But It’s Still Not Happening
We have all said it a million times. We all know that blogging helps musicians spread news about what they are up to. News that people want to read, people want to know, and people want to keep checking back for. Record labels are trying to figure out how to get their artists to blog. Managers are begging their artists to blog. Even their road managers, at times, are harassing them to blog. But it’s still not happening. I wonder why not.
So far today five hundred and ninety nine people have come here. Five hundred and ninety nine people. To read what? About my beef with DVD previews? Not necessarily. But they came, and they engaged. Well, some of them did. Others just stopped in and read it and left because it was something they didn’t care about. And it’s not because they saw me on some stage or heard one of my songs on the radio. Now imagine if they had.
Several artist have told me that they don’t know what to blog about. Neither does anyone else. I never know. I just wait to see what the day has for me. I never blog ahead. I always blog whatever pops into my head when I am at the computer. Either that or something pops in there and I remember it until I get a chance to sit down and get it out. I think artists are afraid to do that. I think several artists are afraid to sound unprofessional or like they are regular people. But if people wanted to hear you say something “professional” they would buy a CD or read some interview that you did. They don’t want adds that the label is going to sell them, they want to know who you are. So there goes that excuse.
Another excuse is that they don’t have time. I have been on enough tours to know that’s not true. When an artist is on tour there are literally hours spent doing “nothing”. And by “nothing” I mean, playing video games, watching movies, shopping, reading, sleeping… the list goes on. There is no reason any musician can’t take twenty minutes out of their four hour work day and blog about the city they are in, the checkout guy at the deli they had lunch at, the way they are missing their kids, or how the show went the night before. Twenty minutes and people are captivated. Twenty minutes and people will come back for more the next day.
Why do you want them to come back everyday? Well, why do you want them to buy tickets to your shows? Because you have something they want. You have something to say that they want to hear. And they have told you that. You are putting yourself on small pieces of plastic and spending thousands of dollars in a studio to record your words for others to hear and sings and read, but you won’t take twenty minutes a day to give them more of what people want. This is your job. And that’s what it is. A job.
Not to mention the people that haven’t heard of you. The concept is the same as being on a radio station morning show, being on some late night talk show to play a song, or doing interviews for magazines. Except this is from the comfort of your own home or tour bus or hotel, and the reach is world wide and instant.”But there’s no profit in blogging.” Okay. Show of hands. How many people went to Jon Foreman’s site the other day when I blogged it? Get those hands up. And how many people bought the CD? And that was just from some guy saying, “Hey, check this out”. Now imagine if Jon Foreman was blogging everyday about what he was working on and involved thousands of people in that process. Then what? Sounds like profit to me. Again, sounds a little like a job, huh?
Now there are some artists out there that are doing it well. I know John Mayer has a pretty cool blog. Shaun, obviously has used his blog for quite some time in a great way. Mark with Third Day keeps theirs up pretty regularly. The Jars guys do okay, though it’s been a month and a half since we have heard from them there. Some guys that really get it are the Spur58 guys. I know of two of the members that I link to on this blog and though we have never met we talk pretty regularly. They update regularly and talk about things other than when the single is being released. To me there is really no excuse why an artist blog can’t be updated at least every other day. Especially when there is more than one guy in a band. Seriously. Five guys, there’s five days a week right there. For you solo guys? Sure take every other day, but you know you could more.
So there’s my rant. Sorry it’s so long. I didn’t mean for it to be, but for some reason it annoys me that artists aren’t taking advantage of this wacky new thing called the internet to promote themselves but are still trying to figure out a way to deal with slipping record sales because of the internet. Well here’s a solution. Give people something they can’t burn onto a disk. A window into who the person they are singing along with in their car is. That way they tell their friends and then buy your stuff. It’s that simple.What artists are out there that you wish were either blogging more, or blogging at all?
haha, I love reading blogs. Both from people I’ve never met or maybe just shook their hand at a concert. I think it’s just because I’m addicted to people though. I’m a huge fan of Shaun’s blog, and I especially like the videos taken in the car–speaking of which, when do you guys hit the road together again?
I also like David Crowder’s blog, but EmpriseTV hasn’t been getting much action since their tour ended.
A lot of bands that I like blog on myspace, but I’m kinda against myspace. They’ve got some pretty awful ads up everywhere.
