When it comes all the way down to it, all of us simply need to really feel seen. We lengthy to be part of one thing that looks like we belong. For therefore many people, music is that escape. It serves as a protected haven, a artistic nook the place we will categorical 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 while you’re an indie musician attempting to develop a fan base for the primary time, it may possibly 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 want 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 standard floor and pursuits.
With this in thoughts, step one is to get actually clear in regards to the neighborhood you need to construct. Hone in and picture the profile of your followers. As an instance this, paint an image of a volleyball league that’s attempting to draw members. They’d be searching for individuals who favored the game, or had been concerned with well being and health. Take that concept and translate it into the realm of music.
You would be a part of a basic rock band that believes in equality, dreaming large, 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 concert events or in your merchandise. Authenticity is vital, as you’ll naturally appeal to like-minded audiences to your trigger. Your followers shall be drawn in while you enable your genuine self to shine.
Realizing what sort of neighborhood you need to create is the toughest half. Upon getting that secured, you can begin constructing concrete steps in direction of it. Take into consideration the way you need your neighborhood to assemble.
Is there a sure social media platform? Are you actually eager on stepping into the native scene? Is there a well-liked pub you recognize they’d like that you might carry out at? You would even begin a podcast sharing beliefs and beliefs you recognize your neighborhood would recognize.
The medium could be something you need—take into consideration the locations you already hang around and gravitate in direction of each on-line and off. That’s the place your neighborhood is simply 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 get pleasure from. Not solely will they hold coming again, they’ll be bringing all their buddies.
Don’t power 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? Generally, in our effort to develop or do the “proper” factor we find yourself attempting too laborious. We do issues that really feel completely unnatural and consequently, we don’t see the outcomes. We sit there questioning why, realizing we adopted all of the steps completely and unclear on what went unsuitable.
However let me pose you a thought: what if we simply saved issues in a method 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 method.
It might probably really feel overwhelming to make all of it occur and attempt to match all of it right into a sure timeline. Generally while 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 will you get extra concerned in that each in particular person and nearly? It doesn’t must be (and shouldn’t be) nearly your music. As a substitute, give attention to the stuff you’re feeling, going by 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, in truth, 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, Different Press, American Songwriter, PopWrapped, & extra. She loves ice cream, actuality TV, and hanging along with her canine Sawyer.
