Putting politics aside for a moment (Vote John Kerry for President), presidential campaign strategies offer an interesting lesson for unsigned bands. I was listening to NPR this morning on the way to work. They said George Bush was heading back to Pennsylvania to campaign. This is his tenth time or so going to PA. He's doing it, because he lost PA to Al Gore in 2000 by 5%. Now, current polling in Pennsylvania shows that Bush is tied with Kerry. Hmm. I guess it doesn't take a rocket scientest to make that comparison. Building a rabid fan base is a lot like running for the presidency. It takes repetition to sway the opinions of music fans and to inspire them to rabidly promote your music. But it's all about repetition: Tour to a city. Support your current fan base. Inspire your fans to tell their friends. Tour back to the city. Doesn't sound too hard really, huh? So what makes presidential candidates do so well? In Bush's case, his presence combined with rousing speeches in Pennsylvania inspires his supporters. They, then, work that much harder to rally other people to support Bush. It's amazing what a little emotion can do. Unsigned bands have just as much ammunition when earning new fans. Why? Because just like presidential campaigning, bands that want to grow fast, must tour and touch fans on an emotional level. While Bush has pre-written speeches to inspire, music is your emotional catalyst. When you play a song to your audience, you touch them on an emotional level. This inspires your fans. They buy your CD. They tell their friends, and your fan base grows. It's just like running for presidency, well, without the millions of dollar campaign fund-raising. Hmm? That poses another thought... But that's a topic for separate article. Meantime, if you want to take a look at great political promotion tool, John Kerry's website offers a free download of his "Organizing Toolkit", which offers suggestions for a hosting house party to promote Kerry. What a great idea to stea... borrow for your fans! Oh! And if you're looking for other ways to build your fans base, check out Joe Taylor's book, Grow Your Band's Audience. It offer some wonderful ideas and some grreat interviews as well. |
