We have all heard about the terrible plight that has afflicted the music industry. The downloading reality has eroded the massive profit margins of Record Agencies and the Recording Industry of America resembles more of a rabid raccoon backed into a corner, than a pillar of the economy.
Far below the legal briefs, press releases and lawsuits a new breed is growing, alive and well. Cheered on by fans strewn about the world, brought together by the love that exists between artist and fan and of course, the internet.
They are modern age buskers. Their street corner is your house, your office, your bedroom. They are digital street musicians, untouched by social stigma that afflicts their Down Town counterparts.
Like Buskers, their music is free. The money they make depends on how well they capture the attention and move the hearts of passing ear drums. Bad music is remedied by a quick click in the other direction.Check out Ingrid Michaelson recent success or how about these local guys The Get Down Syndrome , who have used Facebook to their advantage!
Anyone can stand on the corner. Myspace and blog platforms have ensured that, while taking it miles further. Potential Audience, 1 billion people (though a few thousand is all that is required)
Kevin Kelly has an interesting perspective, he writes,
“[An Artist] needs to acquire only 1,000 True Fans to make a living.
A True Fan is defined as someone who will purchase anything and everything you produce. They will drive 200 miles to see you sing. They will buy the super deluxe re-issued hi-res box set of your stuff even though they have the low-res version. They have a Google Alert set for your name. They bookmark the eBay page where your out-of-print editions show up. They come to your openings. They have you sign their copies. They buy the t-shirt, and the mug, and the hat. They can’t wait till you issue your next work. They are true fans.”
Social Media has allowed musicians everywhere to reach out and capture attention, serenade or damage eardrums and take a step closer to making a living.
As O’Reilly put it, “Piracy is not the problem, obscurity is” O’Reilly
-
Enjoyed the post? Why not let me know, comment below! or Subscribe to this blog for thoughts, strategies and insight on Social Media Marketing.
{ 0 comments… add one now }