What makes a concert special? One might think that every show is the exact same. It turns out, it’s the fans who make a concert experience as special and touching as it is. In this episode of Fan Power, host Carly Glass breaks down how fans can transform the environment in their own various ways, shaping concert culture in the process.

Fans are reshaping what it means to attend a concert, from fan-led traditions such as Taylor Swift’s friendship bracelets phenomenon and massive collective fan projects during shows to personal touches of creativity across signs, outfits, and social media content unique to every show. Carly also discusses the unexpected impact fans can have on local economies and businesses at each tour stop, showing how fan power has an impact beyond music and the industry.

Topic #1: Creating Concert Culture [1:13]

Carly will be walking through traditions and fan projects that have spread across concert culture and made recent tours feel like once-in-a-lifetime moments to be a part of. They not only create a unique experience for the fans in the room, but they also create a special show where fans demonstrate their dedication, support, and care to the artist as well.

Topic #2: Capturing Creativity [7:17]

Fans don’t simply show up to a show. They make it a fun experience by getting creative to develop unique signs, handmade outfits or costumes, spins on styling traditions within fandoms, and social media content to share their crafts or experiences regarding a specific concert. Every show truly becomes a shared collective experience of art developed by a variety of people, all gathering to celebrate music.

Topic #3: Fueling Local Economies [10:02]

Concert weekends are huge for business in an area of a show due to the enthusiasm of fans to travel and have a full experience. Regardless of the show’s size, fans drive real revenue across shops, hotels, restaurants, and more across cities worldwide.

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and listen to more from Fan Power by checking out our main podcast page! Each episode will bring a unique aspect to the power of fans in the music industry. Thanks for tuning in!

Episode Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2457607/episodes/17015380

Feel free to reach out to me if you want to have a personal chat on fan power in the industry, or have any topic suggestions for the next episode at carly.glass23@gmail.com.

Do you ever wonder why fans are as passionate as they are? Why do they feel so personally connected to the artists that they listen to? In this episode of Fan Power, host Carly Glass discusses the psychology behind being a passionate fan.

With the natural human need for connection, fans can find many of those through the music, the artist, and the fandom itself. While developing a sense of identity, belonging, and empathy, fans can also connect emotionally, create bonds that could last a lifetime, and become a part of something much bigger than themselves.

Topic #1: Belonging & Identity [1:07]

One of the biggest aspects of being a fan is the sense of community, belonging, and identity felt in such a large shared experience. Carly dives into the psychology behind why fans feel the way that they do, and her first-hand experience of these feelings.

Topic #2: Emotional Impact [4:19]

Not only does the music itself create an emotional connection, but so does the connection with the artist and fellow fans. Engagement with all of these results in more empathy, dopamine release, escapism and relatability regarding personal struggles, and a stronger connection with others while also lowering stress and anxiety.

Topic #3: Parasocial Relationships [7:20]

Such a connection can reach the point of a parasocial relationship, where a fan may feel a sense of friendship or more with the artist. This potentially toxic mindset could be the origin behind the outside view of fans as obsessive and extreme.

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and listen to more from Fan Power by checking out our main podcast page! Each episode will bring a unique aspect to the power of fans in the music industry. Thanks for tuning in!

Episode Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2457607/episodes/16932353

Feel free to reach out to me if you want to have a personal chat on fan power in the industry, or have any topic suggestions for the next episode at carly.glass23@gmail.com.