Music Festivals

Lately I have been discussing with friends which music festivals we will want to attend in the Summer of 2009. I love to attend festivals with friends because they are a perfect way to get away for a few days and be surrounded by music. Something that has come to my attention about these events is that they include headliners that most people have heard of but also have new artists that can be discovered. This is a great way for musicians to be heard because at a festival there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of people who just love music. Initially someone may decide to attend a festival to see their favorite bands but they are soon introduced to others.
With the numerous stages set up there is plenty of opportunity to see many different bands. The festival has a set schedule and a map of the stages so that you can find the music that you want. Often in the process of searching for a stage you come upon another one and like what you hear; or.. if nothing that you like or have heard of is playing you may just pick a random band from the schedule to check out and realize that you love their sound. Festivals are a great way to see the bands that you love and also discover new ones. Based on your discovery you will tell all of your friends about your experience and these bands now have a positive word of mouth from their performance at the festival.
Entering into a music festival is a smart move for artists! It is just like a film festival.. those that want their movies to be seen by many enter their work into a film festival where many will see it and make an assessment. It is hard to be heard out of the blue so although it may seem like you are competing with the "big dogs" who are headlining the event.. it shows that you have confidence in your music and others will appreciate that and want to listen. I know from experience that I have discovered a lot of new music at festivals and those bands are recognized for that and are becoming more and more successful.