Is Social Media Ruining Music?

A year ago, my favourite album was a mystery. A small white plastic case, filled with intriguing songs, and absolutely no clues as to who this person was. I think things may have been simpler that way.

I would listen to this album for hours on end, perfectly contented by the music I was hearing, until one day curiosity got the better of me. A Google search later, and I’d instantly found more information about the person singing on that album, than I probably should, or even wanted to know. Should it really matter where the music comes from? Is it really any of our business?

A year later, and that particular singer knows me by name, is in my Facebook profile picture, and in my email contacts. Social media is an incredible marketing tool, there’s no doubt about that. It’s vital for the publicity of established artists, and invaluable for those still trying to make it – but this increasing connection we have with musicians doesn’t impress me. It terrifies me.

Before the internet took over our lives, and before Twitter could be classed as a close personal friend, music was allowed to not be entirely understood. To me, it should be open to interpretation, rather than an overwhelming demand for the meaning of each individual song. I like the thought that a musician is a slightly distanced figure – open to individual interpretation just as much as their songs. I wouldn’t want to tell strangers about my life, so it only seems right that musiciansare entitled to the same kind of privacy. Of course, not all choose to succumb to the gossip grabbing wombles, but I can’t help but think there is an increasing demand for knowledge of others’ lives. At what point did we decide music was not just music anymore? When did we become so fixated with virtual strangers through a virtual medium?

Having spent an increasing time on websites like Twitter and Facebook, I’ve noticed (myself included, I’m certainly not free from the addictive grasp of social media), people demanding more and more contact with musicians, as though they were friends, rather than acquaintances or just plain strangers. I’ve cringed more times than I would in ‘real life’, at people asking bizarre or overly-personal questions via the Internet, that would never be uttered by a sane minded person to a virtual stranger in person. What seems inappropriate has suddenly come acceptable – when have boundaries become so transparent? The anonymity and vast gap between individuals the internet provides has seemed to have changed the rules completely.

It’s certainly rarer behaviour, fortunately, but I have seen people who are so incredibly caught up in social media related to music, the barrier between ‘musician’ and ‘consumer’ is incredibly blurred, almost to the point of unhealthy. It’s easy to forget, but the information given adds to an image the artist, and their PR and management team desperately want to create. It’s in their interest to appear to be friendly, approachable people - as unbelievably, a cocky, holier-than-thou attitude doesn’t help to sell records! 

I don’t wish to be overly cynical, as social media, and contact through the Internet certainly has its place. It would just be nice, for once, to listen to an album and not have anyone asking what colour socks they were wearing when they wrote it.

Frank Turner - The Wheelbarrow - 01/01/13

There is something interesting about seeing a musician play a solo show. Without a band, they really have no one else to rely on, and it seems like you get a genuine representation of how talented they are. Frank Turner is relatively recent discovery for me, so I’d never seen him without the Sleeping Souls, prior to last night.  Even at the biggest of shows, it feels like every single person is included, but seeing him play at a venue as small as The Wheelbarrow was a different experience entirely. There was something wonderful about seeing a calmer set, in such a tiny pub. I must admit the one security person on stage did make me laugh – as though there was going to be slightly overly-enthusiastic finger pointing to I Still Believe, or some unnecessarily riotous swaying!

Everyone in the audience was obviously so enthusiastic about each song played – the fact that that many people can appear just a couple of days after it was announced is a sure sign of the solid reputation he has earned. I’ve written this several times now, but it never fails to be true – people at Frank Turner gigs are genuinely nice. It was very busy, which resulted in falling onto the stage and such (I have bruise the size of a small country on my leg!), but even that was executed in a polite way. Hearing that many people sing along to every word, really cements the importance that music has. I point blank refuse to stop believing in the power it  has – and last night’s show simply confirmed that belief. 

There are so many artists that would be nothing without auto-tuning, or just plain miming - it seems hugely ridiculous that they are the ones getting the most recognition. I would rather go and listen to Frank sing a selection of cartoon theme-tunes in the style of Justin Bieber, than I would go and see most of the artists gracing the current UK Top 40.  It seems illogical that genuine talent is being outrun by those who possess none. One Direction types seem to be taking over the world, but smaller artists, and smaller venues (which I personally think are 1000% more fun), are getting less recognition. Put it this way – Frank makes me cry because his lyrics are so inspirational, One Direction make me cry because their lyrics are so truly and utterly horrific.

