I am reading David Meerman Scott’s “The New Rules of Marketing & PR“, and I am thinking of new ways to market my band, including blogging, podcasting, and press releases. I am already doing all three of these things with little consistency and little measurable results. That is, I am not sure if all my blogging, press releases, YouTube videos, and podcasts are having any impact on my fan base.
For the new Cryns #3 album, Faraway Farm, I am considering releasing all of the tracks with a Creative Commons license, allowing any non-commercial entity to use the tracks as they wish. Plus, I am thinking of doing the same thing with the source tracks, allowing hip-hop groups to sample specific vocal or instrument tracks of the album. It will also allow people to utilize my tracks on YouTube mash-ups and any other sorts of mash-ups or cut-ups that are imaginable.
I am at a point in my life where I just want something to happen with my music. I want to be interviewed. I want people to show up to my concerts. I want to look out at crowds and see people listening and singing along. I want to tour Europe and the West Coast (again).
I also want to use this release as an opportunity to test many of my online social media theories. Mainly my belief that honesty and openness on the web can make this band thing more exciting. Playing in a band is one of those addictions that have few moments of rewards borne of many thousands of hard work. Disappointment is a re-occuring emotion after shows. It’s not anyone’s fault. I have heard all sorts of popular actors and musicians talk about the loneliness of their work, and I am beginning to see what they mean. No matter how popular or famous or rich I get, I still live a normal life with normal people. And when the lights have dimmed, and I have left the stage, it is still just a night out on the town with my super hot girlfriend, who, despite my great efforts to prove the contrary, still does not view me as a hugely popular rock star.
Getting back to the online social media thing, I think that linking up with friends and fans in real time, online, as I am touring, might provide me with a greater sense of satisfaction with my music than has been previously afforded.