Inside Sleeve - Imagine this…
This week, we've been talking a lot about what Sleeve will ultimately become. We have some great things in the works. One key vision is helping artists share unique, engaging content with their 1,000 true fans and enabling fans to support the artists they love. Imagine a product that does just that... and more.
This is a perfect chance to explore fan building. We'll kick off with a cool case study and finish up with a super simple yet powerful tool: your trusty notebook.
Tuesday Trends - Fan Building 101 — The Fred Again Magic
Feeling overwhelmed about building your fanbase? Let’s break it down with the Fred Again playbook. Try some of these tips, and let us know how it works.
Engage Your Superfans
Fred got his biggest fans together on Discord and had them throw 18 launch parties worldwide. These superfans became his biggest promoters, sharing his album a day early.
Create Exclusive Experiences
Before his major concerts, Fred plays intimate gigs for a select few. This makes his fans feel super special and valued.
Involve Your Fans in the Creative Process
Fred’s fans aren’t just listeners; they’re co-creators. They vote on tracks, suggest venues, and even help with video ideas. On Discord and Reddit, fans share tips on how to get into his pop-up shows. These shows sell out arenas with just three days’ notice and zero ad spend, all thanks to direct fan engagement.
Fred’s approach isn’t cookie-cutter, but it follows some key principles: build direct relationships, be real, reward your fans, get them involved, create unforgettable moments, make them the stars, and bring people together. This strengthens his bond with fans and creates unique, memorable experiences. I stumbled on his story in Rob Abelow’s newsletter – definitely worth a read!
Building a community is crucial today, and if you do it right, it creates a buzz that cuts through all the noise. So, start by nurturing your community, and then watch it grow. Got any cool fan-building stories or tips? Share them with us!
Random Reflections - Let Your Notebook Travel
I had a cool chat this week with my buddy and music guru from New York, Nathan Felix. I asked if he had a newsletter. He said, “Great question… why don’t I have a newsletter? I have a blog on my site, but I should be sending it out, you’re right.” He’s not alone – most artists and bands I know, even those who sell out shows and have loyal fans, don’t really know their audience. Who’s at the shows, buying the merch, or chatting about their music?
One old-school tool still rocks in the digital age: the personal mailing list. It might be retro, but there's nothing like that direct connection. It's your lifeline to your audience.
I used to carry a beat-up notebook everywhere – concerts, festivals, coffee shops. Every contact wasn’t just a name; it was a connection, a potential collaborator, or a future fan who might bring friends to a gig. This direct channel is unfiltered, letting you share your music, releases, and stories in the most authentic way.
If you don’t have one, grab a notebook and jot down those connections. Start collecting stories, fans, and friends today.
Stay tuned,
Anna
