Help Your Band Stand Out - Custom Decals and Other Methods

In the digital age it has become very easy to record music and get it out to the millions of people seeking new music every day. However, while recording has become easier, the art of physical promotion has been lost. This leaves some bands scratching their collective heads while trying to figure out how to get people to remember them. Aside from playing great music I believe there are a few design and printing tactics one can take to leave a lasting impression on a crowd.

First off I think it is imperative that all bands either design their own logo or have a designer friend create one for them. A band won’t stand out if their logo is simply some random font that spells out the band’s name. Create a bold image that draws in the eye and leaves a lasting impression so your band is not lost in the shuffle of the five bands that played that night. Once your band has created a logo it is time to move onto the next step. 

Photo credit: iujaz via photopin cc

How often do people show up late to concerts?  All the time, whether it is because venues are notorious for starting shows late or any other various reason they might have to not show up on time. The why is not as important as the fact that it happens. So if someone shows up in the middle of your set how are they supposed to know who is playing the sweet sounds they are hearing? A simple solution is to order custom banners to hang while your band plays. If you were to take the your logo and print a custom banner of it not only do they automatically know who is playing the second they walk in, but it creates an image for the audience to associate with your band.

If banners aren’t your style why not try printing up a decal of your logo to put on your drummer’s bass drum. While drummers aren’t necessarily front and center, their kit is on full display to the crowd. Furthermore, if your band is on a stage there is a good chance that the bass drum is at eye level. As previously stated with the banner idea, it creates an image that the audience can associate with your band and lets them know who is currently playing.

Photo credit: amchu via photopin cc

It always helps to have a physical item to give out to the people who showed up to watch your band. So why not print custom decals of your bands logo?  It is something that can be given away that will leave a lasting impression on the person. They might not stick it to their car or anything else, but they are going to be much more likely to remember your band. It leaves the person with a physical item to remember you by. So maybe next time they see that logo or hear about your band playing they will have that small item for them to remember you by and consider checking you out again.

Photo credit: Craig A Rodway via photopin cc

My third suggestion is where the physical world can coalesce with the digital realm. As a fledgling new act there is a good chance that you are giving your first EP or album away for free on the internet somewhere. I propose that you create a business card that promotes your band. It should have your logo and the different places they can find you on the web. In addition, create a download code for your musical content with instructions on where they can go to enter said code and download your album. It provides the person with something they can redeem.  This creates more value to the card and increases the likelihood they will check your band’s music beyond what they heard that night.

Of course all of this is great but nothing beats out great song writing and practice. However, there are plenty of bands that do that well and it is not enough to simply sound good. So why not try some of these steps and see if your band stands out in the dog eat dog world of your local music scene.

Annie Harrington is a small business owner, writer, and amateur photographer. In her free time she enjoys reading, gardening, and writing about various DIY projects.