As I continue to take observation of the music industry (popular music specifically), technical innovation has been a key factor of what makes music popular today. The use of technology has become quite accessible to many, making music extremely easy to obtain; a person can be in an area that is not urban yet have knowledge of what the latest trends are, and what artists are doing if they use the technology available to them. One of the many technical innovations that many people in popular music are using to market themselves and their music that has probably changed music forever (in terms of accessibility) is Twitter. Formally used as a pathway for famous people to connect to each other, people who are not as well known have joined the community and the stars have taken notice. Now that so many are using Twitter, many popular musicians and those involved use the tool to personally express themselves, give out information, and give helpful hints to fans; not to mention market their latest music. Fans can choose to follow their favorite artist and get the latest news on what is going on in their lives, whether it be pertaining to the music business, or just everyday thoughts that circulate, the power behind this innovation is simple; the fans have always wanted to become as close as possible to the artists they love the most, and now they can. On the other side, many artists were always seeking for a way to stay connected with their fans so that they can become "die hard" fans and spread the word about their business, without having to do too much leg work.
As a listener, it is great to have such an idea, that I can find out whats coming out from a favorite artist or just listen to new music and know who to look out for. It is far easier than before to have a knowledge of what is going on in the music industry. As a professional, with the knowledge provided, it is easier to have access to insider secrets and have industry know-how right at my fingertips. It is also much easier to make contacts, as I can access Twitter through a smartphone on the go. With the contacts provided on such a site/app, it could be a big benefit to get me into the door of the next studio I may work in, or to the next person that I may work with; only time will tell but in the next five years I could be working in the very studios I imagine just from a contact developed on Twitter.
Hello Donovon I learned a lot and enjoyed reading your entry.
ReplyDeleteand like that you stated about how technology has made it where we can now produce music easy with the things that are available. Personally i have some of the softwares and midi controllers that give me the tools to produce out of a home studio. i would like to talk more about this if you would want to.
My email is Ryanjoleary@yahoo.com
Donovan, I read your entry and I can't agree with you more. I, personally, had thought about the Internet innovations that have contributed to the industry and thought about posting about it, but I went a different direction. One thing that is certain, connectivity to the masses helps an artist's career build and makes their more more accessible by means like you have stated. When you said..."that I can find out whats coming out from a favorite artist or just listen to new music and know who to look out for", you have the idea I was talking about earlier. You have an edge over other means and that helps you as a producer and artist as well. Sometimes, the "next best thing" could be a Tweet away. Awesome post!
ReplyDeleteKeith