The plates are shifting

The world is a different place for musicians now.

It is easier to record your own music, shoot your own videos, set up your own production and get limited distribution and sell on the Internet all by yourself.

By that same token, it is that easy for many other artists that are trying to make it as well.

There are many more customers to sell to, but at the same time many more artists selling music to them as well. During all this your customers can simply download your music and see if they like it. This is a double edged sword however, you can get your music to many more people, you may not make money off them since they didn't pay you to listen to it. but you can use your music as a way to convince those customers to come and see you live, getting them to at least pay to see you in person. And when they make that decision, don't waste it! Work your ass off to perform for them, help develop a relationship with your fans. Make them feel like it special to be a fan of yours. Make it your privilege to have them as your fan, not vice versa. Don't make it seem like they are lucky to talk to you. Make it so that you are the lucky one, feel honored that consumer wants to talk to you and stay at your show not the one down the street. Have that attitude no matter where you are performing. More thoughts coming soon. Make things that can't be downloaded. You can't download an awesome shirt designed by the band, or better yet, further the relationship, reach out to your fans, give a chance for them to be involved, ask for fan generated art, take that and make it into shirts, stickers, buttons etc... Fans will love to feel like a part of the band and odds are they will wear your shirt with more pride than any other bands'.