The Social Artist

This past week, The Dallas Observer featured an article entitled, “Rockin’ the Suburbs.” It suggests that the most significant music act(s) happening in Dallas are not happening in Deep Ellum or any of Dallas’ largest arenas, but instead in the same out-of-the-way trade show hall where the quilters meet in Plano.

As an observer of the Dallas music happenings over the past twenty years, what was most striking to me was the way the article described how the approach to the overall music business has changed. It suggests that going to a concert is no longer about just going to hear some good music, but instead going to get closer to something a fan is already immersed in somehow… usually by way of social networking.

The bands and artists aren’t performing their sets and then going to their dressing rooms to bask in their stardom, but they’re hanging out with their fans. The fans have the opportunity to go on the tour buses and “kick it” with the artists. I got the feeling that they were looking for ways to reach the ultimate accessibility.

It’s a great article for artists, bands and promoters who are looking for ways to evolve in connecting with their audience.  To read the article, click here

Obama’s Interview About Hip Hop

I was looking through music videos the other day and I came across an interview with President Obama about his thoughts on hip hop music.  It’s striking from the beginning as he is asked if he listens to hip hop music and replies, “of course.”  He talks about why he likes Jay Z’s latest album, things that he doesn’t like, and then settles down to what sort of role hip hop might play in his administration.

 

One complaint of President Obama’s is that hip hop tends to be looking at life through a rear view mirror.  He wishes that the music could be balanced by looking forward with hope.  This resurrects the age old question: “is art imitating life or is life imitating art?”  

 

I think I’ve decided that it’s both.  Both art imitating life and life imitating art are happening in a cycle.  Kids listen to hip hop music and want to imitate it, but eventually someone stops being the button that is pushed and decides to become the button pusher.  Something new ends up being created and eventually, if it’s great, it is imitated.

 

If you’re interested, you can check out the interview here…