Your favorite music artists need all the support they can get, especially if they’re independently funded, managed, and promoted. That’s what being a fan is all about – showing that support so that those artists are encouraged to keep producing the music you love.
Nowadays, there are many ways to show that support financially and otherwise. Here are the best ways to show love for your favorite bands, labels, or individual artists in the internet age.
1. Buy the Records
Records may be old school, but the format is making a huge comeback. Many artists still put out vinyl albums, cassettes, and occasionally CDs to create that throwback vibe.
Streaming may dominate the music world nowadays, but buying physical media is still the number one way to show support for the artists you love. Plus, you’ll often get some cool extras like stickers or t-shirts as a bonus.
2. Purchase Merch (and Wear It)
On the subject of merch, you can never go wrong by picking up original clothes and accessories produced by artists themselves. T-shirts are the go-to, but don’t overlook stickers, pins, posters, and other collectibles.
More importantly, remember to actually display that merch when you’re out and about. You may just encounter other fans of the music, or convert some new ones in the process.
3. See Live Shows
You probably don’t need to be reminded to get tickets to see the music artists you know and love, but live shows are somewhat of a lost art for this generation. It’s time we started supporting live shows more, so that more artists are encouraged to tour and perfect their performances.
Live shows might be pricey to enter, especially for top artists. However, these are memories you’ll never forget, and you definitely won’t regret paying for better seats.
4. Keep on Streaming
Thanks to the tech leaps and music distribution services, independent artists can now compete with major labels on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and the rest. Your job is simple – don’t stop streaming your favorite songs, ensuring your artists get the royalties they deserve!
Even if you have the physical media on hand, streaming those songs will send a small kickback to the artist, however small. The more you stream, the better.
5. Tune into Live Streams
Speaking of streams, many artists now perform to audiences on platforms like YouTube in a streaming format. It’s not quite like being there in person, but you can still enjoy the tunes and show your support with donations, song requests, or chats.
Bigger artists will sometimes also team up with non-profit organizations and hold concerts for a cause, such as economic or social issues.
6. Show Support on Social Media
For all the time you spend on social media, you might as well give the occasional shoutout to the artists that provide the soundtrack to your life. Either add links to certain tracks in your social media posts, tag the artists, or just snap a selfie rocking the merch.
You never know who might see the post and discover that artist for the first time, so play your part and spread the word on the social platform of your choice.
7. Buy Gear from Sponsors
Musicians are often sponsored by fashion brands, lifestyle products, or equipment or software manufacturers. Find out which sponsors are affiliated with the artists you like and make a point to shop with them when the opportunity arises.
Maybe you’re in the market for a new guitar, sampler, or DAW. Top artists will recommend your gear they prefer and maybe even provide a discount code for first-time shoppers.
8. Use the Music for Original Content
Are you making a short film, a highlight reel, or some other form of original content? See if you can incorporate music from your favorite artist and give them a shoutout.
This may only work in short snippets to skirt around copyright laws, but even a few seconds of your favorite song can make an impact.
9. Donate to Crowdfund Campaigns
Back in 2020, we saw many independent artists reach out to their fanbase for donations during hard times. These campaigns were meant to replace the income they missed from being off tour, meant to fund their next big project.
See if you can chip in a few bucks here and there to crowdfund the next big album you’ve been waiting for. Top donors may even earn a producer credit.
10. Continue the Legacy Yourself
What better way to build upon the legacy of an artist than to start making music inspired by their sound? Gather some friends, pick up some instruments, download a DAW, and start making the music that the next generation will adore. Only you can keep the music alive!