43. How to Build a Real Fanbase (Not Just Streams), with Quinn McGraw of PARIAH

Ep.43: Building a real fanbase isn’t about going viral. It’s about being seen and learning how to grow sustainably. In this episode of “loves music”, I sit down with Quinn McGraw, the force behind PARIAH, to unpack how genuine connection is built long before the numbers catch up. We talk about how PARIAH cultivated a devoted community of “Seekers” by leading with honesty, direct engagement, and story-driven content, not gimmicks or empty hype. Quinn shares how Swan Song emerged from grief, addiction, depression, and spiritual collapse, and why those experiences became the foundation for music that feels like a place to land rather than a product to consume. We also dig into the reality of being both an artist and a content creator, why ads only work when there’s already a spark, and how meaningful fan relationships are often forged in the unglamorous, unseen moments. If you’re trying to move beyond surface-level growth and build something that actually lasts, this conversation offers a grounded blueprint.We Chat About:Why emo metal / post-metalcore gives Quinn the full emotional spectrum he needs to writeThe “Find Him / Keep Seeking” mythos and what it actually representsBeing an outcast, and choosing to build a home instead of trying to fit inThe difference between art and the music business (and why merging them breaks people)How PARIAH grew fast: storytelling via short-form + digital ads that amplify momentumSurviving the “deafening silence” between releases (and why most artists quit there)Why touring is expensive audience growth (and what Quinn’s focusing on first)Redefining success: arenas vs. spending most of your time doing what you loveAbout PARIAH:All who seek will find. PARIAH is the solo project of Quinn McGraw — a sonic exorcism born from grief, addiction, depression, and spiritual collapse. Blending alt-metal, post-metalcore, and cinematic dark pop, PARIAH creates a sacred space to fall apart, for the faithless, the lost, and those still screaming in silence. It’s ‘heavy music for heavy hearts,’ as Quinn states. Already featured on Revolver Magazine and official Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and VEVO playlists , PARIAH is quickly amassing a devoted following known as ‘Seekers’ that are drawn to the project’s raw catharsis and brutal honesty. With every track, we are invited to find our voice again and to find the light when we wander in the dark. He is waiting. Find Him.Connect with PARIAH:Start here (all links in one place): Find PARIAH on LinktreeFollow + join the Seekers on Instagram: @findthepariah on InstagramWatch + subscribe on YouTube: PARIAH on YouTubeCatch the short-form content on TikTok: @findthepariah on TikTokOther Resources:Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBgCheck out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RLThis podcast is managed by Wildwave PodcastingMusic Mentioned in this Episode:Songs:Swan Song — PARIAHThe Wanderer — PARIAHIt’s Escaping Me — PARIAHPendulum — PARIAHWanderer (feat. Trevor / Heal the Hurt) — PARIAH (feature discussed in convo)Albums & Projects:Swan Song (EP) — PARIAHThe Black — EminenceArtists & Bands:PARIAHEminenceTrenchHeal the HurtSleeping Giant / Holy NameMetallicaCreedLinkin ParkPost MaloneFetty Wap