A lot of people mistakenly believe that actual musicians, and even your family members or your friends, could be fans of your music. They can be, sure, but if that’s all you’re getting is musicians, family and friends supporting your music, then there maybe something wrong there. You need to reach to a much wider audience. Meaning, attracting fans that are not musicians, family or friends. Wouldn’t it be cool if a complete stranger you don’t even know is a rabid fan of your tunes?

Just because you get a lot of musicians, family and friends following your music, does not necessarily mean you’re a successful musician. Sorry but it’s true. The reason is, it’s hard to tell whether or not you’re a talented musician. Other musicians, family & friends would support your music no matter if you’re good or bad ’cause you’re pretty close to them. It’s this, “Support the people you know well,” kind of thing.

When you get a large fan base of a bunch of people you don’t know going to your shows and buying your music, that’s when you know you’ve gotten somewhere. That’s when you’ll know you’re a talented musician.

With that being said, musicians, family, and friends, do not really count as “true” fans. There’s nothing wrong with them liking your music, but the goal is you want “real” fans supporting you. It’s easier getting feedback and honest criticism from “real” music fans, ya know?

During my last musical run back in 2006 – ’07, I’ve had actual fans that came to my gigs. They weren’t musicians, family and friends either. I’ve had complete strangers come to me after a performance of mine, shake my hand and tell me, “Good job”. I’ve had it happen to me before, it’s a good feeling.

Kev