I’ve always supported local artists. Now part of this can contribute to the fact that it was close and I couldn’t drive when I first started going to concerts, but part of this was because it was more enjoyable. There’s a lot of reasons to support a local artist, and it’s not just for their benefit. I have gained a lot of fun, interesting experiences and met a ton of people because I followed these bands.

I was always into a more alternative music scene, which is where you’ll find a lot of smaller, local bands. I fell in love with a band called Late Nite Reading, which was a smaller, pop-punk band from Indiana. They would tour in Ohio and when they did, I got to see and meet a lot of other really interesting artists in the area.

The best part about attending these types of shows is the fact that you get to actually meet the performers. These are people who are giving it there all, showing their passion and love for music and putting themselves in a position where they can be highly criticized. I always said that watching a musician perform was watching someone at both their highest and lowest point at the exact same time: they’re doing what they love and expressing themselves, but at any moment something could go wrong or the entire audience could react negatively.

Talking to smaller artists is such a wonderful experience. You get to meet someone you idolize and have a regular conversation. You can take pictures, get things signed and hug them without paying some ridiculous fee.

You get to be a part of someone’s career. No, you probably aren’t managing them or pushing them to stardom, but you supported an artist that may be famous some day. You’re helping someone’s dream become a reality. Plus, you have bragging rights because you knew them before they hit it big.

It’s super easy to support a local artist because everything is a million times cheaper. The tickets are cheaper, you don’t have to travel super far away because they are only touring in your state in a city that’s far away, the merchandise is cheaper, the music is cheaper to buy and is usually shared in more places because they aren’t selfish with their copyright (cough, cough Taylor Swift). It pays to support a small band.

I recently did an interview with an artist who is now living in Los Angeles. I started following his old band in 2012 and because of that support and that connection I made, I was able to interview him four years later as his new band is up and coming (shameless plug: the band is called Best Kept Secret if you want to check them out.)

I’ve met so many people, both artists and fans, who make the entire experience feel like some kind of family. Following and supporting small bands has done wonders for my life and I know I’m not the only one. Being part of a community like this has been a wonderful experience for me and I do feel like I made a difference. Support local bands and go to a show sometime. You might find something you weren’t expecting.