I have discovered that I am not very good at manipulating social media to my benefit. I have been putting in some effort to try and build an active and updated mail list to support my debut full-length concept album “Remissions”. It is scheduled for October and I have been promoting it by doing Facebook and twitter posts every few days. What is rather strange is that, while my posts get many likes, the visitors do not click the link and join my list. There has been no real incentive to join my list exists except to support me in my effort to release a self-produced concept album. But that is about to change.
the reason
I am posting a solo acoustic version of my first single “Gina Rides a Tiger” as a private link on my SoundCloud page http://soundcloud.com/cnbyrd . I will send out exclusive links to the 17 friends who have subscribed. This song was written for my younger sister who succumbed to the ravages of breast cancer after 11 years. Possibly that can build my contact list, though in reality it is much easier to simply click “like” or add an emoji than to click the landing page button and fill in an email address. That will not get you exclusive access to this release.
the album
The group mind of the music industry has concluded that albums are dead. Singles are the only things that matter anymore. There was a time when a well-conceived album had a listener hooked for the whole ride. So many of my favorite songs are deep cuts that never were singles. And concept albums are even a more discouraged rare beast. Having grown up with Sergeant Peppers and Dark Side of the Moon makes me very sad to hear this prevalent philosophy in the business. Putting out this singer-songwriter album is my firm commitment, whether it is listened to or not. Then I can move along to my more commercial fare that may get some reviews, playlists and streams.
If you appreciate the music of Damien Rice, Tory Amos, John Martyn and Suzanne Vega among many other similar songwriters, I invite you to join me with the button to the right. You will not be disappointed when the album drops and you are one of the charter subscribers, particularly if it does see any success.
the art
Another benefit is the beautiful song and album art being created by Santa Fe artist Mark Frossard. These are not random paintings plastered up to fill visual space when the songs are playing on the streaming services, but intimate images based on the lyric and feel of each song. As a charter subscriber, you will receive special access to me, the songs and the artwork. If this go as I predict, you will become an recognized influencer by sharing the dusky jewels of the “Remissions” collection.
Until next time….Byrdstir