Adapted from Academia.edu and AI narrated (not my usual narration! - just a test!)

Navigating Identity, Music Theory, and Mental Health in the Indie Music Scene: An LGBTQ+ Perspective

Are you tired of grinding for streams that barely pay the bills? In this episode of Marketing for New Musicians, we dive into the Superfan Strategy—why focusing on a small, highly engaged audience can turn your passion into a sustainable music career.

This episode explains how online hate can actually help new musicians grow. Algorithms don’t understand emotion; they only track data such as clicks, comments, shares, and watch time. When trolls attack your music, they still create engagement. That activity can make platforms test and promote your content to more people.

Trolls often share links to mock you, which increases visibility. Their comments, arguments, and repeat views add momentum. If your real fans also join the conversation, the engagement loop looks like healthy growth to the algorithm.

The smart move is to stay calm and confident. A light response like “Thanks for the engagement” removes their power and shows your fans that you are in control. Trolls want a reaction; refusing to give them one while acknowledging the algorithmic benefit frustrates them and strengthens your image.

In the long run, real supporters and consistent quality still matter most. Troll activity only gives a short burst of attention, but that spark can help new listeners discover your music. Hate creates visibility; silence creates obscurity.