Comments on: But It’s Still Not Happening (Part 4)

By: Shaun Groves

Shaun Groves — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:22:46 +0000

Richard, I’m available to consult/teach/push on that topic. I have no degree in computer science or anything but I can share my experiences and some staggering statistics that make it seem plain silly not to get on-line and mix things up.

I’m actually meeting with a manager in the next little while to “teach” their artist how to do this stuff and why. Would love to help you out with the same. And I’m sure Brody could to.

shaunfanmail@bellsouth.net if you want to get in touch.

And, yes, Brody, you did answer the question. You know I don’t hang out with many artists these days, and really haven’t for the last few years that blogging and other on-line stuff has become so prevalent. I was wondering why artists who interact with “fans” at shows won’t do it on-line. Makes sense that it’s not pushed on them, set up for them, taught to them as important. (Very diplomatically put, btw.)

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 04:21:57 +0000

I still want you to host a paid event for artists to learn the value of blogging, I would sent all the artists on my label. Even if I had to pay to fly them there.

By: Annie

Annie — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:10:22 +0000

I’m hoping you still have more to say on this. Well done.

By: brodyharper

brodyharper — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:19:54 +0000

Shaun.
From my experience I see artists interacting with people after a show, or before a show, because they (A) genuinely want to meet the people that come to their shows, and (B) know that “fan interaction” is what is keeping their career going.

Labels and management know this too. That’s why there are special contests for fans to win “Meet and Greet” passes to go back and shake hands and take a picture with the band.

While the band, I think, truly likes to “meet and greet” people most of the time, they are still looking at it as “part of the job”.

I think that’s where it switches from willingness to ability. Most artists are “willing” to hang out after a show, if they are told to or something is set up and they need to. I think the reason most artists don’t interact online with people is because no one is saying they “have to” and there aren’t contest winners signed up to interact.

Nothing is “making” them interact, and that’s what artists are used to. I think most are used to being told they need to be at this table or that table, shaking these hands, smiling for this camera, standing in this line. When these artists are on the bus or at home the last thing they think of is, “How can I interact with people”. And rightfully so.

The problem is that without the internet an artists career can’t be everything he or she wants it to be. That’s something that managements and labels aren’t even getting yet.

Did that answer what you asked? I can’t tell if I just started rambling.

By: Shaun Groves

Shaun Groves — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:05:32 +0000

Brody, in your opinion, based on your experience, do you see a correlation between artists’ willingness to interact with people after shows and their willingness to interact with people on-line? Or, if not willingness, maybe ability?

By: Melody Milbrandt

Melody Milbrandt — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 19:33:40 +0000

Good post Brody. I appreciate you pointing out (the point) of actual interaction via “commenting on comments.” lol
That is what can really set a blog apart. Especially, in regards to artists. You can “post” your stuff all over MySpace, Virb, YouTube, and your home site. Having a blog is for so much more than “the post.”
Interaction can be bread and butter (and blessing).

By: andiramusic

andiramusic — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:11:22 +0000

A while back a friend of mine mentioned that he wasn’t sure he wanted to continue with his blog because he only has two readers. He is a photographer/aspiring musician. At that time our “circle of friends” who blog or care to read blogs was very small.

However, all these suggestions, Brody, are very helpful. Now we have more friends starting blogs in order to express and connect more. Bloggers, don’t get too discouraged! Even if you only have two readers, that’s a start.

I’ve been encouraging my sister-in-law to blog as she is a mother of two young children and needed a way to connect with the adult world when she had breaks. Whether you are a musician or mom or student, I think that blogging can be a great encouragement and communication tool.

Blog on!

By: superlindsey

superlindsey — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:22:19 +0000

Another way to find out who’s linking to you (or to any other site): In the Google search field, type in “link:” and then the URL you’re interested in. No space after the colon. That’s a pretty quick and simple way to do it, especially since most people use Google all the time, anyway.

My biggest problem with blogging is that not many of my friends do it, and since I’m not a musician or anything like that, I don’t have much purpose in it except that I think it’s fun.

I have actually started updating mine again, though, so maybe after a few more entries I’ll actually start giving the URL to my friends haha.