In this episode of Mid Tenn Listens, I try something a little different.
Instead of featuring music, I hit record on the camera and began an unscripted monologue related to the importance of bands thinking small aka local as opposed to global.
Summary and Key Points
This rant (for lack of a better term) goes on for 10 minutes but I can sum up the key takeaways in a list.
- Just because you have access to the Internet does not mean you need to try and market yourself to the entire world.
- Local does not necessarily mean geographic area. It can mean connecting with an idea, a personality trait, others who read the same books, watch the same movies, and play the same games you do.
- If you want to make money with your music, you have to get on top of your merch game and you have to play shows. Collect e-mail addresses from people at your shows to figure out which attendees are fans.
- Booking shows locally, then go to neighboring cities, then leave the state.
- Combine offline networking (playing shows, going to conferences, and attending shows of other bands in your area) with your online presence and online networking efforts.
- Use Facebook, Twitter, and other tools to connect with fans in the areas you are playing shows and then use these same tools to let people know when you are playing a show in their area.
Basically, you need to treat your band like every other business treats their…well…business.
Global corporations did not start out global. McDonald’s was once just a restaurant to get a burger. It has taken around 70 years (estimating) for them to grow to the monster they are now.
Same goes for The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, or any other band you love. They once sucked at playing instruments, had no clue how to write a hit song, and knew nothing about music business or marketing.
Having access to the Internet doesn’t change this model of growth and development for your band.
Think small, start local, and build a community.
Resources
- Music Marketing Essentials: Conquering Your Niche by Jon Ostrow – MicControl.com
- Nice Music Marketing with Death Row Records via GenYRockstars
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