It's not the size of the venue, it's the sound of the music.
Let's be honest for a moment: If a new song from an artist who's become a household name (i.e. Justin Bieber or Kanye West) drops at the same time that band from your hometown releases its new EP, which are you more likely to listen to?
If you chose to go with the big-name artist, you're the reason I'm writing this. But don't worry: I'm not calling you out, because I'm the same way.
Once a song hits the radio, it reaches millions of people each day, each play it gets. Instant promotion, instant recognition, instant career elevation. So many aspiring artists work tirelessly just to make themselves heard and prove their talent is worth people's time; having a hit on the radio might be a dream come true.
The problem with music discovery is that it's SO much harder for small, up-and-coming bands and singer-songwriters to launch their music out into the world. Signed artists and those with an established fanbase tend to have the resources and platform to get their songs hitting the airwaves.
But although the airwaves matter, so does streaming. With music streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify and Pandora, music discovery is made easier. Artists can upload their songs with relative ease for anyone to access. But there's another step: they need to market their music and let people know it's there and ready to listen to and share.
My point in all of this is that local and up-and-coming artists expend so much energy into their craft as it is--writing, brainstorming, recording, producing and tweaking--before you even add promotion and building a reputation into the equation. They need OUR help to get them off the ground. Listening locally helps keep the music scene alive and well.
When you go to small music festivals and gigs, see a particularly good street performer or attend an artist showcase, you're supporting local music. When you pay a cover charge or a little more money for a CD, EP or T-shirt, you're supporting local music, not to mention you might be helping them make ends meet with covering the production costs.
When you invite a friend to a local musician's show or bring your date to a gig, you're doing your part to spread the word and get more listening ears in the door. Keep in mind that these are all artists who are not only trying to break into one of the toughest and most unforgiving industries out there, they're also trying to make a living.
Your local bands and musicians love to entertain, they love to perform and they love to be heard. They love to share their talent, showcase their craft and meet the people who take the time to support them for it.
So go ahead and attend the shows, buy the albums, buy the merchandise, pay the cover charge, follow your favorite local artists on social media, spread the word and network.
The music scene is one of the most unique, energetic, ever-changing cultures out there. You never know what you'll hear next or who will make it big. The excitement of making new friends, listening to good music and helping your favorite local artists gain recognition should be more enough to spur you on!
Just like with any form of art--or with anything in life--no one succeeds alone. Be a part of someone's success. Be a part of their story, and make them a part of yours. Local music needs your support to survive. Music brings people together, and I know that's something I'll always want to be a part of.
