A Guide to Support Your Favorite Indie Artist (Beyond Just Streaming)

You hear a song. It hits different. You check out the artist—small following, no big label backing them, just raw talent and a dream. You think, “Damn, more people should know about this.” So, you do what everyone does. You stream their song. Again and again. Maybe even add it to your playlist. Feels like you’re helping, right? 

But the truth is that streaming barely pays artists anything. Most indie musicians make fractions of a rupee per play on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. If you really want to support your favorite artist and help them keep making music, you have to go beyond just pressing play. Here’s how:  

1. Buy Their Merch 

T-shirts, hoodies, posters, vinyl, whatever they’re selling, buy it if you can. Unlike streaming, where artists earn almost nothing, merch gives them direct money. Plus, you get cool stuff to flex your music taste. Win-win.  

2. Go to Their Shows 

Concert tickets are one of the biggest income sources for indie artists. Even if it’s a small gig at a café or a local venue, show up. A packed venue means more energy, more exposure, and more money for them. 

3. Buy Their Music on Bandcamp (Or Any Platform That Pays Them Directly) 

Spotify streams bring in only a small amount for artists, but platforms like Bandcamp, SoundCloud, Beatport, and Tidal let you buy music directly from them. Some artists even let you pay what you want, so if you love their work, throw in a little extra. 

4. Follow, Share, and Hype Them Up Online 

Indie artists don’t have giant marketing budgets. They rely on word-of-mouth. Follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube—wherever they post. Share their music on your stories, WhatsApp groups, or even just send a link to a friend. Leave nice comments on their posts. Sounds small, but it helps more than you think. 

5. Buy Their Music for a Project (If You Can) 

If you’re making a short film, podcast, ad, or even a wedding video, use their music instead of royalty-free stock tracks. Artists get paid for this, and it helps their music reach new audiences. 

6. Join Their Crowdfunding or Fan Subscription Programs 

Some artists have Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, or other platforms where fans can subscribe for exclusive content, early song releases, and personal interactions. Even a small monthly amount can make a difference. 

7. Request Their Songs on the Radio or at Cafés & Bars 

If you want to help an indie artist get noticed, request their music at radio stations, cafés, bars, or even gigs. If more people hear their songs in public spaces, their fan base grows. 

8. Buy a Physical Album (If They Have One) 

Yes, we all stream music, but physical albums still make money. If an indie artist releases a vinyl, CD, or even a limited edition digital album, buy it. These sales go straight into their pockets. 

You don’t have to do everything on this list. Even one small action makes a difference. Indie artists don’t have record labels pushing them to the top. They have us—the fans. 

So, next time you hear a song you love, don’t just stream it and move on. Hype it. Buy it. Show up for the artist. Because good music deserves to survive.