The music biz is now a mere shadow of its former self. For better or for worse, things are much different than they were ten years ago. Hell, they’re much different than they were TWO years ago. That much change in such a short amount of time tends to make industry-types very afraid…but I’ve been loving every minute of it.*
The topic of the many ways the music biz has changed is waaaay too large to discuss here, but I want to talk about one of my favorite aspects…the re-humanization of musicians.
Many music fans look to the premier of MTV as the “beginning of the end” for the music business. They feel like the introduction of music videos shifted the public’s attention away from good music and towards physical appearances, image and fashion. And, to a certain extent, they are right.
In the 30 years since the MTV’s debut in 1981, musicians have needed to look the part. In order to pull off the illusion of “rock star” it became important for them to appear as if they were above the rest of us…monetarily, and otherwise. Businesswise, it became very important to appear untouchable, and the more they appeared to be removed from everyday life, the more the public seemed to revere them.
There are clearly exceptions, but for the most part, I think those days are over. And I, for one, am ecstatic.
I saw a home video the other day of Foo Fighters frontman, Dave Grohl, at a Soundgarden concert. The remarkable part of the video was that he was right in the middle of the crowd, singing along to every word. Not in a skybox. Not in some high-class VIP section. He was in the pit with everyone else. It speaks volumes.
From national acts to small local bands, it has become the kiss of death for musicians to act as if they’re somehow above their audience. While 20 years ago, it was crucial for fans to think you were somehow untouchable, social networking sites, such as Facebook, have leveled the playing field…and have forever altered the way fans perceive musicians. Humanity is finally becoming important again. The new media is popping the bubble that was created by MTV so many years ago, and it’s time that musicians began embracing that change.
How? Well, first of all, be accessible to your fans. Personally connect with them online or at your shows. As a recovering introvert, I can completely understand if it doesn’t come naturally for you…but it’s SO important! Over the years, I have met so many amazing people just by being a part of my Libido Funk Circus…and many of those people have become good friends of mine. Secondly, analyze your performance style. Frankly speaking, if you are performing AT your audience, instead of interacting WITH them, I believe you’re taking the wrong approach. Always be aware of how your audience perceives you. And when in doubt just stop and think….What Would Grohl Do?
*Do I owe Mike Reno some money now?
