We frankly hear the line “I am authentic” from artists like Lady GaGa and other celebrities. Are they authentic or calculated personalities?
In fact, marketers and social networking coaches are preaching that to succeed on Facebook and Twitter, we must all “be authentic”.
A proposed panel at next year’s South by Southwest interactive conference promises to teach attendees “how to be authentic and human without embarrassing yourself.”
Artists, politicians, reality television stars, and celebrities are obsessed with authenticity.
“What you can’t do is be told by a social media guru to act authentic and still be authentic,” said Jeff Pooley, an associate professor of media and communication at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. He said authenticity today is more accurately described as “calculated authenticity” — a k a stage management.
““The best way to sell yourself is to not appear to be selling yourself,” Professor Pooley said. Politicians do it. Celebrities do it. And you, reader, do it every time you tap out a status update on Twitter, Facebook, Google+. ”
Nicki Minaj, the hip-hop singer has adopted theatrical alter egos with names like Roman Zolanski and Nicki Teresa.
“I’m definitely playing a role,” Ms. Minaj explained in BlackBook magazine. “They don’t pay to see me roll out of bed with crust in my eyes, and say, ‘Hey guys, this is me, authentic.’ They pay for a show.”
Key Track: Lights And Stones
The Story: American metalcore band The Word Alive is continuing to build a buzz. They formed in 2008 releasing 2 EPs which reached #15 on the Top Heatseekers. Their debut full length titled Deceiver, released in 2010 reached #97 on the Billboard 200. The band just entered into a co-publishing arrangement with Warner-Chappell/Fear More Music and wrapped up a successful run on 2011 Warped Tour.
Contact: bcmclane@aol.com
Key Track: Unaware
The Story: Singer-songwriter Allen Stone, a Kings favorite who we posted several months ago will self release his new album on October 4th. He has upcoming performances in Los Angeles and NYC. Stone is receiving love from USA Today and Seattle Weekly. His jazzy love songs are starting to make an impact.
Contact: bj.olin@mac.com
Key Track: Being Me (video)
The Story: The last release in 2009 had music featured on ABC, NBC, Lifetime and Teen Nick. Kira & The Strange Familiar performs at Hotel Cafe, Room 5 and World Cafe in Los Angeles and will be making the move to Nashville soon. Check out the video of the new single Being Me from the upcoming EP produced by Brian Malouf (Everclear, Michael Jackson).
Contact: jeff@thestrangefamiliar.com
Indie artist Kim Boekbinder is planning a fall tour through Kickstarter, an online pledge system for funding creative projects.
Typically, an artist books a shows then promotes it, hoping people will attend.
In Boekbinder case, she sells the tickets first through Kickstarter and books the venue after people have bought enough tickets to fully fund the project. Also, each pre-sold performance is different, with its own setlist, backdrops, tour poster, t-shirt, costumes.
According to Boekbinder, the strategy worked and she plans to book an entire tour through Kickstarter.
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