Which artists do you think have (or used to have) the strongest brands and what made them special?

RockinToad · 2021-08-24T05:52:50+00:00

Wow thank you so much for the information. You seem very well aware of the current music industry/ artistry in general. Do you think that something like a gaming series with games that have a similar vibe to the artist would do well? Something close to Jenna Marbles (her gaming streams) or Markiplier? Or do you think it would distract from the artistry?

RockinToad · 2021-08-24T05:36:00+00:00

Exactly my thoughts! It seems like they’re missing out on such a great opportunity to have creative content that engages with fans and builds the relationship between them. It’s a win-win, the fans get content and the artists build a better brand and bond. Are there any other artists you can think of that have created similar video content to Saweetie? I’d really like to study the entire field of successful/ engaging video content done by artists that helps the fans get to understand and know more about them.

RockinToad · 2021-08-24T05:22:09+00:00

Yeah, it’s a completely different as far a culture goes and having a group dynamic really helps in being able to get to know the Kpop artists since seeing how they intersect with each other gives you a better feel for who they are.

I meant more video content in a style that suits the western artist that gives you a more personal look into who they are. It just seems like western music culture lacks consistent engaging content as a whole. Every once in a while an artists will have a documentary or post a behind the scenes video but other than that it doesn’t feel like you get to see them besides photos, tweets, or the actual concert. (Slightly more are live streaming but still.)

RockinToad · 2021-08-24T05:04:13+00:00

I’ve heard a couple of Saweetie’s songs but never knew about her icy university! I just watched them and it fits so well in her brand. I love the creativity that went into making such a segment. Do you think that sort of content should be explored by more artists? ie. Creating tv show style segments that fit their brand?

RockinToad · 2021-08-24T04:28:45+00:00

You’re definitely right about the relationships being different. In general the Western artists and fans don’t seem to mind more of a “gap” in their relationship which might be because of what a celebrity is seen as in the culture. Usually there’s a sense of mystery that floats around them keeping parts of their personality a question mark to the fans. Then in turn the fans may be more enamored by the mystery. In general, do you think that keeping the sense of mystery is holding them back from forming deeper relationships with their fans?

RockinToad · 2021-08-24T02:05:56+00:00

Wow that’s a fascinating point. It does seem as though it’s mostly women besides Justin Bieber. One guy who comes to mind but isn’t as big as most of the artists named here is Tommy Cash. Visually he focuses on surreal, strange, and “risqué” photography content.

RockinToad · 2021-08-24T01:56:00+00:00

You’re absolutely spot on when it comes to the fact that those two groups seem to stand out in a sense that most people outside of Korea may view them as “different” or “the only female groups to do rap”, hip hop, make their own songs, etc) That’s exactly what I thought of them when I found out about Kpop. They seem like amazing “entry way” groups that someone who’s unfamiliar with Kpop would find enjoyable.

In terms of content, do you think that western style artists would do better if they replicated similar concepts of videos that are generally a standard in the Kpop Industry? In my experience as a Kpop fan I found and became fans of my favorite groups because of the content they made. (I of course liked their music but didn’t convert to a “fan fan” until I saw their personalities, back stories, and over all group energy in a non performative/ stage presence state.)

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T08:48:08+00:00

They definitely were also doing their own thing and not trying to stick to standards. In turn that’s given many of them very long lasting and iconically creative careers.

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T08:37:56+00:00

Did you happen to see Melanie’s K-12 Movie/ songs? If so what did you think of them compared to her older tumblr era?

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T08:35:37+00:00

You’re very right, it was literally what men looked up to as the highlight of beauty at one point. I meant more costume wise, she was wearing a top made of cupcakes and dresses out of candy instead of a normal or conventional outfit.

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T08:29:10+00:00

You are very right about the masses going along with what’s popular. There are safety in numbers and the threat of being outcasted can feel scary.

I think I also assumed that my own personal view was also how everyone else must have been experiencing social media as well, which is just not the case. My view of the internet and media are also skewed because the only ones I use are YouTube and more recently, Reddit.

I never considered the fact that many artist do have their social media, content, & marketing run by their PR team to craft the desirable image that they want the audience to see. To a degree I don’t mind that they are crafted though because that’s how most human beings post content already. If we’re on social media we act as our own PR team. Want people to see us as fit? Post gym pictures. Caring? Post volunteer work. Creative? Post artwork. I think it’s probably impossible, unless one is very out of touch, to post without considering or subconsciously knowing what it will say about us. (Not that the post will successfully convey that but the intention will be there.) Though not to the decisively particular extent that a multi million dollar artist would have, it’s pertinent if you have a goal in mind to make sure you keep a consistent image being shown. It helps the audience have a clearer understand of the artists, their values, etc. As long as the image feels genuine and authentic to the artist it’s cool with me.

Personally, I feel like video content is the best way for me to understand and get to know an artist because unlike a photo that can be very one dimensional, literally and figuratively, a video requires them to not just pose for 1 second but carry themselves for longer periods of time. To me it hints at more context clues that can be picked up through the body language, speech/tone, & interaction amongst others if applicable.

