Ways to Show Your Support for Artists

Seems that most folks enjoy music.  We don't all enjoy the same music, but that's why we have so many genres and artists from which to choose.  I have favorite musicians and bands that I have supported for years.  And given that I've been producing my own music as well and interacted with some wonderful fans, I figured why not tell you what I'm finding to be great ways to support artists. 

Sarah's top picks for supporting artists:

Buy Something!  Okay... money talks.  If you want music, pay for music.  There is a reason why I own a half dozen Collective Soul albums.  I've been a fan since high school and I want them to continue creating as long as they are willing and able.  If you expect an artist to continue to make albums for your enjoyment, then support them monetarily.  This could be anything from buying a single mp3 download from Bandcamp to buying their box set and a t-shirt. Why does this matter?  Many artists can't make it on their music alone.  Would you care if that artist stopped creating?  Equipment and studio time costs money.  If you expect music, pay for music.

Attend!  Do you adore that local band you sometimes see in the bar?  Figure out where they are playing next and go there... It keeps them playing.   Does your favorite musician tour and is coming around to your home town?  Well, if enough people in that town don't go to see them, they won't be viewing your home town as a viable venue in the future.

Share!  And I don't mean illegal file sharing here.  Send someone to that artist's webpage, talk that artist up, and take a friend to a show.  There are artists I would have never found if a friend hadn't popped their CD into the car and said, "You have to hear this!"  More fans means more support for that artist.  I talk up my favorites and point people to wonderful albums often.

Engage!  Join their fan site or email list.  Like them on FB and interact.  Follow on Twitter.  Even simply sending a note through a contact form on a band's webpage can result in a win-win for both you as the fan and the artist.  I personally try to answer every genuine note from a fan.  (Note that this does not mean that your auto generated greeting DM on Twitter will get a reply.)

If you stream, stream in a way that pays the artist!  A musician (currently) makes nothing on Soundcloud.  And while they will only get a small amount of money through Spotify or other streaming sites, listens are often tabulated and used to create playlists and associations that further an artist's exposure.  

Write a review!  There are may places to write comments and reviews if you bought music.  Write a brief review.  If you love that new metal band and thought their album was the best you've heard this decade... then say so!

Keep in mind that everything above are ways for you, the fan, to show an artist that you support them and want them to continue making music.  I have read so many ugly comments on other sites and articles about how if an artist isn't financially viable that they should fail.  I'm not talking about subsidizing every Tom, Dick, and Harry that clumsily mash together loops that no one wants to hear.  If you don't like an artist, don't bother with them.  

I'm talking about waiting five years for a new album from your favorite artist because they couldn't afford the studio time.  If you expected that third album sooner but didn't purchase the first two, you have no right to complain.  I'm talking about being sad that your favorite band took down their Facebook page because no one was interacting (yeah, we see stats on those pages).  I'm talking about discovering a band ten years too late because a friend didn't introduce you to their music when they were still active and touring.  So become an engaged fan for those artists that you love and want to remain active.

Love to you all!

Sarah Schonert, Lyrical Physicist