Very few musicians, who have reached the level of success that he has, seem to maintain the attitude that everyone should be treated as equals – his lack of airs and graces is hugely refreshing.  At each show, the same idea seems to resonate – that there should be hope and positivity towards life. This seemed particularly prevalent last night, especially linked to the idea that a new year is a new beginning. I obviously can’t speak for anyone else, but it made me want to make 2013 the best year that it can possibly be. As though I can achieve absolutely anything – a fleeting feeling, that probably only lasts until the last chord is played, but it really does give a massive boost. I can’t remember exactly what was said, but it was something along the lines of ‘if you want to do something in your life, just f****** do it!’ It’s an idea that seems so simplistic, but when considered, is probably what everyone should be aiming for.

I left feeling utterly drained, I’ll admit to the point of emotions ridiculously on edge. Frank seems to put everything into each show he plays, and you can’t help but do the same. Hearing lyrics and music that you genuinely believe in, is a wonderful but tiring experience!

Frank Turner Interview

This is the first interview that has found it's way onto my blog, which just so happens to be from one of the musicians I admire most in the world. Said musician is folk-rock extraordinaire Mr Frank Turner.

Q.  If you could instantly change one thing in the world, what would it be?

A. I'd add an extra month to the year so I could get some sleep.


Q. It's safe to say you're pretty successful now, yet you don't appear
to have any air of self-importance or 'celebrity status', how and why do
you do this?

A. I don't consider myself to be a "celebrity" or indeed important, either
to myself or anyone else. The facts are against it. I'm not doing any of
this to be famous or anything like that - my aim is to make good music
and be a good entertainer. My mother brought me up to think arrogance to
be the worst of sins. Plus the guys in my band and crew rip on me
mercilessly 24-7, which helps keep me grounded.


Q. Other than band/crew/instruments etc, what would you hate to go on
tour without?

A. My laptop, in all honesty. I use it to write, demo, work, keep in touch,
all that kind of thing.


Q. What's the weirdest show or venue you've ever played?

A. There are too many to choose from. The illegal tour I did in China in
2010 was pretty wild.


Q. What do you miss most about England when you're in different countries?

A. Greasy spoon cafes. Full English and a cup of tea for £3.50? Bliss.


Q. Other than Winchester or London, where is your favourite place in the UK?

A. Hm, good question. As a city I'd probably pick either Leeds or Exeter.
For the wilds, either Devon or the northwest Highlands in Scotland.


Q. You've done some pretty amazing things, toured the world, played
Wembley etc, musically, what else do you wish to achieve?

A. I have much more to achieve. I'd like to write better songs - songs that
could hold a candle to Townes Van Zandt.


Q. Who is your greatest musical inspiration?

A. Overall I'd probably say Bruce Springsteen. He's got it all.


Q. Which new or less known artists do you think most deserve to do well?

A. I'm a big fan of Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun, and also the Retrospective
Soundtrack Players - their new record is amazing.


Q. If you weren't a musician, what do you think you'd be doing?

A. Trying to be one.


Thank you Frank!

Music fans - enthusiasm, or obsession?

Musicians rely on fans to survive as much as they do food and water. Without them, records are not sold, merchandise is abandoned and shows are left emptier than Simon Cowell’s soul. They’re completely necessary to keep a band afloat. This deal works well both ways – people get albums they love, and shows to go and see, in return for a few quid. That in itself doesn’t seem too horrific. Music is a staple part of so many people’s lives, and it’s natural to return to your favourite musicians, but is there a darker side to an adoration of an artist? I can’t help but wonder when the line crosses between being a fan, and being somewhat obsessed. It is surprisingly easy to buy into the lifestyles associated with various musicians, whether it is an intentional action or not. Perhaps it really does fill a void within people’s lives, but it doesn’t seem a particularly healthy attitude to have. Though would it even be in the interest of an artist for this to stop – could musicians be as successful without this fixated culture?

Of course, this is far from a new way of behaving. It’s been prominent since Beatlemania, all the way to Gaga’s ‘Little Monsters’. I like to think that at a point in time, someone was rocking out to Baroque, or there was mass hysteria at the mere sight of Tchaikovsky. 

Observing live music recently, I’ve witnessed all levels of musical enthusiasm, from vague interest, all the way to ‘I-know-where-you-live-and-everything-about-you’ type obsession. The more I’ve considered it, the more alarming it seems. Do we really exist in a society where reliance in music, or a particular musician, can become a major focus point of our lives - and which is completely socially accepted? I can’t claim innocence entirely (though perhaps not as ‘dedicated’ as some...), but keeping a healthy attitude towards the music in our lives, especially with the accessibility and reminders constantly provided by social media, seems more important than ever.

