Written by: Katie Curran
Artists’ connections with their fans is SO important, especially in the social media age! In the past, artists have connected with their fan base through fan clubs, both official and unofficial. These clubs were a way for fans to not only express their appreciation for their favorite artists but also were a way to form communities and gain access to certain rewards. As the internet has developed, these communities have begun to form online, allowing artists to expand their outreach even more! There are so many benefits to having a fan club, and these are only a few of them. ❤️
Fan clubs can have many benefits for both the artist and their fan base! Firstly, though, it is important to understand how fan clubs in the past have paved the way for fan clubs in the present. Fan clubs have existed for hundreds of years, but have only gained prominence in the music industry in the last 60 years. In the 1960s, when The Beatles were taking the world by storm, the most hardcore fans created the most well-known examples of fan clubs - going so far as to have official positions and membership applications! 📝
Throughout the classic rock era, superfans of groups such as KISS and Metallica did the same thing. Today, fan clubs are not as official as they once were, but have just as much passion for their respective artists. Furthermore, the evolution of technology has enabled the relationship between artists and fans to change exponentially, as well as the benefits that come with it. 📱
Fan clubs nowadays are mostly organized by an artists’ team, and can be a significant business opportunity! Country artists such as Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, and Carrie Underwood have launched official memberships that give fans access to exclusive merch, pre-sale ticket opportunities, and more. BTS also allows fans to gain exclusive opportunities with an official membership program, as well as membership kits that contain limited edition merch, anniversary celebration packages, and the opportunity to participate in members-only giveaways!
With the Band has a similar platform to these incredible fan clubs! With our Fan Crews, fans are able to join their fav’s official fan club for exclusive content from the artist as well as early ticket opportunities, behind-the-scenes content, and more! 💜
One of the most important benefits of having a fan club is how it engages an artist’s fans. Through fan clubs, artists are able to promote new material, communicate with fans across the globe, and most importantly, form direct relationships with their fan base. A big part of a fan club is the connection its members feel to their favorite artists, as well as other fans. In order to support their fav, fans often will mobilize themselves to help the artist reach certain career milestones.
A great example of fans banning together for their fav is in 2020 when Beliebers banded together across various social media platforms to help get Justin Bieber’s album Changes to #1. Not only did they succeed, but the album hit the top spot in eight countries! These kinds of campaigns also help fans to form communities within themselves. Online mutuals become real-life friends, roommates, and even partners! When fan clubs gain new members, they connect with other fans and soon form connections they couldn’t find anywhere else. The giveaways, exclusive merch, and ticket opportunities may be an incentive to join, but fans stay for the memories they make and the people they meet. 🥹
Despite looking much different from fan clubs in the past, fan clubs in today’s day and age help artists to reach new heights in their careers while maintaining a connection with people who make those heights possible. Additionally, they provide a new source of income for the artist that did not necessarily exist in the past and will continue to evolve as technology does. We love getting to see fan clubs in action, especially our Fan Crews! Be sure to follow our Instagram to keep up with all things fan engagement, and let us know your favorite things about your favorite fan clubs! 🤩
If you want to get more involved in fan communities, join a Fan Crew or our awesome weekly newsletter!
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