In some ways, the music industry is the same as it ever was.  But in other ways, especially in terms of marketing, the game has changed completely.  As the Internet allows newcomers to break into big markets with viral hits uploaded to YouTube, and the iTunes store and other music downloading services provide alternatives and supplements to big record deals, mobile apps are giving bands a lifeline to connect with fans.  And this lifeline should not be ignored.

As mobile usage increases each year, mobile apps become more and more vital to musicians.  A mobile app is always with a fan, and provides an engagement hub for critical self-promotion and revenue generation.  So, what can a band’s app do?

Everything!  Here’s a sampling of possible functions:

• Display the band’s latest social media activity (e.g. tweets, FB posts, YouTube uploads, announcements, etc.)

• Show upcoming live events, including a link to purchase tickets or share info on the user’s own social media profiles

• Chat with other fans

• Listen to samples of music or download songs and albums

• Review albums or shows; give feedback to the band

• See and download album art

• Browse and purchase merchandise

As you can see, an app gives fans a way to connect with the band and each other, bring in new fans and share information, make purchases of music, merch, and concert tickets, and to generally boost up the band financially and socially.  Apps are incredibly versatile, and while apps with rich functionality may cost more to develop, basic apps that are more cost-effective can still be a valuable tool for promoting the band and generating revenue.

More importantly, by controlling your own app, you generally will earn a much higher share of revenue than you would by using large, established platforms.  As an added bonus, managing your app will give you something to do when you need a break from the music itself.  And, theoretically, you may even be able to charge for your app some day, if enough worthwhile features are included ad popularity is high.

The fact is, fans are mobile, and bands should be too.  The more opportunities you provide to fans to connect and engage with your band and other fans, the better your band will do.

For more info, check out BizAPPBiz here.