How to get seen as an artist: Building a real fanbase

In a world where content floods every feed and attention spans are shorter than a knat fly', getting seen as an artist isn’t just about showing up, it’s about standing out. Whether you're just starting out or trying to level up, here’s how to shift from background noise to someone fans actually follow, support, and root for.

1. Stop Playing Everywhere! Start Playing Smart!

It’s tempting to say yes to every gig, but not every show grows your visibility. Focus on:

Community-centered events (like Creative Pulse!)

Strategic shows where your target audience will be

Bill swaps with other artists to cross-pollinate fanbases

Every show should be a steppingstone, not a shot in the dark.

2. Let People Know Who You Are (Not Just What You Sound Like)

People don’t follow talent, they follow connection. Use your platforms to share:

Stories behind your songs

Why you create

What you stand for

A post about your journey will likely gain more traction than just a flier.

3. Create More Than Music, Create Moments

Think about ways to make your set memorable:

Invite people to sing along

Tell a funny or touching story mid-set

Sell a custom merch item tied to a song

Film your set and tag attendees or venues

Fans don’t always remember the setlist—but they remember how you made them feel.

4. Engage like a human, not a promo machine

When someone follows you, comments, or buys your music—interact! That connection builds loyalty. Try:

Thank-you messages to new followers

Shoutouts to fans who show up often

Asking your audience for input on what to release next

5. Collaborate Often, Gatekeep Never

The fastest way to expand your reach? Work with others:

Join open mics and writer’s rounds

Feature on another artist’s track

Host collab sessions or co-write jams

Community isn’t competition, it’s a launchpad.

6. Consistency > Viral

Going viral is cool. But going consistent builds your reputation. Whether it's:

One new song every month

One video every week

One showcase every quarter

Keep showing up, even when no one’s watching yet. That’s how people start to.

Final Thought:

Getting seen isn’t about having the biggest voice in the room, it’s about being the one people remember. Be intentional. Be visible. Be you, loudly and repeatedly.

The world doesn’t need another background song. It needs your story, front and center.