Is It Time to Trash "Support Local Music"?

A Fan Says Goodbye to “Local Music”

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I’m sorry “Support Local Music”, but I’ve fallen out of love with you as a phrase.

It’s not me, it’s you.

I’ve seen you with every half-hearted facebook invite, pleading for me to come join you. 

Remember the last time I followed your advice?

I drove to an unfamilar club, paid for parking and cover, and gave up a night of my weekend to see you.

I wanted to feel like I had discovered a hidden treasure of the local scene.

I wanted to have a personal connection with you as an artist.

I wanted to feel special.

Instead you manipulated me into seeing crappy shows and asking for money.

I thought what we had was meaningful.

You’ve spent all of my good will and didn’t give me any great local music in return.

All you’ve taught me is that I’m really not that interested in you. 

I’m through with you, “Support Local Music.”

Goodbye.

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From personal experience, hearing someone promote a show using the phrase “Support Local Music” tends to be a good indicator that the show will be lame. It’s a throwaway phrase used by people who didn’t put any thought into promoting the show.

What’s the value proposition with “Support Local Music”? Is proxemity reason enough to make people interested in a show? Not usually, especially after being burned by a few lame shows.

An effective value proposition talks directly to the desires of the fan. Unless someone centers their identity on being a “local music supporter”, saying the reason for coming out is to “Support Local Music” is a weak value proposition.  Some people want to show off a new band they discovered to their friends Other times people come out simply because they know the band. The answers will vary greatly between different fans and bands so the exact answers you’ll have to learn from experience or research.

So should we scrap using the phrase “Support Local Music?” What are some marketing concepts that you think would be more effective?

Comments

[Tim Bennett]

I love this. I have friends who are 'promoters' of local music, and all they do is use this catch phrase as an excuse to have no accountability when it comes to booking terrible acts. Nice post.

[Ryan M.]

Finally, someone gets it. I'm from Raleigh, NC, and the local scene here sucks beyond belief. All the "promoters" think they're doing such a great thing booking lame shows with tons of lame bands. There are only a few around here that are even worth the time. Unfortunately, the so-called "promoters" are all in bands of their own, so out of jealousy, they have the power to keep all the good ones out of the spotlight. A filthy business if you ask me.

[Bryan]

Maybe its time to say goodbye to musicthinktank.com Not all local artists suck. Maybe you should do a little research before you see a band you don't know.

[Hailey]

This is what GigDog.Fm is for. They make stations for different cities so you can listen to all different kinds of local bands for free and know if you like them before you see them. They use the phrase "Support Local Music" all the time, but they mean by listening and finding a band you like, not by blindly supporting a horrible band you've never heard. Check it out! it's still pretty unknown www.gigdog.fm

Theres even a NC station now I think

[Amethyst]

The internet is the new local. Possibilities endless. And recordings more refined than some live shows. Live on the internet is also cool! But truly if you do like some of the local musicians playing in your area, support them by thanking and supporting the venues and musicians. Otherwise the venues may stop hiring them to play if not bringing in business. I think the phrase developed to encourage indie music as opposed to just the selections that the major labels make available. But definitely one can be disappointed in what some think is good music. Then again, giving them an audience and audience feedback may help some grow? So...leave a calling card and offer advice if you have a great ear and skills. Then your time is well-spent.