When bands, solo-artists, or other musical acts duplicate this effect, we have traditionally called such a customer base a following. In today's music business, smaller acts can use the power of the Internet to reach people they never would have been able to reach before. A folk singer in Boston, for example, can now reach a global audience by putting up a web page or joining a social networking site. This singer could then, potentially, attract people from places as diverse as Scotland, India, and Peru.
So far, so good. But what many musicians forget is that fame can be a double edged sword.
Here's a story about some musicians who have had success in promoting themselves over the Internet...sometimes perhaps a little too much success.
For instance: What do you do once you've attracted your following? Here are some things to consider:
- People expect a lot more individual attention than they used to. Do you like a lot of interaction? Are you prepared to spend the many hours it takes to stay in contact with your audience? All this extra promotion can really cut into your practice and writing time, never mind your home life. Can you balance the many demands on your time and attention?
- The Public today has a shorter attention span than in times past, and less patience for waiting between releases. Do you have enough music (product) to keep them happy? Are you prepared to release limited run CDs or free downloads to help promote your work?
- On the dark side of fame: Predators often lurk on the net. The "really nice fan" that "just loves your music" may be exactly what they seem, or they may not be at all who or what they seem.
This is not to say that we shouldn't avail ourselves of the new technology to build our audience, just that we need to be aware of the possible down side to doing so, and weigh the benefits against the risks.
Which is something all good business people do, almost every day.
Good luck,
JG
No comments:
Post a Comment