Looking at this from a completely cold-hearted angle – your favourite musicians inevitably want money from you. They need it (for the most part), to keep providing new music, and to be able to continue touring. But this means these people are not your friends - they’re business associates. 

Don’t get me wrong, I adore music, and I always will. I have nothing but respect for (most!) people who dedicate their lives to music. It does, however, seem important to treat enthusiasm for an artist carefully. It’s easy to forget that a record deal does not make people any less human, or ordinary. The poignant moment for me, that was the catalyst for this, happened last week. I travelled a 190 mile round trip to see my favourite musician, (the second show that week), and once home realised I’d spent more time talking to him, than my friend I was staying with. That doesn’t seem right to me.

Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls - Wolverhampton 2012

Writing a review for possibly the most anticipated gig of your life, has proven to be no easy task. Listening to your favourite CD’s, and then hearing those songs played live a few hours later is a bizarre, yet wonderful experience. My excitement levels prior (several days prior) and throughout the show were through the roof, the kind of feeling where everything seems a little bit blurry afterwards, but you know you had a fantastic time. This makes writing a detailed or completely accurate account of the show slightly difficult, but I really don’t care. I don’t think I could have had a better evening, even if the entire building was made of Dairy Milk and the bar was free! (A little insight into my life, there.)

I can’t pretend I’m writing a review for an artist I’ve only just discovered, or try to balance out the positives with negatives (There are none, it’s just not possible...).  It is no secret that I’m a bit of a Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls enthusiast, no other music has such a calming or positive influence on my life. I’ll forever be grateful to the person that decided to put a copy of Love Ire and Song in the Northampton branch of HMV! Listening to Frank albums tends to trigger a mutter of ‘oh god, not that again’ from my family. That’s not a reflection on the music I hasten to add, just the volume of air time I give those CD’s!

The support bands, first Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun and then the seriously talented Tim Barry provided a great start to the evening. JL&SS got the audience really ready for the show, they were clearly so enjoying what they were doing, it seemed to transfer to the crowd. Sometimes when you don’t know songs, it makes it a bit more difficult to enjoy a set, but this wasn’t the case. At risk of sounding like an elderly person, I noticed that they were very ‘trendily’ dressed – like a better looking Mumford & Sons! I hope they continue to become increasingly successful.

Tim Barry played one of the most fantastic sets I’ve heard this year – I was genuinely transfixed by his story-telling lyrics from the first song. I haven’t been that stop-dead surprised since I first heard a Frank song. His lyrics are meaningful and insightful, yet give you a sense of positivity and hope. His speech about the first time he met Frank created a personal connection with the audience – people could relate to his admiration, but it also gave the smallest of insights into his life. I wish more musicians could be this honest on stage – it seemed like you were seeing a real person, rather than a stage persona they wanted you to see. I don’t know why this guy isn’t internationally acclaimed already – I know I’d rather listen to his songs than most of the ‘successful’ Top 40 ones at the moment! (Little Mix bring me out in a rash). I’m pretty sure he’s gained thousand of new fans on this tour alone!

Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls were just as brilliant as I thought they’d be. I felt like the set list was made up of everyone’s favourite songs, and the buzz in the atmosphere was awesome. The time flew by, yet it felt like so much had happened. I’ve noticed it before, but even more so at a show – Frank has a seriously devoted group of followers. Without fail, everyone was clearly so happy to be there. I’ve seen more live bands than I can count, but not one has fans with that level of faith in the words of someone else. Of course, I’m in no way saying that it has any kind of religious element, but for people perhaps not convinced by the presence of a greater being, it’s important to have something to relate to and believe in. Frank’s music definitely appeals to good people – I have spoken to so many new people, simply because of a common interest in music. Unlike many gigs, there wasn’t hesitation when talking (though to be honest, that might have been the Believe beer...).

A Decent Cup of Tea was a surprise to hear, it unexpectedly made me cry. It’s the kind of song you listen to when you’re low, more of a private song in some ways. Hearing something like that that holds so much meaning was gut-wrenching but wonderful. Getting emotional about a song is something I suppose you should embarrassed by (especially when you were right at the front), but I’m really not. I think that’s the point of Frank’s lyrics, especially A Decent Cup of Tea. They get to you, they’re though-provoking – being affected by them is a reflection of how well-written they are.,

They had an incredible energy from start to finish – it honestly seems like they put everything they possibly have into each show. They looked utterly exhausted by the end.. Though Frank looked the same as he did before the show, just half an hour after it seemed he might sweat to death. Miraculous! 