I think the real reasons for bands not blogging would have to either be not having the time (because they’re spending it with their friends and/or family) or that they don’t want annoying fangirls bothering them. I usually get viewed by bands as one of those, though they are just stereotyping based on my age. I couldn’t care less what they look like, if I’m going to a concert it’s because I like the music!
Bands I would like to see blogging more? I think I would enjoy seeing Sanctus Real blogging… Mainstay, American Accent, Rush of Fools… though to be fair to those bands, I really haven’t checked for their blogs online. I find out about most of the band blogs I go to from friends or from other blogs.
I did go to Jon’s site, but as I don’t have an income right now, I did not purchase the cd.
I hear you. Blogging is an incredible tool for artists (just about any business, really) and I’ve also wondered why more haven’t taken advantage of it.
I think that some artists don’t blog because they’ve tried the “Journal” thing and it probably didn’t do much for them. So many people have “Journal” pages on their site that are pretty much just one way communication. There’s no comment functionality, no rss feed and it’s usually embedded in some sort of horrible Flash interface that’s really hard to read and scroll through.
I wonder if more artists need to know how different “Journals” and blogs are.
I personally love blogging, writing them and reading them, as you well know.
But it surprises me when singer/songwriters don’t blog more. I mean, isn’t writing what they “do”? And love? And if their fans love their music, the fans love their writing as well. I enjoy the prose from these people as much as their songs. By loving their songwriting, I, by default, love their thinking (in general). And that comes out in all writing genres. So that is a group of folks I would like to get more blogs from.
But I heard an interesting interview with a female artist saying that she doesn’t like the transformation that the music industry has taken- where the fans do want more than just the music. She said something to the effect of “why do I have to tell people what I ate for breakfast in order for them to want to buy my CD?”. I guess implying that the consumer is not satisfied with just the product, but requires more now.
And being that I am not even borderline famous, I have no idea how to balance that- blogging to keep your fans/readers updated and interested in your work while still feeling like you are maintaining your privacy?
Thoughts on that?
And seriously, you have 599 hits yesterday? Gracious.
I’m not a musician (just a music-lover) and agree with you 100%!!
Proof:
1.) 2mths. ago I had only heard the name “Spur58″. Didn’t know anything about them, hadn’t heard their music…heck, I’m not even their ‘target demographic’ (hs/college students).
I found Bush & Aaron’s blogs thru my sister.
Last week I spent 2hrs. laughing, fellowshiping, being inspired with several of the Spur guys, over some incredible tex-mex while they were here in Houston (see: http://www.timetochange.us/blog/?p=368).
All of this, 100% due to their blogs!!!
While I may not necessarily increase their record sales, I can say that I will be part of their mission efforts in Haiti (100x more important to them than any record sales), down the road, and even blogged about their blogs (http://pourmesomesoul.wordpress.com/2007/11/15/true-joy/) when they were in Peru several weeks ago with Compassion (once again, keeping connected with the people that support them from taking a few minutes to blog).
2.) I knew the Seay family many, many years before I met Brian. How did I finally “meet” him…thru his blog.
Still haven’t “met” him face-to-face, yet I just pledged to his family’s walk-a-thon for Compassion’s Child Survival Program…all because of his blog.
So in a matter of just 2mths., I have given time and money to people that I met….solely thru their blogs….and feel more connected to them and the missional efforts they support, than many people I spend time with on a day-to-day basis!
So Brody is right on…..if you want to connect with a world bigger than your own, reach more people than you ever thought possible, and yes, maybe even make your “ministry” more profitable….blogs work.
Yeah, not only do I wish more artists would blog, I really really wish more of my friends would do it. It’s such a fabulous way to keep up with everyone in a relational way. I mean obviously we can still talk on the phone but the blog feels more like a conversation than mass emails or the like, and it’s a fantastic way to catch up with someone you haven’t heard from in awhile.
I read music artists blogs, but I also read author’s blogs. everyone, please visit my blog, i’d faint if I had 599 hits!
You know what you should do? Hold a seminar on artists blogging. I think its just that so many of us do not know where to start. I for one know that I would be glad to hear more about how to get going.
bought foremans record. you should get at least $.50 for promoting it. when we hanging?
I have to agree with you, Brody. Average people spend more of their average time online than anywhere else, so blogging has huge potential. And I also wish more of my friends would do it. Even once a week.
This a pretty great post my friend! I am inspired to start blogging. How do I set up a word press blog? What are you doing now that the wickham tour is done?
A couple things I want to point out.