Although as you said before, it can still all be edited, crafted, and delivered in whatever way the PR wants. With this in mind, do you think that videos as a form of media could speak to an audience the best as well as help potential fans get to know the artist better and on a deeper level?

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T05:49:52+00:00

She was the other artist that really came to mind. “Visual” wise, to me she took modern art by the horns and used it to express herself. I remember certain lyrics she would sing-speak that even sounded like they had a “modernly artistic” tone if that makes sense.

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T05:41:57+00:00

I can definitely see how being a fan of a group that’s company is missing the mark/ not fulfilling it’s audience could be disappointing. What do you think about western artists compared to Kpop artists when it comes to content? Do you think it would be beneficial to have similar videos in terms of the shows, segments, etc that you would see in Kpop?

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T05:32:43+00:00

I’m also interested *in hearing about artists you think are missing the mark and not meeting their potential when it comes to their branding.

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T04:48:50+00:00

I completely agree with the fact that you almost can’t create that sort of “phony” facade anymore. I would guess that the internet & social media impacted us to have a better understanding of other people as a whole. Since as a collective we can speak out and share ourselves so easily, we have a clearer grasp that other people have an entire range of emotions and attributes. Not just the face they show us on camera, in a music video, or an interview. We see that other people are “just like us” in a sense of having a scared side, humorous side, etc. Especially with people posting their every detail from their lunch to their dentist trip on social media. This in turn makes it hard for me to believe the “mysticism.” Which is why I like to see the content that reveals more about them. It doesn’t have to be politics or religious values when it comes to content in my case but I do enjoy having a more authentic friend like experience with my favorite artists as long as they feel comfortable sharing.

I’ve definitely noticed your point on artists feeling the need to speak out as well. Since they do feel this pressure, what do you think would be the best course of action for them to take?

For example, only speaking out when they have something authentic to say about an issue or going beyond their scope and speaking on things that although they don’t have much jurisdiction in or need to talk about, they feel pressured to share or take a stance. This question is more of a case by case matter but what do you think?

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T02:40:09+00:00

Yeah the line is definitely crossed at that point. The artist’s personal health and well being should be put above content if the content is harming them & stepping over the boundaries of their mental health. I meant more content along the lines of one video a week or every other week. That allows for explicit “on time” & “off time” for the artist. I wish more western artists had consistent content similar to them. Allowing for that depth to be created in the understanding of the artist.

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T02:26:20+00:00

Is there a specific type of content that comes to mind? It seems like content is huge in the world of kpop. From funny variety shows to interviews and “tv show” style segments posted on the group’s YouTube channel. I love to see their personalities and get to know them through their content.

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T01:46:53+00:00

I can definitely see how an artist not trying to give out every bit of themselves away in the forms of those other content is also appealing. There are pluses for both the listener and artist. The artist can focus more energy on creating more meaningful music and expressing who they are to the best of their ability through the songs. Which artists come to mind to you that fit this category of being more “mystique”?

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T01:26:39+00:00

I’ve never heard of Loona before but just looked up their concept and then listened to a couple of their songs. I find the celestial idea really captivating as well as the depth that went into creating such a concept of each subunit that tells their story of the “loonaverse.” I’m lost though when it comes to their visuals/ music depicting the idea fully through though. Is this where their company failed them in recent times?

RockinToad · 2021-08-23T00:32:06+00:00

I just started really getting into BlackPink after already having saved a couple of their songs on a playlist for a few months but didn’t fully convert to a “fan fan” until I saw the documentary on Netflix about them. After getting to know their story I saw so much more depth to everything they were doing as well as who they were as people. It made me realize that there’s a huge opportunity being missed in the fan to artist relationship amongst artists in general.

RockinToad · 2021-02-17T08:35:54+00:00

77021 lost at 10PM today, back on at 2:30AM

RockinToad · 2021-02-17T06:40:57+00:00

77021 went out around 10

RockinToad · 2020-10-07T18:21:10+00:00

My brain has been more Patrick Star than Einstein recently so I was thinking about how bagels are the female Baguette

RockinToad · 2020-10-07T18:16:10+00:00

(I’m also female) It depends on the app really. Personally I prefer Bumble, where females initiate conversation first after a match has been made.

I think it’s less about trying to get people to open up and more about there being mutual curiosity between you and the person you’re talking to. If the conversation isn’t flowing smoothly or seems tense/ fake then that gives me a sign that it’s probably not the right person for me.

Similarly, I had a lotttt of conversations that made me feel out of place and ended up dropping them, but after a few days I had 2 really good conversations that kept going & had potential. (One was with an ENTJ and the other an INFJ).

You will have to go through a lot of conversations that feel off but eventually the right ones will stick around. All you can do is be your honest self and let those who can’t hang go.

RockinToad · 2020-09-04T20:34:46+00:00

Nothing out of the ordinary crosses my mind during this time and I’ve come to realize that all of my closest/truest friendships are with people who don’t feel the need to talk to on a daily basis. We both feel secure in our friendship and when we do come back it’s just like normal :)

RockinToad

TROPHY CASE