She’s right! With all the technologies and community sites available, Artists need a central online location to syndicate their presence across the web; a single authoritative place fans know they can visit for the latest information, photos, press, tour dates, etc. A website has historically filled that role, but most are outdated and don’t allow for social interaction or easy updating of information (”content management”).
As for MySpace pages, well, when an Artist draws traffic to an ad-supported site like MySpace, they are effectively using their fans to make money for MySpace, and they get no monetary compensation in return. For an Artist, a blog can provide a useful (and CHEAP) format for building out an online presence.
From the TuneCorner blog, here are Kyra Reed’s advantages as to why every Artist needs a blog:
- A Free Website
- Express Yourself / Evangelize Your Fans
- Control Your (digital) Assets
- Build Your Fan Base
On a personal note, I met Kyra last summer in Los Angeles through a mutual friend who works for a legendary producer / label head / music industry czar. She was hosting an industry gathering that night at The Roxy which is where I first learned of her very smart strategy for Artists to turn their websites into syndicated blogs. As a manager, I was currently faced with the task of re-building a website for a band I represent and I wasn’t very motivated to create another traditional/static site. Her ideas inspired me to turn their site into a blog, thus empowering them as Artists, to make it be whatever they want and further fuel interaction with their community of fans. Very smart gal, that Kyra Reed!
Ultimately, a blog should become a competitive advantage, a differentiator in the marketplace and promote a sense of community. It should also become the authoritative ‘trusted source’ in terms of ‘what is cool and happening’ for an Artist and their fans.
Go purchase a copy of her new book via TuneCore, or check out the Blog101 website and learn more.
TuneCorner: Why Every Artist Needs A Blog — Kyra Reed
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Now playing: Bon Iver - Skinny Love & The Wolves (Act I and II)
via FoxyTunes
Hi Rob!
Thanks so much for the great endorsement. I’m so glad to hear that my advice was helpful to you. You’ve done a great job with your blog - will def. be adding to my blogroll. Please let me know if you have any success stories from your bands using blogs. Would love to share with other artists.
Hopefully I’ll see you around again soon.
Cheers,
Kyra