Annon4him said “they don’t want annoying fangirls bothering them”
That’s a valid argument, but wouldn’t and couldn’t happen with consistent blogging. It’s hard to control a conversation when the conversation is constantly changing.
Annie mentioned someone saying: “why do I have to tell people what I ate for breakfast in order for them to want to buy my CD”
To that artist I say – Okay don’t. But maybe tell them how much you enjoy coffee and sitting on your porch and having breakfast because you love the cool mornings you are having in Tennessee. You are freaking artists! Use your imagination.
And if that still not something you want to do, then don’t. Watch the consumer change with technology and hold your ground all the way to a “real job”.
Eli. Start at wordpress.com and sign up. Get everything the way you want it, and don’t try to impress people. Just start talking.
Bush. Soon man. Like this week soon.
Andrew Osenga is pretty much one of the best I’ve seen at using his blog. He rebuilt his whole website to center around it. He writes almost every day about pretty much anything, and it helps build his fan base both in loyalty and in financial terms as well.
I can raise my hand to the fact that I followed the Jon Foreman link. I’ve looked up to him/Switchfoot for years as pure genius when it comes to songwriting, but I may not have heard about his solo album if it weren’t for you. I’m buying it this week.
As far as artists that I wish were bloggin/would blog more…I wish that Phil and Crowder would update their blogs more often. I like that Coldplay has taken control of their myspace and website and updates as often as possible from where they are (if Coldplay can handle it, I don’t think anyone has an excuse).
Video blogs are also very good ways to update. It puts faces to names (beyond press and live photos) and it puts more personality behind what they say. Anberlin does this often (they have a web series going right now). It’s fantastic and generates a lot of interest.
And I agree, the fangirl/fanboy thing annoys me to no end. But Brody, you make a good point that consistent blogging can avoid that. And a little help with moderating the blog, perhaps from a road manager.
Good topic!
Yeah, not to mention any names- **she whispers-PHIL WICHKAM**- I second what Brody said! I’m still waiting on the post about the show at 930 Club in DC. I kept up with the blogs daily (both Phil & Brody) during the tour & was so excited to read the one about the concert I actually attended- then nothing… No post, actually since then. Brody was taking care of two children- wifeless & still found the time for his followers… You go with your bad self Brody! Don’y worry Phil- I’m done with the guilt trip & I still love you! Your just too darn cute & talented, we can’t help but to want more of you, your thought, ideas & insights!
Pretty much dead-on. It’s ridiculous how much traffic you can get by saying nothing (I got about 100 hits on my blog the other day from people searching for Dora the Explorer, which I blogged about eight months ago). Just imagine how much interest you can get when you actually have a little something to say. I reviewed Sara Groves’ (the other SG) new album a couple of months ago, and got a ton of traffic from that – imagine if she had written more personally in a blog about how each song was inspired by the people she has met. People (me included) love those kind of stories about real people.
Nathan.
You’re right and I realized after I went to bed last night. I should have mentioned Andy O. He’s right up there at the top of the list as far as using blogs to his advantage.
–
brody, just wanted to say that it’s rad that you always speak so highly of your wife and family and that you always let us know that you’d rather be with them. it’s refreshing and a great testimony.
blessings
Ya…I know who I think should blog more often… it’s been nearly a month since Phil blogged. I think the thing about him, and his blogging, is that he is so real, and the things he says can really impact people. I wonder if he truly knows of the impact.
I love how much you blog!! it amazes me, you are a fine exapmle of how to do it right.. Thanks for keeping it up.. i read yours because im from CA as well..i love music and pictures and i think i know people you know…did you go to CC Auburn?
It’s true you can get hits from anything. I have almost 4,000 hits and I’m boring. Haha.
Anyone can blog if they really try.
I agree with just about everyone! I love this post – well really all of them you post! I love reading your blog, Brody because you talk about everyday things – your wife, children, & just life in general. You’re real – and that’s nice to see in this day and age. I also enjoy reading Shaun’s page – always thought provoking. I used to read Phil’s page but….. also, Aaron Shust’s blog – he uses his myspace blog.
Great post!
To be honest, I enjoy reading anyone’s blog who has an interesting comment on someone else’s blog – if that makes any sense. I think artist’s don’t realize what an asset blogging can be. I know for myself, it’s nice to know that they struggle with some of the same things I do and to be reminded that they are “human” too. It’s keeps me from putting them on a pedestal. Fans are interested in the boring too, not just the glitz and glamor. All this talk about blogging make me feel guilty. I haven’t done a good job with keeping up with mine. Maybe I should work on that
i totally agree…for me it makes the artist more of a real person…its funny you mentiond john mayers…yours and his i check all the time.
