I went to a show last night. Attendance was poor. Most people in the audience were long-time friends of the main performer and a few fellow musicians.
So, who’s responsible?
The band? The venue? The organizers?
Let’s start with the band. The musician, although famous yesteryear, ?is not that well known anymore and not in Cape Town. In fact, the group was made up of local musicians brought together to support the headline artist. But in the promotion, there was no mention of those well-known local names—people with their own followings in Cape Town and elsewhere. That feels like a missed opportunity.
The venue? No, that’s not the issue. It’s a reputable spot with a regular music calendar—something happening most nights. People know it.
The organizers? They handle loads of gigs. It’s not realistic to expect them to personally market every act. Bands need to pull their own weight. You can’t just show up and expect a full house. That’s not how it works anymore. The live music scene is saturated. Everyone’s competing for attention.
And here’s the thing—young bands often struggle to draw crowds. So do older musicians. It’s not just about age or experience.
What’s the solution? Hard to say. It’s a mix: the band’s own marketing, the promoter’s reach, and how the event is positioned. But one thing’s clear—bands need to get better at building a following. Email lists. Real-world connections. Not just Instagram likes. A like isn’t a ticket sale. It’s not a “yes, I’m coming.” It’s just… a like.
At the end of the day, some bands click with audiences and some don’t. The ones that do—through talent, hustle, or timing—rise to the top.
