So, for my first blog will be focusing around Speculated Future Networks surrounding content creation in the Electronic Dance Music Industry, and how social media contributes to Artists within the industry. This is interesting to look at as there are so many avenues that can explored when looking into this scene, for example.
- Audiences’ interactions with artists
- The artists, fanbase and the algorithms
- How content creation has influenced social media posts
These are just a few examples of the ideas that can be looked at, but for this blog I will be focusing on how artists associate themselves with content creation.
As discussed before, I love EDM. The music, communities and content that comes out of this industry is something I will personally cherish for the rest of my life as, as this is a medium that motivates and inspires me every day.
When I discuss EDM, I mainly aim towards the Bass scene within the EDM genre (Dubstep, Drum and Bass). Being able to follow along the artists in the industry, artists who produce music and create amazing sets to bring an experience like no other for audiences (like myself) to enjoy a night out.
The reasons why I bring up the artists is because of the massive role they play when it comes to gigs, concerts and festivals, the financial pool that goes into throwing a show is expensive for promoters and the venues who book these artists to play a show. Depending on the artist, and the reach they have with their audience, it can really depend on how successful the event can be.
Now, therefore I want to talk about content creation and social media.
Social media as a platform is a great way to promote an artist for fans. Fans who might be interested in catching a live performance, or just keeping up to date with what the artist is currently doing.
The EDM community is tight when it comes to the artists in the scene, and if you really care you would go out of your way to follow the local scene as well as already established artists.
I personally got into event videography back in 2019, when I came across a video of an event I attended, a recap if you will. From watching the video, it made me realise that I could be involved with this industry, as I was already competent with videography. Over the next few years, I became involved with the nightclub industry and made friends with artists in the local scene.
On the bigger scale of things, event videography is massive, and there are videographers all around the world who are helping artists push their content on social media for fans to become invested to seeing a live event from them. If an event looks fun through a phone screen, just imagine it in person.
An example of this is from the videographer ShloadedGabe, USA based and currently doing videography for artists like Marauda, Riot Ten, and Hol!.
From looking at his content, he has created relationships with artists where he will be tour with the artist, creating recaps for every festival they attend. His videography and editing create an experience for the viewer, creating hype and interest for an event that will be.
The future of social media and promotion
If we look at the current state of social media, and how influencers use these applications, we are going to see a rapid influx of more applications that will be used to network events for artists and promoters. Current promoters are using apps like WhatsLively. WhatsLively is an application which allows promoters to share information about upcoming concerts and gigs, which allows users to have insight before mainstream media gets a hold of general advertising. It’s a good way to keep up to date within the scene, or just the music industry in general.
From what I have discussed this far, imagine this from the perspective of someone who may have experienced live events before the internet. It explores themes from design fiction. The way the internet has connected everyone is astounding. Advertising, promotion and networking has never been easier as now everyone can access central hubs to collect information.
This is where IOT relates with social media. IOT stands for the Internet Of Things, this is a term that is related to design fiction. When looking at design fiction it can more about being creative. Problem solving, like this quote; “Most designers are actively trying to solve problems, making things better, or producing something for sale or consumption” (Coulton, 2018). With IOT, it discusses how the internet has become more connected with devices, combining both things is how social media has become a large part of everyone’s life, the accessibility from your pocket to be online is created an avenue for people to take advantage for personal gain, such as celebrities.
The IOT has changed the way artists and promoters can access a fanbase, having everyone connected creates its own network for advertising and promotion.
References
Paul Coulton, J. L. a. R. C., 2018. The little book of design fiction for the internet of things. Lancaster University: PETRAS Little Books series.
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