Brody – I agree. Blogs are a force!
One point I’d like to humbly add (about commenting/blogs) is this… Blogs can end up being a bummer, when any of us decide to get on and chastise or mock the very people who frequent that blog. Now, before I myself am chastised I want to clarify. I am certainly not talking about joking around, clever wit, keeping things appropriate…you get the drift.
I don’t remember seeing this on your blog so much as on some other musician’s blogs. They’re trying to draw IN people, interest, supporters, and yes, even profits. So when someone comes to an artist’s blog to check it out and they end up reading rude or belittling smack from somebody (and again, I’m not talkin’ about humor here – we can tell the difference) it’s like…who really needs that? Don’t most of us get and/or give enough of that?
I include myself in this and keep reminding myself that I am not only to reflect Christ (and enjoy life) in my words, but in my typing too.
An answer – “consistent blogging”, yep. A consistent blog is a happy blog.
Bye
I agree with Melody and Rachael, a consistent blog will keep the chattiness and fangirl/fanboy “thing” under control. It’s great to go to someone’s blog and find something new every day or two instead of 100 comments about where the artists went (which, sadly, I am guilty of; but you live, learn, and grow.) It’s also nice to know that the artists are connecting with their fans in other ways besides just CD & ticket sales.
Brody, I would just like to thank you for the house cleaning…Praise God for you and other examples for believe it or not, it is very encouraging to know that we are not alone. Thanks for being real and I love the fact that your wife also shares. God bless you both…and keep ‘em coming.
I’m mainly the mouthpiece for our band and I confess that I’ve gotten discouraged over the years. I always wanted us to be super-cool with the fans, so I poured myself into writing personal, funny email newsletters, long before blogging broke out. These are a lot more than just:
We’re playing here.
Visit our website.
Buy our stuff.
I’m on several bands’ lists where each section of the newsletter is one sentence. Probably took 20 mintues to put together. I’ve put 3-4 hours into ours to make them funny. That’s just my writing style, too, but I wanted to connect with the fans.
I got discouraged when I would pose questions in the emails to initiate contact with the fans. Out of a subscriber list of about 1600 (these are valid addresses – the bounces get deleted), I might receive 3 or 4 responses. This is over the course of a few years.
Putting hours of work into something where from all I can tell 0.3% of the audience even reads it? I know more people are reading it than responding, but the positive reinforcement is just not there. That shouldn’t bother me, but like I said, I just got worn down.
The band is still together and we take it very seriously, but with families now, we limit our travel. We’re recording soon, which of course is great news. But I often don’t want to write because there’s no big news.
You’re right, Brody. Our fans want to hear from us. At shows, people tell me how much they appreciate the emails and how they look forward to them. Someone even told me that when they get one, they feel like it’s their only friend writing. Uh oh, conviction coming on…
It comes down to I’m lazy and I need a little thicker skin. And also faith in God that He’s using us, even if we can’t see it. If I have time to write this overlong post, then I have time to say hey and encourage our fans.
cooldad, there’s supposedly a 1% rule at work. 1% of people reading your blog will comment. That’s the MAX. I wonder if that applies to your e-mail questions.
My point as it relates to this blog discussion is that, at first, it can be difficult to pour so much time writing daily when at most 1% of the readers will let you know they’re there. I wonder if that’s why so many blogs die quickly – it’s hard to talk to a seemingly empty room. Artists especially aren’t used to that. We get feedback constantly and on a blog, well, you don’t. You just write and hope someone’s reading along and cares and, really, only 1% care enough (and have the personality type) to comment. That’s discouraging enough to make most bloggers quit…and maybe a lot of us never start.
My first attempt at blogging, I just let people know about it and expected readers to eventually stumble upon it and like what they saw.
Now, I’ve learned that good blogging is an active conversation – and not just when people comment on ours, but going out and saying hey to people and showing that we’re interested in them, too.
Why do you even care if someone blogs or not?
You asked what would happen if Jon Foreman blogged. Jon Foreman blogs pretty consistently on his MySpace. Fans buy his stuff the minute it comes out. I’ve preordered all the EPs.
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Thanks for the inspiration. Blogging every day is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Sometimes it’s just a picture with a short heading. Cool dad is right on with his comment about “an active conversation.” That’s what communication truly is. Not just a static posting of info.
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