Introducing Flock (no, it isn’t a band)

By Ryan G

I contemplated putting a click bait title on this post because writing about a new online service isn’t as sexy as writing about a band, in theory.

But we’re gonna talk about something I was introduced to early this year. Something called Flock. Which is worth your time. Especially if you’re an independent artist.

I’m not trying to sell anyone anything. Tuned Up used to be more about up and coming industry trends (outside the bands themselves) when we first started and every once in awhile I like to post about something random that piques my interest.

Flock, to put it simply, is an network that incentivizes show trades. It makes it a game.

Bands join the network and can earn points by having an out of town band also on Flock hop on their next hometown show. The larger the expected attendance, the more points the hosting band earns. Bands can then use those points to bid on shows of their choosing in other cities. The idea is that bands who have helped out more bands in their hometown stand a higher chance of landing high profile shows out of town, since those with a higher expected attendance will (probably) have more artists bidding, and a higher amount of points will be needed to win.

I like this idea because it rewards bands helping each other out. It doesn’t lend itself perfectly to every market but I don’t think Flock is claiming to be a one size fits all solution to the DIY grind. Also, I wonder if there would be a way to curate who is in the database. I don’t know if this exists, but there should be a way to make Flock a privilege that’s a function of band etiquette. Also, I think the model opens itself to criticism that the service rewards groups with popularity over “good” artists that fall under the radar. However, the industry does tend to reward those with hustle and connections, so Flock is reflective of the real world in that sense.

I’m excited to see how the services continues to grow. Check out their intro video below:

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1 Comment

  1. John O'Connor

    First off, thanks a ton for the kind words! On the topic of curation, we’re 100% on the same page and crowdsourced that piece via a star rating after each show, where the host will rate the guest and vice versa. Etiquette and expectations are weighed heavily, so if a band fails on both of those counts often enough, their low star rating will be a big red flag to other bands to really make them think twice about adding that poorly rated band to their upcoming show.

    Again, thanks a lot for the writeup, we’re equal parts thrilled and humbled that other people in the music scene see the same value in banding together that we do!

    John
    Cofounder @ Flock

    Reply

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