Starting your music career in a new town can be a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that building a loyal audience in your local scene is a great way to establish yourself as a musician before trying to conquer the world.

Here are some tips for breaking into your local music scene:

  1. Begin by researching the local music scene. Learn about the different venues, bands, and musicians in your area. This will give you a better understanding of what type of music is popular, and where you might fit in.
  2. Be a student of your new music scene. Attend shows, listen to local bands, and talk to other musicians. This will give you a sense of the local culture and help you understand what people are looking for in a musician.
  3. Don’t ignore the music stores. Local music stores are a great resource for finding bandmates and other collaborators. They can also give you insight into the local music scene.
  4. Contact the local “cool guy.” Everyone has a friend or acquaintance who is well-connected in the local music scene. Reach out to them and ask for their advice on how to break in.
  5. Find the club that welcomes new acts. Not all venues are open to hosting new musicians. Find the ones that are, and start building a relationship with the venue owners and bookers.
  6. Build a reputation – with video proof. One of the best ways to build a reputation as a musician is by providing video proof of your performances. You can do this by filming your shows and posting them online.
  7. Help gatekeepers solve problems. Gatekeepers, like venue owners and bookers, have a lot on their plates. Offer to help them out, and they’ll be more likely to give you a chance.
  8. Be nice to everyone. The music scene is a small world, and you never know who will be in a position to help you out in the future.
  9. Don’t count on an unrealistic draw. Building a loyal audience takes time, so don’t count on an unrealistic draw at your first show.
  10. Remember, your friends are not your fans. Just because your friends come to your shows doesn’t mean they are your fans. Make sure to build a relationship with your fans and keep them engaged.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to breaking into your local music scene and building a loyal audience. It may take time, but with persistence and hard work, you’ll be able to make a name for yourself as a musician in your new town.

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Written by Stop The Breaks
Stop The Breaks is an independent music marketing company focused on showcasing independent hip-hop artists. Our goal is to help motivate, inspire and educate independent artists grinding around the world. We provide branding, content marketing, social media, SEO and music promotion services.