Whether you’re a regular at live shows or simply enjoy discovering new music, your small actions can have a surprisingly big impact. Most of these ideas cost little or nothing, take only a few minutes, and help keep our local music scene thriving.
See how many you’ve already done, and maybe challenge yourself to check off a few more off the list.
34 Easy Ways to Support Local Musicians (Without Spending Much Money)
Love live music? Below are 34 simple ways to support local musicians without spending much money and help keep your local music scene thriving.
📱 Online
☐ Follow local bands. Every new follower helps increase awareness and reach a wider audience.
☐ Share their event posts. You never know who might discover their next favorite band because of you.
☐ Like their posts. It’s a simple click that helps increase visibility.
☐ Leave a genuine comment. Real conversations help posts reach more people.
☐ Save their songs on streaming services. Saves tell streaming platforms people value the music.
☐ Add their songs to your playlists. Makes local artists more easy to discover by new listeners.
☐ Subscribe to their YouTube channel. Every subscriber helps a growing band.
☐ Leave a review. Whether it’s for a band or a venue, positive reviews matter.
☐ Follow their social media page or join their mailing list. Stay informed about upcoming shows and new releases.
☐ Tag a friend who’d enjoy the music. Personal recommendations are powerful.
☐ Mention them in your own posts. Spread the word naturally.
☐ Celebrate new music releases. A quick congratulations goes a long way.
🎸🎵 At the Show
☐ Bring a friend. Introduce someone new to live local music or your favorite local band.
☐ Arrive early. See your favorite band’s entire show (from the beginning of their set) and support the opening acts. Today’s opener could be tomorrow’s headliner.
☐ Stay until the last song. Finish the night with the band that gave you their best.
☐ Clap enthusiastically. Energy from the audience fuels the performance.
☐ Dance if the music moves you. Nothing encourages musicians more than seeing people enjoy themselves to the music.
☐ Cheer after a great solo. Musicians notice the appreciation.
☐ Tip the band. Even a few dollars helps. And often times, it’s the thought that counts more than the dollar amount.
☐ Buy and wear band merch. Support your favorite band while becoming a walking advertisement. Bands love seeing fans wearing their merch.
☐ Share your concert photos and videos—and tag the band. Tagging helps them see your post while helping others discover them.
☐ Thank the musicians after the show. Meet them, say a few kind words, this is always deeply appreciated.
☐ Respect the performers. Listen, encourage, and help create a positive atmosphere for everyone.
☐ Put your phone away once in a while. Take a few photos and videos, then put your phone away. Experience the music with your own eyes and enjoy the moment old-school style.
🤝 Beyond the Show
☐ Recommend a local band to someone. Word of mouth is still one of the best forms of promotion.
☐ Request local bands at venues. Let venue owners know there’s demand.
☐ Invite coworkers to a show. Live music is even better with friends.
☐ Introduce someone to your favorite local band. Help create a new fan.
☐ Give local music as a gift. Share something meaningful.
☐ Hire local musicians for parties or events. Great entertainment supports great talent.
☐ Support venues that feature live music. Your attendance helps keep the music playing.
☐ Return to venues that consistently support live music. Reward the places investing in your local music scene.
☐ Tell the venue manager you enjoyed the entertainment. Positive feedback about your favorite band encourages venues to keep booking them.
BONUS TIP…
☐ Read and share local music magazines. Somebody has to know what’s happening around town to support local musicians, might as well be you! 😉
One Small Action Can Make a Big Difference
No single person keeps a music scene alive. But thousands of small actions: sharing a post, bringing a friend, buying a T-shirt, applauding a great performance, or simply showing up… these create something much bigger than any one of us and support local musicians, bands, and the entire SoCal music scene.
Every thriving music community is built by musicians, venues, photographers, volunteers… and fans.
Thanks for being one of them.
Editorial Notice
Content published by SoCal Music Scene Magazine is part of our ongoing effort to celebrate and document Southern California’s music community. Articles may be developed through interviews, contributor submissions, editorial research, and AI-assisted editing or production, with final review and approval by the publisher. All trademarks, artist names, business names, logos, and copyrighted materials remain the property of their respective owners. For our complete editorial standards, AI transparency statement, and legal policies, please visit our Publishing Standards, Editorial & Legal Policies page.