RIP T-Shirts and CDs: Why Your Band Needs to Get Creative with Merch
The Death of the Band T-Shirt: What Rock and Metal Fans Really Want.
Groundbreaking news for all you bands out there - it's time to stop making t-shirts and CDs.
Now, before you start throwing your picks at me, hear me out. I know you're thinking "But Chelf, we've been making t-shirts and CDs for years, how else are we supposed to promote our music and make some dough?" Well, my friends, the times have changed, and so have the preferences of your fans.
Photo by Karina Tess on Unsplash
Let's start with CDs.
Do you know anyone who actually buys them anymore? With the rise of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, CDs have become obsolete.
So what do rock and metal fans want? Something collectible, something unique, something that shows off their dedication to their favorite bands. And what fits the bill better than vinyl records or casette tapes? They may be old-school, but they're making a comeback, and they're the perfect way to showcase your music in a tangible, high-quality format.
Now, let's move on to t-shirts.
Sure, they used to be cool, but we all have too many of them, and they add no real value to our lives. Fans want something different, something that stands out from the crowd. How about custom bandanas? Or enamel pins? Or even guitar picks with your band logo on them? These items are not only more unique, but they're also more practical - you can wear a bandana or use a guitar pick every day, but you can't wear the same band t-shirt every day (unless you want to be known as that guy).
What to sell instead.
Photo by Karina Tess on Unsplash
Let’s go crazy for a minute. If money wasn’t an issue, what would you like to produce and sell?
Whatever you came up with, might worth the investment. As a band manager I would rather you have ten limited edition hand-painted leather jackets featuring the band's logo and artwork that will cost you more to make but will sell out like hot buns, than see you carry boxes full of unsold t-shirts from live show to live show. It sounds undoable? It’s not. You go get ten vintage leather jackets from the thrift store and ask a local artist to draw on them. Boom! Unique Merch.
Speaking of art you could also make Limited Edition Art Prints: Collaborating with a talented artist to create limited edition art prints featuring the band's album art, logos, or even lyrics could be a great way to offer something special to fans. These prints could be autographed by the band members, numbered, and framed, making them a high-quality and valuable piece of art that fans could display in their homes.
Craft Beer: Creating a signature craft beer could be a fun and unique way for metal bands to connect with fans. Partnering with a local brewery to create a beer that reflects the band's style and attitude could create a buzz among fans and beer enthusiasts alike. The beer could even feature the band's name, album art, or lyrics on the label, making it a collectible item as well. Or maybe wine, depending on where you live.
Shot Glasses: For fans who like to party like rockstars, shot glasses featuring the band's logo or design make for a great addition to their collection. They're functional, affordable, and make a great conversation starter. You can get those at the same store you’d get the t-shirts by the way.
Digital Goodies
Digital Sheet Music - For bands with a strong instrumental focus, digital sheet music can be a great option. Fans can purchase digital copies of sheet music for their favorite songs and learn to play them on their own.
Exclusive Content - Bands can create exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes footage, live performances, and interviews with the band members. Fans can pay to access this content and get a behind-the-scenes look at the band.
Virtual Meet and Greets - With the rise of online communication tools, bands can offer virtual meet and greet sessions where fans can interact with the band members and ask them questions.
Mobile Apps - Bands can create mobile apps that offer exclusive content, music streaming, and other features to fans. This can be a great way to engage with fans and offer them a unique experience.
So there you have it, folks - the verdict is in. It's time to ditch the CDs and t-shirts and start producing some truly innovative and collectible merchandise. Your fans will thank you for it, and you might just make some extra cash while you're at it.
Until the next one,
Chelf
