The Biggest Challenge For Live's Future Success Is... Options

[themaestro]

sorry but i totally disagree with the majority here, Hold me Up can get Live back into the popular culture; original or re-recorded, its that fucking good. . I can still listen to that song and be moved and it really does rock. and look at all the youtube clips of the song from the movie, people from all over the place inquiring about it, becaUSE IT is a freaking good tune with a memorable melody. ! One sonfg is all it takes. everyones been talkng about gotye but really most people only know that one stupid song (good song but comon) like thats all it takes.!

Without Gotye's video going viral here in the US it's doubtful the song would have done anything. That's the sort of "hook" I think people are talking about. Something to get it noticed by the masses. The thing is, I don't think you can actually plan for those things as an independent artist, nor should you want to. That's the beauty of being independent. You can just create your art for the sake of creating great art, not something that you think has a hook, or something for the sake of commerce. That's what the major labels are feeding us that everyone complains about, purposely manufacturing things with a hook in mind. I doubt Gotye had that in mind when he created his video or his song. He probably just did something he thought was cool and it turns out everyone else does too.

Of course, making something you think is cool doesn't pay the bills and as an independent artist the risk is now solely on you. There's no record company advance or major label marketing machine behind you. It's got to be very tough these days to be an independent musician. You can't just want to be a rock star and make it. If that's your dream today, better try to get on Idol and become the next Daughtry.

Anyway, I do agree that there has to be something more than just a catchy song. Just putting Hold Me Up out there wouldn't be enough. I'm not sure exactly what you would do, I'm not the artist. That's why I linked the Damian Kulash / OK Go Video. There's someone that is able to approach everything they do from an artistic point of view and make money at the same time. I'm sure Live could do the same thing, and maybe they will when they are ready with their new music. Can't wait to see what's in store.

This post has been edited by themaestro: May 24 2012, 10:53 am

[thefunkyredcaboose]

Without Gotye's video going viral here in the US it's doubtful the song would have done anything. That's the sort of "hook" I think people are talking about. Something to get it noticed by the masses. The thing is, I don't think you can actually plan for those things as an independent artist, nor should you want to. That's the beauty of being independent. You can just create your art for the sake of creating great art, not something that you think has a hook, or something for the sake of commerce. That's what the major labels are feeding us that everyone complains about, purposely manufacturing things with a hook in mind. I doubt Gotye had that in mind when he created his video or his song. He probably just did something he thought was cool and it turns out everyone else does too.

Of course, making something you think is cool doesn't pay the bills and as an independent artist the risk is now solely on you. There's no record company advance or major label marketing machine behind you. It's got to be very tough these days to be an independent musician. You can't just want to be a rock star and make it. If that's your dream today, better try to get on Idol and become the next Daughtry.

Anyway, I do agree that there has to be something more than just a catchy song. Just putting Hold Me Up out there wouldn't be enough. I'm not sure exactly what you would do, I'm not the artist. That's why I linked the Damian Kulash / OK Go Video. There's someone that is able to approach everything they do from an artistic point of view and make money at the same time. I'm sure Live could do the same thing, and maybe they will when they are ready with their new music. Can't wait to see what's in store.

It's just as tough to be on a label these days.

[themaestro]

It's just as tough to be on a label these days.

True. There are some indie labels that seem to do a nice job. A lot of artists starting their own like Live. Bush did well. Hopefully Live will too.

[Pokey]

True. There are some indie labels that seem to do a nice job. A lot of artists starting their own like Live. Bush did well. Hopefully Live will too.

Not to mention how well things like Ipecac Recordings has turned out for Mike Patton.

[jayda]

I didn't know that Gotye song until I saw you guys writing about it. I have listened about a dozen times in the last few days in an effort to learn to appreciate it. I hate it. I think it's awful. Is this being played on the radio? i don't hear it, but I usually listen to xpn (an independent station) and I have either missed them playing it, or they don't play it. and they play some pretty awful music sometimes.

anyway, if this shit song can become as popular as I believe it is, Hold Me Up could certainly put Live back on the map, because it's a hell of a lot more radio friendly than this song, and it is actually good. (Do people really like this song???)

It apparently has been playing here over and over and over...like Adele! Especially last year.

I don't like his music either but he is a very nice down to earth guy who lives and breathes his music.

[themaestro]

Great interview with Garbage with a lot of talk about the challenges they have faced as a band. I tend to think that Live's version of success will be similar to theirs going forward. A lot of parallels with their situations I think.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRdTmS6DEJY

This post has been edited by themaestro: Jun 1 2012, 12:20 pm

[thefunkyredcaboose]

I think the biggest challenge is going to be actually putting out some music.

[Sonic Tonic]

lol?

[FishOutaWater]

I just read that Farm Aid is going to happen in Hershey PA this year. Backed by such names as Dave Matthews and Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp.

Live should get on the Farm Aid line-up.

[rock4adiference]

I just read that Farm Aid is going to happen in Hershey PA this year. Backed by such names as Dave Matthews and Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp.

Live should get on the Farm Aid line-up.

That would be awesome!!

[IndyYakr]

Live should get on the Farm Aid line-up.

I agree Fish. Any regional exposure is a must. They must take advantage of it. You can't get any more regional than home, that's for sure. New material would be a requirement, though. Farm Aid is huge, great opportunity to showcase the Ed-less LIVE. OTD, make this happen!