Music brings us together and allows people of all backgrounds to experience pure joy without hesitation or restraint. As music fans, helping to foster a local music community is something we should all support and cultivate. But why exactly should you support local, live music? Well, here’s the top ten reasons why we think you should.

1. You won't need to travel far for your new favorite bands

Many times a band or artist will announce concert dates that aren’t even remotely close to you, and traveling can be difficult and exhausting. You know who is always a hop skip and a jump away? Local bands!

2. Help grow a thriving local music scene

Music scenes often begin in a particular area and eventually branch out. By supporting local bands and their growing music scene, you not only spread awareness about the genre, but you allow the band to survive before the world is ready to embrace their music. So go out and see your local DIY ethic crust punk or ska grunge rock band today!

3. Local shows will be kind to your wallet

There is no doubt that going to concerts is an amazing experience, but often they are dreadfully expensive. The great thing about local music is that they treat your wallet well. You could potentially see five awesome local bands for the price of one mainstream headliner’s concert. Save money and support live music at the same time!

4. It’s a way to experience new music

Back in the day if you wanted to experience new music, you had to browse the genres at a record store or simply settle for what was played on the radio. Nowadays, although we have commercial music streaming apps to discover new music, it is very much an antisocial experience. In reality, nothing beats the atmosphere of a concert, the sounds, the emotion, and the intimacy.

5. Give your town or city something special that no one else has

Anyone who has ever been to a Bruce Springsteen concert in Jersey, Dropkick Murphy’s in Boston, or even Billy Joel in New York City, has seen how powerful those shows can be in comparison to shows elsewhere. The reason that is the case is because they are gratefully humble for the support of their hometown or county. Why not show these future musicians that coming from Fairfield or Westchester counties is something to be proud of?

6. One day they could be famous

Every expert was once a novice. Wouldn’t it be cool to say that you had the opportunity to see a particular act before they broke into the mainstream? For instance, some lucky individuals were treated to a 13-year-old John Mayer playing at several blues clubs around Fairfield County. Now, you can catch him with the remaining members of the Grateful Dead in large arenas!

7. There is a strong connection between the band and their fans

When a band becomes famous, they always have their fans to thank for their rise in popularity. However, when a local band has fans, no matter how many, there is an even deeper connection. Spending a night watching a local band means a great deal to them because they feel appreciated, before society told them they should be.

8. You can meet new people, make friends, and network easily

Ever been to a concert and before it began, you struck up a conversation with the guy to your left who is just as much into them as you are? Concerts are a breeding ground for meeting new people and music is often what brings people closer. At local band concerts, this new-found connection could be even stronger given the band’s status in the mainstream.

9. It’s a chance to be a decent human being

Nothing is more depressing to a local band when the majority of people there are relatives and the other bands. Be a good person and support local talent!

10. Most importantly, your support is what keeps your local bands alive

Whether it’s financially or emotionally, local bands need you. Some band members only have their band to their name, but you can easily help them blossom with the purchase of a ticket and even merchandise if they have any. This will not only allow them to keep a roof over their head, but will also inspire them to keep on playing.