You Say You Love the Band… But Do You Really Support Them?
- Mickey Miller
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
I’m going to say something a lot of you may not like — and honestly, I don’t care. I care about a lot of independent artists, and as a fan of music first, before my love of working with bands, I need to say this.
Liking a band is not the same as supporting a band. Commenting “I love you guys!” is not support. Streaming their songs? That’s not enough. Sharing a post once in a while? Not support. Support is action. Real, tangible action that keeps the dream alive.
Independent artists don’t have big budgets. They don’t make much — if anything — from streams. Every ticket, every merch sale, every download, every subscription matters. That’s what pays for gas, venues, equipment, and keeps them making music.
And yet here’s the hard truth: people will spend $8 on a fancy coffee. They’ll drop hundreds to see a national act. But when it comes to a $15-$25 show for an independent artist? Suddenly, that’s “too expensive.” Let me be real — that’s heartbreaking.
Artists see it. They see slow presales. They see merch that doesn’t sell. They see streams barely move. They see website subscriptions stay stagnant. And it hurts. Not just their wallet — their heart. They start questioning themselves. “Am I even good enough? Do people even care? Was this all a mistake? Should I even keep doing this?” Every unsupportive action chips away at a dream. Independent music isn’t just a hobby for these artists — it’s their life, their sacrifice, their everything.
Supporting an independent artist doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some let you subscribe to their website for just $1 a month. Some post by donation. Some have a minimum of $10. Think about that. For less than the cost of lunch, you can directly back the musicians you claim to love — and they will remember it was you who believed in them.
How do you think big, famous bands got started? They started in small venues playing to 30 people. They hung fliers. They relied on word of mouth. Now, with social media, you can tag your friends, tag the venue, share their shows — and help them grow in ways that were impossible back then. That $15 ticket, that $10 merch shirt, that $1 subscription — it matters more than you think.
Support is simple. But it requires effort. Buy the presale ticket — even if something might come up. That early number can save a show. Buy a shirt or a physical copy of their music. Streaming alone doesn’t pay bills. Stream the release during the first week, then share it, tag friends, help it grow. Subscribe to their website or donate — even a small amount counts and is remembered. Share the flyer. Bring a friend. Show up.
Independent artists survive because people take action. Not because people say they care — but because people show it.
If you truly love a band, prove it. Every dollar, every ticket, every subscription, every share is a vote of belief. It’s a reason for them to keep going when doubt is knocking at the door. One day, if no one takes action, dreams fade. But with real support, those dreams survive — and so does the music you claim to love.
Below there are two videos of two independent artists. Check them out.
Peace, Love, and Loud Music
Mickey 🎵
Independent Artist Mick Blankenship
Independent artists Driving Dawn
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