Independent artists sacrifice time, energy and money to share their music with the world. Operating without the constraints of a major label provides artistic freedom, offering a much needed break from mainstream monotony. The freedom that comes with being an independent artist also means not having the financial support of a big machine spending massive amounts of money to market their music. Taking a few minutes to do any of these things can go a long way to help them continue to create fresh sounds, enriching the musical landscape.

16 Ways to Support Independent Music #SupportIndieMusicChallenge

1) Listen to an indie artist's new song

Taking a moment to press play can mean a lot. Artists create for their voice to be heard and you taking time to listen is important.

2) Share an indie artist's music

Sharing their work is a great way to get their music to more listeners. Without the marketing support of a major label, every share helps to potentially increase their fan base.

3) Visit an indie artist's website

Checking out an artist’s website to see what they’re up to and browsing their content is impactful. The web traffic lets them know people care about what they create.

4) Comment on an indie artist's music

Taking time to comment on a song lets the artist know that you listened and can improve the song’s performance within the platform’s algorithms.

5) Subscribe to an indie artist's YouTube channel

Hitting the subscribe button is a major way to encourage an artist. It lets them know that you value their work and helps boost their stats.

6) Buy an indie artist's song or project

Purchasing music from an artist enables them to be paid for their work without having to accumulate streams over time and then wait to receive royalties from streaming services.

7) Join an indie artist's mailing list

Subscribing to an artists mailing list lets them know you are interested in what they do and provides them a direct way to communicate with you. This allows them to bypass the algorithms of social media and keep you informed of upcoming music and events.

8) Share inspiring words with an indie artist

Encouragement for an artist can go a long way with keeping them motivated. Kind words at the right time can give them the boost that they need to press forward and share their unique gift with the world.

9) "Like" an indie artist's music post

Simply hitting the “like” button can offer encouragement as well as improving their performance in the platform’s algorithms. A gesture that only takes a second can have a huge impact.

10) Attend an indie artist's local live show

Showing up to a live show is monumental way to support independent music. It demonstrates to the artist, promoters, and the venue that you value independent music , which will encourage them to continue to provide live local entertainment. Live local entertainment is vital to a thriving community.

11) Share an indie artist's event

Sharing the event whether you are able to attend or not helps broaden the artist’s promotional reach.

12) Follow an indie artist on a music streaming platform

Following an artist on a streaming platform gives their stats a boost while letting them know that you appreciate their talent.

13) Follow an indie artist's fan page

Following an artist’s fan page on social media increases their stats and offers them another way to connect with you to inform you of new music and events.

14) Buy merch from an indie artist

Buying merchandise from an artist puts money into their pockets and shows that you endorse their efforts.

15) Connect an indie artist with allies from your network

Link up an artist with someone you know that works in a field related to theirs such as photography, videography, shirt-printing, etc. Making the connection can help both friends expand their network and in turn they will be grateful to you.

16) Ask an indie artist how you can help

Asking an artist in what ways you can help their career lets them know you want to see them succeed. Just making that gesture provides necessary encouragement.