It is such an easy trap for musicians to fall into. You play your local scene ALL THE TIME. Your shows are packed. It feels good, right?
Well, now take a look around the room. How many people in your audience do you personally know? Whether you have been playing the same places for so long that your audience has become your friends or the bulk of your audience was actually in your social circle to begin with, looking out at a sea of familiar faces can be particularly damaging to your music career. And no, not just because it makes the guest list a nightmare (though it does - you know your friends don't want to pay that cover charge!).
To make progress, you've got to get some strangers in on the action. Sure, it may feel a little bit like starting from scratch when you go from hometown heroes to next-town-over unknowns, but unless you're constantly appealing to new fans, you're spinning your wheels.
So, consider it - next time you're booking a show, try out a new place with some new faces. Here's why. Need some help casting your gig net into new waters? These articles will help: