Make a Scene: How Music Artists Can Nurture & Grow Their Own Community

by Cari Cole

Last week we talked about how staying put and growing your music career first before venturing out to a big music town is a smarter choice than thinking that the move to a big city will make your career happen. It’s more than that.

This week, we’re taking a deeper dive into how to nurture and grow your own community… make your own scene right where you are.

There’s something innate in human nature to think the grass is greener. I don’t know what that is, but it’s so often the wrong way of thinking. It almost keeps you thinking that your success is “outside your own efforts.” A dangerous way to live. I’ve noticed that one of the reasons that certain towns randomly spring up as the latest “scene” is often the result of artists just minding their own business and growing their own “scene.” Like Seattle in the days of Nirvana, or Brooklyn several years ago or LA right now, scenes emerge because of the pulse of artists bursting at the seams. Also smaller towns are winding up again as people’s lifestyles are moving more towards growing your own food and building a smaller more sustainable life in an affordable city. One of the bonuses of the LA scene right now is not just because of the bigger entertainment industry at large, but it’s cheaper (and warmer) than other music cities that got hit hard by weather, and it’s cheaper than NY where it’s too expensive for artists to live.

The operative word in this post is “community.” Because the music business is NOT a competition, it’s a COMMUNITY.

There are almost 8 billion people on the planet. There is enough room for every artist to find their tribe and build their community and be successful. But don’t take DIY literally and think you can do it all on your own as that will be your certain death… Focus on growing a community of people, other artists, and special industry mentors to help you grow!

Here’s a quick list of some ways to nurture and grow your own community and even make your own scene. Who knows, maybe your town will become the next haven for artists and the next insatiable scene. You never know. Especially if your music is on fire…

● Organizing open mics
● Booking group DIY shows
● Attending and networking at other bands shows
● Creating local musician facebook groups or joining pre-existing ones
● Reaching out on social media to forge a relationship and support other local acts
● Exploring “out of the box” venue ideas and inviting other bands to participate (parks, museums, restaurants, churches, living room shows,)
● Renting a studio and do an online festival streaming local bands
● Volunteer to play charity walkathons, street fairs, etc.
● Organizing songwriting circles to get other artists feedback
● Share StageIt concerts to grow online community & fans
● Double up the bill on House Concerts to grow more local community and spread the word
● Check out Deli Magazine that posts and supports smaller music towns:

● Join an online circle like our Artist Success Circle to widen your reach and grow a community worldwide

What are the biggest ways you’ve benefited from a community in your town? Share in the comments below!

Looking for accountability, community and nurturing from other artists and industry pro’s who care about you? Click here.