:14

One of the best things to get a following, mingle with the crowd both on stage and off.

I toured for 18 years solid. I lived out of a suitcase and a bus and never had a home that entire time. I was in the A Circuit playing the best rooms and making nothing but money the entire time.
Other than being totally awesome, playing excellent FUN MUSIC that the public liked THAT WAS ON THE RADIO / current sounding, and having a killer sound system and visual , connecting to the crowd produces the best results if you want to remain popular. Without a connection to your audience, all the stuff that you think makes musicians or bands famous is only a small part of the big picture. Musicians tend to get lost in the music and forget about the business all the time.

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