“Selfie Music”

Smokin’ Mirrors and Delusional Self Entitlements

   Jerome Fitts

Here we are some two years later after the “Who Do Think They Are?” post and it seems that although the reaction was positive and there has been over 97K followers that read the article, the truth is, the submissions from DIY artist to the public and within the music industry has gotten worse.

Sure there are the renditions of tapes, CD’s and Vinyl along with the current trend of streaming that keeps the music industry machine going and this is great. However, the approach and the delivery of quality music is still lost in the mix bowl of talent or should we say self entitled talent.

We can blame the discovery of taking pictures in mirrors (selfies) as a perfect example of people who are looking at themselves in mirrors based on what their own delusions are. The facts are the same within the current state of music delivery and some of these artist are delusional. There are some amazing music out there and good music still sells while a great song will live forever. The 7.5 billion census question is:

“Where is it?”

These days you can’t create a social media page or troll your own social media site, most notably Twitter or Facebook, without those selfie musicians demanding you to check out their music or video. But one has to wonder or ask several questions and among those important questions its always: “Whats next? Or even better “Why?” At some point most of the new age artist or selfie artist are demanding you check out their material as if its going to bring them fame. In this day and age where our beloved YouTube has replaced television or  music video channels, anyone can buy impressions or views for the videos they upload. If there are a million and one likes or views are we suppose to follow a trend based on the number of views or does this mean that because there are a certain number of views then its quality or like-able material. 

First and foremost, if its already out there then someone will “check it out” even if its yourself. Yes that is right, you can pay someone to “get likes” after posting some of the music then celebrate as if you are a star. Imagine someone desperate enough to pay for likes or followers that leave no comments or invite you to play live in their city. Maybe there should be an additional option for the public to choose from based on the statistics that are also displayed such as geographical and demographic analytical views. Then again this would shatter the glass mirror so maybe its better to leave it smoking to fulfill those delusions. Need we say more?

According to Webster Dictionary: The definition of desperate is: (of a person) having a great need or desire for something. In reference to this piece its about demanding likes or followers. Hilarious or not it is without question a cruel reality.

Remember the days when we would sing in the mirror and pose as if you were Paul Stanley from KISS or Madonna then tell your friends or family to come and see. Well its the same isn’t it? In modern times the translation of “check this out” would mean “hey look at me, I think I am sexy or I can sing so follow me!” Funny right. Has anyone wrote an honest and constructive comment on those posts? Was your comment deleted and your profile blocked only for the submitter of the post to destroy you in a response without you being in a position to defend your initial comment. The results is smoking mirrors or selfie music that makes up the body of smoking mirrors. It makes you wonder what independent music is these days if that is the case. One can also wonder why these artist are not asking the public what they think and accepting the response. It seems this would be the logical way of not only building a brand through genuine followers but its also a way to expand their sound. Are these artist are afraid to find out the truth? Is this a new genre being created within this selfish industry? Here we go: Cowards of Selfie Music.

Where did being creative and different go to?

Over the years there has been some exceptions to the growing trend in remarkable artist such as Lindsey Stirling, but we all have to agree that her formula, style and quality of material is above the norm. The result has seen the Los Angeles starlet sell out theaters and arenas around the world yet you wouldn’t find her playing live at an in-house popular music awards. Maybe the judges or panel of such awards are mechanical or machines as they are year after year selecting the same shite music such as Drake, Rihanna and some other copycat self proclaimed pimp or whore. The moral police of music have unfortunately succumbed to supporting the new genre of clown music. Charlie Chaplin and crew have to be in heaven going f**ks sake!

Here we go, the definition of courage in the Webster Dictionary is: Strength in the face of pain or grief. Bravery

In this case its about the artist pouring their heart and soul into their sound by mastering their craft to express themselves. The courageous part of it is, they are leaving it up to the recipient (listener) to chose for themselves.

Does it work? Sure these artist are putting their dreams into motion without feeling the public owes them something. They promote themselves just as much as the professionals does but the successful ones never go rogue. They sweat and win together and those standards are based on a delegated process within each sector of working behind the music. The formula is quite simple, everyone is on the same page.There is music out there that genuine labels and distributors believe in such as Proper Music Distribution that works with large and small booking agencies. The thing of it is that those reputable entities working relationship is based on the belief in the same artist genuine promotion.

For those that are reading this lengthy piece, try it out. When it comes to approaching PR companies, due your due diligence and ask what is the finish line. Have the courage to look past the name dropping some may use to secure your check but look deep into their strategy in regards to your music.

The positive side to hiring professionals, if you take yourself serious enough, you can learn from their mistakes as well as get better along the way.

For the artist that are reading this and will continue to partake in the DIY system, take a deep breath and don’t add to much water into the instant gratification process of your music. You will receive exactly what you put into your music and if you don’t require professionals to handle your music then the reality is you don’t need the public. So.. What is your objective? – Selfie Music. Have fun in your bedroom or kitchen performing to the smoking mirrors.

In closing, good food is like good music, we just eat it and it becomes our favorite food and its what you prefer. When the package or label of the food or music is presented right it looks and smells good and more than likely it will taste good. But if the package and label of the food or music looks cheap and smell like shite, then it probably is!

Enjoy..

Jerome Beau Fitts