FEATURE:
Collaborations
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A Network and Social Channel for Music Lovers
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THIS feature has been provoked…
PHOTO CREDIT: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels
by an event I went to a few weeks or so back. London-based artist IAMDDB was premiering the video for her latest single, Where Did the Love Go?, at a local cinema. I was lucky enough to be among those invited to see it. There was a screening, Q&As, and a big vibe of love and support. In that room, there was this overwhelming and powerful togetherness. I work long hours at my full-time job and this blog, so choosing social events and networking opportunities is a selective process. It is not often that I have that much energy to venture out. One of the big regrets of that night is not getting to know more of the people there. I briefly spoke with a few people, but I am not sure whether I will be able to get in touch or connect again. From a network and social aspect, speaking with them would be beneficial and great. Also, I have seen online recently quite a few journalist contacts state that opportunities have been taken away. It seems that a lot of website and publications are scaling back and, with that, losing people. I have seen people ask to be retweeted to see if there is a chance for them to do any writing/editing and that sort of thing. It is a hard time at the moment, but there are opportunities out there still. I do not know of social and business tools for artists. There are a couple of smaller websites that sort of integrate LinkedIn and Twitter, but nothing really on a large scale.
From a personal level, I would like to connect with people who have been to the same events and run in the same musical circles. Getting my writing out there more, but also finding out about freelance opportunities in the U.K. and worldwide would be awesome. Somewhere I can connect with major and upcoming artists who are very much my taste and sound would help. It is hard to wade through all the music out there finding out what you like. There is that social aspect too. Whether friendship or dating, a network or social media channel where things would be more bespoke and simpler would definitely attract more people. It is quite a wide remit and pitch in terms of what could be included. I know there are many others out there who find they miss out on chances and potential networking. Connecting like-minded people and journalists with editors etc. There is a whole world of possibilities that could kickstart this community. You could also bring in a music buying aspect, where local and national record shops are listed. You can also have music recommendations from others. Have oldskool fan clubs and fanzines. Whatever someone wanted to use it for, it would be there. Social media as it is connects people and reaches a large audience, but it is not exactly honed and perfect for musicians, journalists and music lovers. That could change easily enough.
PHOTO CREDIT: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels
I think that, at a time when there is this intense passion for music, but it can be difficult finding people to link with and getting your work heard, a separate site or platform would be ideal. I know it would have been very useful for me. I have rued the chance to connect with some I recently came into contact with. As someone who follows journalists and creatives, there are some struggling and deserving of better. It is very difficult navigating through Twitter and Instagram and getting those hook-ups. I am not sure what the new site would be called, but it would not mean people dispense with their normal social media accounts. They could all be linked and integrated. I know there is a very passionate and dedicated music community that could really gain from a site and channel just for them. From the small connections that could turn into professional relationships, through to potential personal relationships, and even minor or major friendships, so many people would benefit. I am not sure how easy it would be to get it going, but there would be an uptake and vast interest. This is just a brief feature, but it has been provoked by missing out on some connections and opportunities. Many other people experience the same thing so, ensuring that happens less often would be a bonus. Maybe it is just me, but I think that many would agree with my sentiments and ambitions. It would be interesting to hear…
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WHAT people think.