Normally, I don’t like to spotlight my own projects on here. In a way, tooting my own horn seems to obliterate any sense of credibility gained. That being said, I watched The Hector Fund in action. And I feel some toot-age is in order. For those unaware, The Hector Fund provides select musicians with Artistfunding opportunities. Translation: we help musicians earn cash to do what they want/need to do. For some, it’s recording an album, for others it’s tour support. Either way, Hector hooks you up.
So last night, one of Hector’s Headliners had their services engaged at (of all things…) a high school graduation party. The party was held in a fairly affluent area. It was the classiest, swankiest backyard affair I’d seen in a long time. Rented tables, tableclothes, catering, boozing, and a manicured putting green not too far from the swimming pool — which was tastefully lit for the occasion. The Bodega Girls were hired to both dj and perform as part of one of their stated Artistfunding opportunities.
Long and short of it was, the Bodega Girls created an opportunity for access and the kids/audience ate it up. Hardcore. Seriously. For Real Totally. Nailed it.
The fact that a band rocked a high school graduation party shouldn’t exactly make the news. But this event showcased what’s lacking from the traditional music biz and how companies like Twitter prove their concept. It’s all in the access.
Over the last couple of decades, there hasn’t been much in the way of fan interaction with artists. Barring the occasional tour date and autograph session, the talent pretty much avoids the people. Soon the distance creates a barrier and the music is no longer speaking to (or even near) the people expected to buy it. And it gets seemingly devalued. It’s worthless without that connection. Top that off with file-sharing and exorbitant ticket prices, and it’s hard to feel connected anymore. But Twitter lets you into the daily lives, thoughts, and non-sequiters of your idols. It helps build the bond that you can’t when you’re sitting 1/2 a mile from the stage at Corporate Sponsorship Stadium.
Then along come folks like The Hector Fund. The fans’re gonna pay for stuff, but they’re gaining access and investment into the career of a musician. Suddenly they’re stakeholders in the artist’s success. Last night, the kids were all about the Bodega Girls. They didn’t know a single tune coming in, but they got caught up in the party. And you know they’re gonna come back for more. And in this biz, more means more money, more sales, more everything …
