The Local Music Revolution: The Importance of Community
Team COjam
July 9, 2024
Why supporting local bands is more important than ever
We’ve all noticed how the cost of catching a big-name band has skyrocketed. With ticket prices often exceeding $100 and service fees that seem designed to test your patience (if not flat-out slap you in the face), attending major concerts has become a luxury few can afford.
But there’s good news! There just so happens to be a vibrant, varied, and thriving music scene waiting for you right in your own backyard! Yes my friends, it’s time we return to local music to get our rocks off.
Got a favorite local band? Tell us about ‘em through our SonicPortal™!
The High Costs of Big Concerts
Ticket Prices
Going to a concert these days (let alone multi-day runs, festivals, or destination concerts) can feel like you’re shelling out for a new home (which is also currently exorbitantly priced). I know people who have literally taken out a loan to attend Phish in Mexico (this is not advised — like, at all).
The price of admission to see “tier 1” bands has soared past the $100 mark, and that’s before factoring in parking, concessions, and those more-than-pesky service fees (more on that in a second). Oh, and you want merchandise too? Pfff. This inflationary trend has made live music a rare treat rather than a regular outing.
Service Fees
Is there anything that pisses you off more? I can think of few things. The additional charges — which nobody seems to understand what they’re for —can add anywhere from $20 to $50 on top of the ticket price. Where’s the convenience, exactly?
If there were a tax on joy, I guess this would be it. It’s no wonder many fans are frustrated and reluctant to spend so much on a night out.
Impact on Fans
The high cost of attending major concerts can discourage fans from going out and experiencing live music. This, in turn, affects the overall vitality of the music scene and limits access to live performances for many people.
The Benefits of Local Live Music
Affordability
Local music venues offer a refreshing change from the high prices of major concerts. With more reasonable ticket prices and fewer hidden fees, attending a local show is an economical way to enjoy live music. Plus, your ticket money goes directly to supporting local artists and venues.
Intimacy
One of the greatest joys of local music is the intimacy of the experience. Unlike large arenas where you’re just one of thousands, local venues provide a closer connection between the artist and the audience. You can engage with musicians more personally and feel the unique energy of the performance.
Photo by AliJay Media, taken at Mile High Spirits - Denver's Distillery
Support for Musicians
This is what we’re all about. Our mission is very simple; to support local music! Supporting local bands helps them grow and sustain their careers. Every ticket purchase, every tip, and every merch sale contributes to their success and ensures that they can continue creating and performing.
Discovering Local Music Scenes
Travel and Exploration
If you’re like us, rather than hitting up the usual tourist spots, you seek out a local music venue when traveling to a new city. Whether it’s a local bar, small club or even a street performance, our number one mission is to seek out local music.
You discover new music, experience the local culture, and connect with people who share your interests. These connections enrich both your travels and your life.
Milwaukee-based funk band, Soulercoaster
Cultural Enrichment
Local music scenes are often deeply intertwined with regional histories and cultures. From blues in the South to folk in Appalachia, to whatever the hell might be going on in North Dakota (sorry North Dakota — we know so little about you…), every local scene offers a unique glimpse into the cultural fabric of its community. By supporting local musicians, you’re also embracing and preserving these vibrant cultural traditions.
Personal Experience
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to seek out local music. Whether it’s a tiny club in a bustling city or a cozy café in a sleepy town, finding live music always enhances my experience and introduces me to new and unfamiliar sounds.
How to Support Local Musicians
Subscribe to COjam’s YouTube Channel
Our mission is to feature local musicians on a national level. COjam’s YouTube Channel offers clips, interviews, performances and more of bands you might not know about — yet. Eternal JamNation, our video podcast, spotlights musicians from coast to coast. We delve into their unique sounds, their hometowns, and their creative processes through intimate interviews.
Support Local Musicians
Reallocate your spending from ridiculously-high ticket fees to the local tip jar. Your money will go further in supporting the artists who truly need it and who will provide you with unforgettable live experiences.
The music you choose to support shapes the landscape of tomorrow. Every local concert you attend, every ticket purchased is a ripple in your musical community. You are the catalyst and together, we can bring about a wave of change. Support local, and watch the world change around you.
Think About Ticket Fees
Those fees really add up. As an experiment, tally up the total amounts of services fees you pay. Just the service fees. You’ll soon realize that money could have gone toward an entire vacation, a house payment, or several local concerts.
In all likelihood, you could have given half of that — a third of that! — to a local artist and made his or her day.
Become a Citizen Journalist
Want your voice to be heard and build a real music community? COjam offers a platform to discover, engage, and share your passion for local music. Contribute concert reviews, band photos, festival exposes, artist interviews, and write about local music trends!
Join the COjam Coalition and become a Citizen Journalist, get author credit, score interview opportunities, and potentially be part of the next big thing in championing local music. Plus, exclusive benefits for Patreon members are coming soon! Join COjam and help us keep live music alive and thriving in every community!
The Corporate Stranglehold on Music
The corporate stranglehold on the music industry has led to rising concert prices, the decline of independent venues, and, more than likely, a lack of diversity in your hometown.
By supporting local music, we can break free from this corporate dominance and create a more unbiased and dynamic industry. Let's work together to support independent artists and venues, and ensure that music remains a diverse and accessible art form for everyone!
Why Local Live Music Matters
As the costs of big-name concerts continue to climb, there’s never been a better time to embrace and support your local music scene. From affordable ticket prices and intimate performances to the joy of discovering new sounds and supporting up-and-coming artists, local live music offers a rich and rewarding experience. So next time you’re thinking about live music, remember that the best show might just be waiting for you right around the corner — like, literally.
