Major stars feel a bit restricted during lockdowns, but not completely smashed, with records still selling and streaming. Alas, indie artists cannot enjoy the same massive support, and their mostly gig-based way of living is cut down. Still, there are online concerts, physical carriers, and other ways to support these musicians if you want them to keep making music.
Visit Online Gigs
What’s been missing from consuming music online (in either audio or video form) is exclusiveness. Millions and billions of views and streams make an artist’s name, but they deprive viewers and listeners of exclusivity. This feeling, though, can be reclaimed through online concerts. That’s the experience worth paying for, especially if it includes some digital bonuses (like early access to new tracks or exclusive remixes, demos, or B-sides).
It can be boosted if the number of virtual tickets is limited. Not only does it lower the technical requirements, but also creates the atmosphere of a real concert. A built-in chat will enhance the feel, make it denser. Alas, selling booze and water online is not included, so you’ll have to order another delivery.
Last but not least: announce your gigs wherever you can, so fans will know about it. Let them subscribe to send notifications when the time comes. Many services nowadays provide this functionality.
Now, Toss a Coin to Your Humble Bard
Even genre stars like Evocation or Lake of Tears may have daytime jobs to finance their musical activity. But that’s not the way fans would want it. The more time artists spend on music, the better is the quality. This is how you can support them:
· Buy music by tracks. If you listen to your favorite artists on streaming services, their fees will be much less than if you buy tracks separately.
· Purchase physical media. If you have a vinyl player, an LP or EP (in their original meaning) will bring you palpable satisfaction. In addition, they can come with gifts (like posters or T-shirts) or autographs. Audiotapes are also going through a sort of revival. This physicality makes even CDs great again.
For Musicians to Understand
Great as it sounds, this scheme has a serious weakness. No one really has to attend online concerts and buy physical media while they can keep listening to the music on Spotify or Pandora. And if your music is not there yet, okay, there’s always someone else there. It’s your duty to form a sort of emotional bond strong enough for fans to want your gigs and releases. An autographed vinyl or a presence at an online gig are subjective values, and they only matter as much as you do.
If you decide to crowdfund one of your projects (an LP/EP, a video, or an online gig), let the people know what exactly you are collecting money for. A snippet of a new release (even in home-recorded demo versions), a preview of a video, or a reference to previous concerts will do the work.
Art is all about bonds and reciprocation. No music without listeners, as well as without authors. No movies without viewers, no books without readers, and so on. If this sort of bond is established, paying for connection is not an issue.