Building a Fan Base in the Music Industry

Unless you like the life of a broke musician, the question you probably ask yourself day and night is "How do I make it to the big time?" Well, the answer is about as simple as a diminutive seventh chord, but there is a way to get yourself or your band signed.

There are some key decision that you will have to make and some tough jobs you will have to tackle before you will be able to gain the attention of that record label or artist's rep.

The first thing a label is looking for is whether or not your group can draw a crowd. So if you already have an established fan base, then you've got it halfway made. If not, that's the first step.

If you want to draw in the record label, you have to think a little bit like a record label executive. Want they want to know is, can this group make me money. If you have a fan base, you're halfway to showing that you can be a solid business investment.

How does one build a fan base? That's a good question. The internet does make is simpler and quicker than ever before in the history of modern music. The key is to get it out there in front of as many people as possible and that takes a little bit of forethought.

The big three social media sites are also the big three places for building a musical reputation: MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.

The social media sites are almost tailor made for promoting a new band. But make full use of them. Anytime you think of anything even mildly noteworthy, post about it. When you schedule a show, let people know. When you write a new song, give people a recap. Especially let people know when you go in to record.

Getting to the big time isn't easy, but there are almost as many ways of promoting your group as there are groups out there. Try these tactics, but also dream up your own. And don't turn down any opportunity that comes along. You'll find yourself lounging pool-side in no time.