For any rock band looking to gain exposure in the music industry, there is a priority to start small and saturate the local area first. If your band promotion strategy can grow within a local geographical area, then you can build support and translate that strength into other channels. By grasping every opportunity for local attention, you can build a network that will drive a loyal fan base and create opportunities to take your band further.
Not only is a local strategy smart, but it makes economical sense as well. By reaching out to your community, you will be building relationships and performing in venues where the cost of travel and accommodation don’t peel away at your budget. As these relationships grow, with venue managers, other local bands, and the fans, you will create opportunities to play more often, in front of more eager listeners, and drive merch sales from loyal followers.
As you begin to develop a local band promotion strategy, reach out to local radio stations and take advantage of each promotion or opportunity to have your music directed in the spotlight. For bands local to Toronto, Ontario, one radio station has a tremendous opportunity for local bands to gain exposure. Radio station 102.1 The Edge has built a program called Indie Online, where bands submit their music for review. Once a month, The Edge chooses three bands to compete for a chance to play live at the Radio Station Studio, Downtown Toronto.
Rock bands can take advantage of this opportunity for band promotion and have their local fans vote online and choose them to take stage that month. Your fans drive your popularity, your band plays a sweet show, and your music gets aired to listeners all across the Greater Toronto Area.
Check out 102.1 The Edge and Indie Online or research how you can take advantage of opportunities with your own local radio station. |
