This is an interview series in preparation for my SXSW Panel: The State of Music Blogs in 2010. I reached out to a number of influencers, musicans, labels, marketers and music fans to get their perspectives on the topic and will be posting these in a series leading up to the conference.
Today we hear from writer, blogger, music fan and founder of HowWasTheShow.com, David de Young. Among other stellar offerings, HWTS has this incredible message board community where the Minneapolis music blogerati tend to hang out, kvetch, anticipate upcoming shows and more.
Why do you think music blogs are so popular?
People want to know what’s going on as soon as it happens, and that means not tomorrow morning or later tonight, but right now. Even blogs that simply announce shows as they are announced are extremely useful for people who pride themselves on knowing what is going on. Music blogs are a great filter. Press releases rain on bloggers and music writers like, well snow, and since bloggers are a busy bunch, only the cream of the crop stuff normally gets passed on. Also, different bloggers are on different email lists and often get somewhat different information that they then pass around and share. You can generally be certain that say when every music blog in the Twin Cities is reporting on the same show, that it’s not a media conspiracy, but probably a show you might want to try and attend.
How do you think music blogs/aggregators/social networks have impacted the industry?
Information is available immediately. It’s easier for bands to reach people. Even if they don’t write formal press releases a well-timed email to a blogger can turn into a post that then gets passed around via social media within hours. When you add social networking to the way this is passed around, music fans get a ready made smorgasbord of music information that is probably exactly the stuff they want to know about. It’s pretty hard to not know what’s going on these days even if you’re only paying attention a few times a day to your Facebook page or Twitter.
How have they changed your music consumption and/or marketing efforts?
It’s far easier than it used to be to answer the question, “What music might I like?” by following and paying attention to the music blogs of people you know and trust, especially at the local level.
What’s the best thing to happen to the music industry in the last year or so?
Vinyl is back and back big!
What’s the worst?
Corporate rock still sucks.
What is the single biggest strategy/technology/innovation/societal shift you think will impact music in 2010?
I don’t see any major shifts, just a continuation of the current trajectories we’re on, i.e. more online MP3 sales coupled with diminishing CD sales, etc.
Anything else to add about the State of Music Blogs in 2010?
I think we’re lucky in Minnesota to have such a great team of bloggers covering the scene from an independent standpoint. There’s a lot of collaboration and mutual support. Many people know each other. For example, when you sent out this request to at least the local blogging community, I’m sure you’re going to get a great response, because we like you too. :)
Other reading:
Read other State of Music Blogs in 2010 interviews.
RSVP for the State of Music Blogs in 2010 SXSW panel
