When it comes right down to it, all of us simply wish to really feel seen. We lengthy to be part of one thing that looks like we belong. For thus many people, music is that escape. It serves as a protected haven, a artistic nook the place we are able to specific ourselves freely. Better of all, after we discover a group 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 whenever you’re an indie musician making an attempt to develop a fan base for the primary time, it might 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 group you wish 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 group of like-minded people who’ve a typical floor and pursuits.
With this in thoughts, step one is to get actually clear in regards to the group you wish 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 in search of individuals who appreciated the game, or have been considering well being and health. Take that concept and translate it into the realm of music.
You might be a part of a basic rock band that believes in equality, dreaming massive, and leaving the world higher than we discovered it. Stand by your ethos and search alternatives to share your values. This could possibly 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 whenever you enable your genuine self to shine.
Figuring out what sort of group you wish to create is the toughest half. After getting that secured, you can begin constructing concrete steps in direction of it. Take into consideration the way you need your group to collect.
Is there a sure social media platform? Are you actually eager on stepping into the native scene? Is there a preferred pub they’d like that you would carry out at? You might even begin a podcast sharing beliefs and beliefs your group would respect.
The medium will 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 group is simply too.
Nurture them
After getting your group, take the time to nurture it! A group is rather like another relationship. Take steps to make sure you are exhibiting up to your group. It could possibly 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 buddies.
Don’t pressure it
Do you ever marvel 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 exhausting. We do issues that really feel completely unnatural and in consequence, we don’t see the outcomes. We sit there questioning why, figuring out we adopted all of the steps completely and unclear on what went improper.
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, attempt 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 whenever you let issues occur naturally and lean into your pure presents – 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 individual and nearly? It doesn’t need to 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 group round. What if merely placing your most genuine self on the market and sharing the stuff you hope to create a group round, did, actually, open these doorways?
What would that group appear 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.
