Tip Two: Fans

Fans are the most important people in your life. They buy your music, become street teams, fan clubs, and sometimes wind up working for the band. Without fans buying your album how will record companies see a shift in sales toward your music, which can lead to them signing you? Never forget that the "little people" lift you up and just as easily can pull you back down. I've seen artists (who shall not be named) who at their own concerts proceeded to berate and attack the audience because they figured they were big enough to get away with it. In one particular case the band was lucky and despite their stupidity it didn't hurt them much so far as sales went, but it did lower the tone of the show and angered some of the fans. If people don't leave the show happy, how likely are they to respect you and continue to buy your merchandise? This can be hard later on if you manage to make it big, but always try to get to know your fans and stay open to new ideas they may have to offer. If you listen to what they have to say you'll probably find more than a few good ideas to get your music out to the general public, and you may even gain a new perspective on things that you yourself are unsure of. Besides which, people like being listened to, especially when it comes to their idols. Never miss an opportunity to sit down and have a Q&A or autograph session to meet them.