FREE WAYS TO HELP SUPPORT MUSICIANS.

There are gazillions of cost free things you can do to help out the struggling artists in your life. Most of these apply to any form of the arts but we are just focusing on bands here. A lot of these suggestions may seem inconsequential but actually can be a huge help.

For example, we have observed booking agents search for a band on Facebook to see how many followers they have and instantly discount them if they did not have “enough”. Also, some small actions lead to bigger unexpected outcomes. Adding a song to a Spotify playlist doesn’t only help because listeners of your playlist will stream the song, it also sends a message to the Spotify algorithm that then sees that song as more attractive and pushes it up in their queue.

Tell your friends about the band.
  1. Send them direct links to music on whichever service they use.
  2. Invite friends to a show.

Streaming Services
  1. Stream music from the band (even if you’re not really listening)
  2. “Follow” or “Like” the band
  3. Add albums and songs to your library (not the same as downloading, this is free)
  4. Add songs to playlists. Share those playlists.
  5. Share links to songs, albums, and band on social media and via email.

Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc)
  1. Share the music you love with your followers. Use direct links (whatever makes it easiest for someone to check it out)
  2. Tag the band when writing about them.
  3. Share and like posts by the band.
  4. Follow the band’s pages and feeds.
  5. Share photos from concerts (if there’s not a big crowd right in front of the stage, maybe get closer so it doesn’t look like an empty room).
  6. Share, like, and comment on event pages.
  7. Tell a personal story about the music (use tags).

You Tube
  1. Like videos.
  2. Comment on videos.
  3. Add videos to playlists.
  4. Share videos.
  5. Use the band's music in your videos.

At a Show
  1. Let the venue know that you are there to see the particular artist.
  2. Break the ice and stand/sit closer to the stage
  3. If taking a photo and there’s nobody near the stage, get up close so it doesn’t look like the band is playing to an empty room.
  4. If there is a tip jar, pass it around the audience for the band.
  5. Offer to man the merchandise table

Encouragement

  1. Send a note via social media or email to tell them you are listening to their music.
  2. A pleasant remark after a concert goes a long way.