How to Get Involved in Your Local Music Scene
Even if your city isn't known for its music scene, it definitely has one waiting for you to discover. Attending local shows is a great way to meet friends with similar interests and to meet and show support for aspiring local musicians. If you're interested in exploring your local music scene but don't know where to get started, JukeboxAlive.com is a great place to begin. Search events by location to find out what's happening in your area. Most cities also have a local arts newspaper that includes a detailed calendar of art, movie, music, and other creative events scheduled in your area. Look in your local paper to find information about upcoming concerts and festivals featuring local artists. You can also check out the bulletin boards of coffee shops, bars, hip eateries, and other creative hotspots for flyers promoting upcoming events. Often these shows are free or inexpensive, so pick a few you're interested in, recruit some friends, and go check them out.
If you find one or more local bands you like, talk to them after the show, call, or email the band (or their manager, if they have one) about becoming a part of their street team. A band's street team promotes the band in the community, posting flyers about upcoming shows and generally spreading the word. Street team members will also sometimes run a band's website, send out emails and write blogs for the band, and work the merch stands at concerts. As a benefit, you'll get perks from the band including free CDs and other merchandise and free entrance to their shows, not to mention bragging rights. You'll also have the opportunity to meet a diverse group of new people as you promote the band and attend events.
The more you get involved in your local music scene, the more you'll benefit from hearing exciting new music and making new friends-- fans, band members, and everyone you meet along the way.