blogbo

One of the definitions of community is: A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common interests. A fellowship is: A friendly association, especially with people who share one’s interest.

The Dave Matthew’s Band has a great community called The Warehouse, do you know why it’s called The Warehouse? Their first official show was performed atop an old warehouse in Charlottesville, VA and using this nostalgic term, they have created a fan-community of thousands treating each fan as though they were one of the first to support the band on that roof. Members to The Warehouse get annual packages with stickers, postcards, autographed 8×10 picture and more. Members are treated to first dibs on show tickets and contests for gear, tickets and trips.

With that said, what is your band doing to, not only reach new fans, but strengthen the community with existing fans? Obviously you don’t have the budget to offer some of these things but I bet your overlooking what you can offer.

First, create a club surrounding your band, maybe a clever name that comes from the roots/beginnings of your band. If you practice in a shed: The Shed. It’ll unite fans on a different level if they feel like their part of a club that is closely associated with your band.

Second, offer fans a chance to be a part of it, get their mailing address and email and send them stuff. Even if it’s cheesy pictures you took yourselves at practice, send them to your fans so they can put them on their fridge or wall. Make your fans feel like you know who they are just like they know you.

Third, offer a free pair of tickets to each show or advanced purchase or free songs/CD. Have fans guess what underwear your bassist wears or what song your drummer loves playing most. It’ll entice fans to actually read your emails if they know there may be freebies included.

Fourth, get creative, pick a “Fan of the Month” and post their picture and name on your website or MySpace. Invite fans to place your stickers in creative places and post those pictures on your site.

Fifth, offer other touches that are unique to your band. Invite a fan to hang at practice and have a beer, offer a ride to the show with the band in your van, have your band record the answering machine or voicemail message for one of your fans “Hey this is Wounded Soul and you’ve reached John, leave a message.”

Yeah, your a local band, so some of these things seem a bit self-righteous and over-the-top, but think of it this way, it’s not about making your band feel important it’s about making your fans feel important. If your serious about your band then your fans are family, are you treating them as such? Having dedicated fans, I mean really dedicated fans, makes being in a band that much better. It makes getting through the hard times more important, writing new songs more rewarding and crappy venues more exciting.

As Simon Cowell once said “There’s a new epidemic called “I-Can’t-Sing-itus.” Well, there’s one just as bad called the “Most-Local-Music-Sucks” virus and Bandbo is trying to get your band immunized.

Get real, because I’m keepin’ it real.