LIGHT SHOWS MAKE CORE FANS
We can't just look at other artists and copy what they're doing. It doesn't feel true and it's why the term 'industry plant' is trending. When it's time for an emerging artist to add visuals to their live shows, that's the moment to really dig in and find what they want to say. It's ok for lighting and visuals to be imperfect - sometimes that's even better - but as long as they show emotional intention and feel true to who the artist is, the impact will reach the right fans
Not all fans are equal. The idea of a "core fan" emerged recently to describe fans who are engaged with the artist, people who will be at the first shows and influence others to listen. These are the people who will notice thoughtful details and engage with deeper messages in the show.
Intimate shows are an opportunity to forge the bond with these "core fan" types. Bringing something special and unexpected is a way to create lasting memories. This can be done by steer the emotional impact of the show to stand out from other artists doing something similar.
An impactful light show, like a fragrance, can't be faithfully captured by a phone. Camera sensors and the human eye see things differently. When you are at a live show, colors are more vivid, light beams are projected around you, and human performers catch their light, creating dynamically moving shadows in the haze. Suddenly you're aware of the crowd, of yourself, and of the shared appreciation of the music with others around you. It can be a borderline magical experience that can only ever be hinted at by content, no matter how many phones capture it live.
Still, in our culture it is increasingly the case that people pull out a camera in order to experience something more deeply - the phones held high in the crowd, like the lighters of generations past, are a symbol of engagement with the show. If you have an impactful lighting package, fans will see clips on social media of your live shows and know something is unique and special there, but the only way they will get the full experience is to see it in person.
Notice we are saying impactful - impact doesn’t have to mean scale. Some of the most effective rigs at this breakout stage are budget-friendly and minimal, chosen because they serve the story, not because they max out the rental budget.It doesn't need to be expensive, we just need to have a conversation. As a team specifically focused on show design for emerging artists we understand that budget is on your mind. We have had great success building a show from the ground floor and later watching those same artists step into arena. We encourage artist to invest in the future of your show, but often the solution is more simple than you might think.
A designed light show also offers consisency. A defined show lets an artist land in any venue with a sense of how the show will feel, which allows them to focus on the performance instead of adjusting to random house lighting. That reliability creates confidence and confidence translates directly to stage presence. Fans feel the difference when artists are in control rather than reacting to surprises from an unfamiliar board op.
WHEN’S THE NEXT SHOW?
Lighting is no longer a luxury line-item… it’s a storytelling tool that turns casual listeners into lifelong supporters. Dive deep, decide what your live show should say, and let the visuals speak for you.
Need help shaping that story? Duck Lights offers a free 20-minute consultation to map out a lighting plan that’s true to you and friendly to your wallet. Let’s turn first-time listeners into core fans.