When it comes right down to it, all of us simply need to really feel seen. We lengthy to be part of one thing that seems like we belong. For therefore many people, music is that escape. It serves as a protected haven, a artistic nook the place we will specific ourselves freely. Better of all, after we discover a neighborhood of others who like the identical music, band, or style as we do, we really feel seen. We belong. And we thrive.
We’ve all skilled this, however once you’re an indie musician making an attempt to develop a fan base for the primary time, it could really feel such as you’re throwing spaghetti on the wall. So how will we create an ecosystem that helps and lifts our careers?
Perceive the neighborhood you need to create
It’s comprehensible that we wish to appeal to as many followers as attainable – however the important thing right here is to construct a neighborhood of like-minded people who’ve a typical floor and pursuits.
With this in thoughts, step one is to get actually clear concerning the neighborhood you need to construct. Hone in and picture the profile of your followers. For instance this, paint an image of a volleyball league that’s making an attempt to draw members. They might be searching for individuals who appreciated the game, or have been taken with well being and health. Take that concept and translate it into the realm of music.
You could possibly be a part of a traditional rock band that believes in equality, dreaming huge, and leaving the world higher than we discovered it. Stand by your ethos and search alternatives to share your values. This might be on-line, in live shows or in your merchandise. Authenticity is essential, as you’ll naturally appeal to like-minded audiences to your trigger. Your followers might be drawn in once you permit your genuine self to shine.
Understanding what sort of neighborhood you need to create is the toughest half. Upon getting that secured, you can begin constructing concrete steps in the direction of it. Take into consideration the way you need your neighborhood to collect.
Is there a sure social media platform? Are you actually eager on stepping into the native scene? Is there a well-liked pub you already know they’d like that you may carry out at? You could possibly even begin a podcast sharing beliefs and beliefs you already know your neighborhood would recognize.
The medium will be something you need—take into consideration the locations you already hang around and gravitate in the direction of each on-line and off. That’s the place your neighborhood is just too.
Nurture them
Upon getting your neighborhood, take the time to nurture it! A neighborhood is rather like every other relationship. Take steps to make sure you are exhibiting up in your neighborhood. It might be batching, setting apart an hour every day, or setting an alarm. Present up constantly and be intentional in creating an area they genuinely take pleasure in. Not solely will they hold coming again, they’ll be bringing all their pals.
Don’t pressure it
Do you ever surprise why some issues simply really feel so pure, whereas others really feel like placing a spherical peg in a sq. gap? Typically, in our effort to develop or do the “proper” factor we find yourself making an attempt too arduous. We do issues that really feel completely unnatural and because of this, we don’t see the outcomes. We sit there questioning why, understanding we adopted all of the steps completely and unclear on what went fallacious.
However let me pose you a thought: what if we simply saved issues in a means that felt pure from the beginning? Even when it feels small, strive going with what naturally aligns and belief that it will deliver you the followers that really feel the identical means.
It may really feel overwhelming to make all of it occur and attempt to match all of it right into a sure timeline. Typically once you let issues occur naturally and lean into your pure items – that’s the place the magic occurs.
What comes naturally to you? What are you curious about? And how are you going to get extra concerned in that each in individual and nearly? It doesn’t must be (and shouldn’t be) nearly your music. As a substitute, concentrate on the stuff you’re feeling, going by means of and wanting to search out your individual neighborhood round. What if merely placing your most genuine self on the market and sharing the stuff you hope to create a neighborhood round, did, actually, open these doorways?
What would that neighborhood seem like?
Angela Tyler is the founder and CEO of Muddy Paw PR securing placements on Forbes, Enterprise Insider, Various Press, American Songwriter, PopWrapped, & extra. She loves ice cream, actuality TV, and hanging along with her canine Sawyer.
