How to Build a Fanbase Without a Major Label (And How We Can Help)
Trying to break through without a label? This guide shows independent dance & electronic music artists how to grow their fanbase faster and smarter.
4 minutes read
In today’s music landscape, you don’t need a major label to grow a loyal, engaged fanbase. With the right strategy, a solid body of work, and the right platforms behind you, independent electronic and dance music artists can connect directly with their audience, build momentum, and sustain careers on their own terms.
Whether you’re making techno, house, dnb, garage or something between the lines, building a fanbase as an independent artist means thinking like both a musician and a strategist. Here’s how you can do it, plus how we can help you get there faster and smarter.
1. Know Your Sound and Who It’s For
The first step is clarity. Artists who grow organically often have a clear identity: a unique sound, a visual style, or a consistent vibe that resonates with a particular community. You don’t need to appeal to everyone!
Ask yourself:
What scenes or subgenres does your music align with?
What kind of events, clubs, or playlists would it fit into?
Who are your peers, and what are they doing right?
When you know who your music is for, you can spend less time casting a wide net and more time building something real.
2. Release Music Strategically
Consistency helps build recognition, but timing and strategy matter more than quantity. Think about how and where you’re releasing your music:
Use Bandcamp to build direct relationships with fans.
Distribute to Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube to reach broader audiences.
Leverage SoundCloud and Audius for experimental drops or community sharing.
Consider releasing with niche or independent labels to expand your reach.
Next Sound helps you get your tracks in front of the right ears through promotion on our platform, exposing your music to thousands of real dance & electronic music fans who are actively looking for something new. That visibility is critical when you’re building from the ground up.
3. Put Your Tracks in the Right Places
One of the biggest challenges for independent artists is discoverability. Great music is only part of the equation, you need to get it in front of people who will actually care.
This is where Next Sound’s Personalised Research Package comes in. It’s a tailor-made service that gives you:
A list of Spotify playlists that match your sound
YouTube channels that spotlight emerging artists
Relevant radio shows and stations
Contact info for tastemakers and platforms you can submit to
It’s more than a list, it’s a curated roadmap designed specifically for your music. No scams. No bot plays. No wasted effort. Just authentic, organic reach.
4. Avoid the Numbers Trap
Buying followers, streams, or plays might boost your numbers, but it won’t build real fans. Worse, it can hurt your credibility with platforms, promoters, and curators who check for authenticity.
Focus instead on:
Real engagement
Meaningful interactions
Platforms that prioritise human curation
Next Sound helps you sidestep all the bot traps by putting your music in front of real listeners, people who actually follow scenes, attend events, and care about emerging talent.
5. Build a Presence Beyond the Music
Fans want to know who you are beyond the music. A consistent, engaging presence on social media and creative platforms helps you tell your story, connect with your audience, and stay visible between releases.
If you’re not sure where to start, Next Sound also offers:
Social media promotion
Content creation
Press release writing & EPKs
From short-form videos to editorial writeups, having a media toolkit built around your brand can massively increase your chances of being taken seriously; not just by fans, but also by booking agents, radio DJs, and playlist curators.
6. Leverage Community
One of the biggest advantages of being independent is having the freedom to build with others. Look for:
Artist collectives
Niche label rosters
Online radio stations
Open-call compilations
Local promoters and DIY events
Every interaction is an opportunity to expand your circle. Word-of-mouth is still powerful, especially in underground scenes.
Next Sound is plugged into a growing community of listeners, creators, and curators. When you work with us, you’re not just buying services, you’re entering a network designed to support independent artists like yourself.
7. Think Long-Term
Building a fanbase takes time. But every track, every post, every connection adds up. The more consistently you show up and stay true to your sound, the more likely it is you’ll build something real and lasting.
With the right support system, you don’t have to do it alone.
Ready to grow your fanbase?
Next Sound is here to help you break through the noise, reach real fans, and take the next step in your career, without the gatekeepers.
From targeted promotion and press outreach to playlist research and community exposure, everything we do is designed to help independent dance & electronic music artists thrive.
Reach out to us to find out more!
