Musicians are generally best at just that - making music, writing and arranging songs, possibly getting their gear to the gig on time. These days there are fewer managers out there willing to take on new artistes and work 24/7 on the increasingly remote chance that a major record label will wave a mega advance at their prodigies. It is not easy to get a truly proactive booking agent and simply getting a gig is often more important than being paid to play at it.
We champion Revere
The list goes on. More and more bands are forced to market themselves and end up juggling the day job alongside keeping up with Myspace, Facebook et al, let alone phoning venues and promoters. It can mean that all those things they should be doing just aren’t getting done. This is where Band Champions come in. Upcoming artistes invariably have some committed fans. They might be parents, siblings, girlfriends, boyfriends or those few people who seem to come along to many of the gigs, some of whom make themselves known while others stay coyly in the background.
But what if a band could harness the time and talents of these core fans to help market their act properly? What if a fan could make a telling contribution on top of turning up at the door? Rocket science, it isn’t. It’s about fans connecting with artistes and taking on a role – front of house or backroom – which they feel comfortable about and have the commitment to carry out. Here are some examples of Band Champion activities…
- Email your friends and contacts about the band – ask them to listen to the band on Myspace and if they like what they hear, recommend them to 6 more friends
- Bring at least one new person along every time you go to see the band
- Offer to help to sell band merchandise at gigs and collect audience contacts
- Put flyers and posters up ahead of gigs – list the places you can site them
- Shower your local radio station with requests - email your favourite DJ/radio show about the band, again and again
- Write to the music press – in particular target a magazine or journalist you think would like the style of music
- Post positive stuff about the band on music forums and online messageboards
- Help the band with social networking
Kate WalshWhat’s in it for me? The fun of involvement. The thrill of making a difference. The satisfaction that comes with success. And who knows what doors active experience in the music business might open further down the line. If you truly believe someone is exceptionally talented, if you are moved by the music and think Band X is the best thing since The Beatles, then there is a Band Champion in you.
How you go about it? In a nutshell… approach the band or artiste. Find out what they need help with. Gather likeminded people if a team effort is needed. Devise a plan and carry it out. Then review how it has worked with the band.
Need help to get started? Contact fifty3