There's something magical about musicians joining forces, supporting each other, and creating a community. These communites are birthplaces for “scenes” that may launch one or many acts into stardom– much like the British Folk Rock scene that emerged in West London in the 2000s and unleashed the likes of Mumford and Sons, Laura Marling, Noah and the Whale, and many more.  

In this blog post, we'll explore the three stages of how artists can elevate one another and eventually give birth to a vibrant music scene.

1.Support: Be More Than Just an Artist, Be a Fan

For many musicians, the journey starts in solitude - writing lyrics in a quiet room or strumming chords on a lone guitar. But the broader musical journey is about connections, and the first step is learning to be a fan of other artists.

• Attend Concerts: It might sound simple, but attending other artists' shows means a lot. It’s a direct way to show solidarity and support. Plus, experiencing live music can provide inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the craft. 

• Give Constructive Feedback: Musicians thrive on feedback. Offer genuine praise where it's due and constructive criticism where you feel it can help. Remember, it's about helping each other grow.

• Spread the Word: With the power of social media, sharing another artist's work can have a profound impact. It can introduce new audiences to their music and foster a sense of community.

• Connect through different platforms. Artists today have a huge advantage to connect with each other. You can use platforms like SoundBetter or Vampr that specialize in connecting artists for collaboration. Or, you can even just use the classics like Reddit, Instagram, and Twitter to DM artists you want to collaborate with, and start making connection. 

2. Collaborate: Two (or More) Heads are Better Than One

Once you've built relationships with other artists through support, it's time to deepen those bonds through collaboration.

• Contribute Voluntarily: Whether it's lending vocals, playing an instrument, or co-writing, volunteering your skills can lead to beautiful results. It showcases a genuine desire to help and can create unique soundscapes.

• Invite Others to Contribute: As you're open to assisting, be open to receiving help. It can bring a fresh perspective to your music.

• Release and Promote Music Together: Collaboration shouldn't end in the studio. Jointly recording & promoting a project can amplify its reach, tapping into different fanbases and creating a stronger impact.

3. Build a Common Cause: Unifying Through Shared Intent

When artists come together around a common cause, they do more than just create tunes – they spark change. Building a common cause entails identifying shared passions and aligning efforts towards them. Here's how artists can go about it:

• Identify and Align Intent: Before diving into collaborative projects, take time to discuss and pinpoint shared goals and passions. Whether it's championing a particular social cause, promoting a specific genre, or breaking boundaries in the industry, clarity of intent is the first step.
• Share Audiences through Themed Events: Organize and participate in events built around your common cause. It could be a concert to raise awareness about environmental issues or a series of gigs promoting indie music. Such events not only provide a platform for artists but also give fans a holistic experience aligned with the cause.
• Dedicate Proceeds to Shared Causes:  Consider releasing music where a portion of the proceeds goes towards a cause you all believe in. It demonstrates commitment and can make a tangible difference, all while introducing audiences to your unified mission.
• Collaborative Creativity: Beyond events and proceeds, artists can embed the common cause within their music. Collaborate in songwriting, feature each other in tracks, or even produce albums that reflect the shared ethos. The resulting work can resonate more deeply with fans who identify with the cause.
• Support Each Other at Shows:  Show up for each other. Whether it's a joint performance or cheering from the sidelines, mutual support reinforces unity and amplifies the common message you aim to broadcast.

The music industry, while competitive, can also be deeply collaborative. By supporting, collaborating, and fostering a shared scene, artists have the opportunity to not only elevate their careers but also to uplift those around them. 

Remember, in music, as in life, we grow better when we grow together.