While I certainly agree in principle, it can be tough to make it out to other people's shows if you're a steady gigging musician. On top of that, when you finally do have a night off, often times you don't want to spend it in the same bars/venues you already spend most of your time in.

However, you can show your support in other ways as well. I try to help promote my friends' gigs even if they are playing at the same time as us in a different venue. A simple post on Facebook is all it takes and many times those bands/venues will reciprocate and promote your gigs in the future. You can do the same to help promote a band's new album or single. We also have a local website that follows the local music scene and I try to help them with updating the gig calendar as well as writing small articles and reviews when I have time.

If you actually do make it out to another local band's gig, let other people know about it! Check in on social media sites. Invite a group of friends and family to come with you, especially if those people typically don't go out much. Then when you are at the show, be engaged! Get up front by the stage! Clap for the band when they finish a song! Sometimes all it takes is one enthusiastic person to get the entire room involved and trust me, the band will remember you for it.

Another thing I always try to do when I attend a show is get a few good video clips on my phone, usually a short clip that I can quickly post on Facebook while I'm there, and then a longer one to send to the band later. Helping bands out with simple promotional material like this is a very easy thing to do and something I think most local acts greatly appreciate.

Regardless, the one thing you should never do is talk trash about other bands. Local musicians and venue bookers talk to each other and word will get around. You don't have to like or even respect their music, but there's no reason to belittle it, especially to other people within the scene. Just keep it to yourself as it only makes you seem jealous and petty.