I can't think of any musicians that are this successful, who are still happy to sign tickets (or arms in my case), and take pictures. They are incredibly likeable, which makes for an even better show. It’s refreshing that there is so little divide between musicians and audience, there’s a real sense that that’s how music should be – how life should be, even. They’re crushing a little part of the incredibly irritating part of celebrity culture – I think that’s bloody brilliant. 

This was my first Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls gig, and it certainly won’t be my last. In fact I’m travelling all the way down to Southampton next week, I loved it so much! If you get the chance to go to a show, do. I promise you, you won’t regret it! 

And to finish, here is a completely ridiculous photograph. I might sound all calm and collected now, but I think we can agree that this says otherwise of last night...

Bowling For Soup with Patent Pending & Dollyrots - Birmingham o2 Academy - 24/10/12

A band can have the greatest songs ever written, the most talented musicians in the world and a venue to rival Wembley, but if they don’t really want to be there, then all of that is futile. If the band aren’t interested, the crowd aren’t either, but thankfully, that certainly wasn’t the case last night. Patent Pending couldn’t have provided a more enthusiastic start – their energy onstage was completely infectious, right from the word go. Banter (yes, i hate that word but it seems suitable) between songs was genuinely funny – comedy AND music - win win! There were understandably some people who knew Patent Pending songs, and some who didn’t – but the songs are so catchy, most were quickly won over. I was so excited to hear ‘Douchebag’, but was unfortunately next to some people who were not so familiar with the song - my enthusiastic dancing and beautiful (atrocious) singing earned a few strange looks!

A part of their set, which particularly stood out, was a speech leading up to their song ‘One Less Heart To Break’, regarding the passing of a friend. It aimed to give hope to those who needed it, and was such a refreshingly honest sentiment, I found myself tearing up slightly. Ordinarily, when it comes to onstage declarations and ‘motivational speeches’ I have the emotional range of Kristen Stewart, well, in any Twilight film*, but this got to me. I’ve seen countless bands live, but never once have I seen someone delve into the tricky world of the end of life, and come out having created such a positive message. I hope it reached whom it needed to reach. There’s enough misery in this world without adding to it on stage. Other bands should take note.

*Kristen Stewart has three emotions, miserable, miserable and miserable.

By the end of their set, the majority of the crowd were as excited about this new found band as they would be if Bowling For Soup themselves had just finished playing. It’s an impressive feat to stir up that much excitement in the space of a relatively short set.  

I have a confession to make about The Dollyrots set – I went for a much needed pint (or two) after so much Patent Pending dancing, that I didn’t actually SEE them – but I heard them, surely, that’s the most important thing? They have a very unusual sound. I mean this in a completely complimentary way, but there are few bands I can think of that are a fair comparison - the one that comes closest is probably Letters To Cleo. Quirky is the word that seems most suitable to describe them – especially the unexpected cover of The Wurzels. There’s something indescribably strange about them (The Dollyrots...but also The Wurzels) – but which makes them hugely likeable. 

Each time I see Bowling For Soup, there is an apprehension at the back of my mind – is this the tour that they’ve started taking themselves too seriously? It would almost be understandable, as it seems to be expected with a lot of artists that once they reach a certain level of success, they become, for lack of a more sophisticated phrase, completely up their own arses. Thankfully, this was not the year, that BFS decided to jump on the pretentious bandwagon! Would you ever see the mighty Bono waving to people? Would Muse stop mid-show to hoist a penguin? I think not.

Although it’s clearly a smart career move, you can’t help but be appreciate how down to earth they seem, and genuinely nice. Likeable songs and likeable people are such a welcome change to the seemingly god-like status that many bands award themselves. BFS shows are a breath of fresh air. I’ve said it before, but I’m always taken-aback by how genuinely friendly people are – even the maddest of dancing is conducted in a polite, very English way! The band seems to attract positive people, and it really shows. You can tell that most people there have so much time for them, and know the songs inside out – it makes for a great atmosphere. 

If you leave a gig feeling in some way better than you did before, then the band have done their job. For yesterday’s show, slightly better is an understatement - the somewhat crazed smiles on people’s faces as they left demonstrated that they did a very good job! 

As I’ve written this the next day, I can give a sort of review of the aftermath. I got out of bed this morning, still slightly reeling from getting to bed in the early hours, only for my legs to promptly give way, as I fall into the wardrobe. Well, you can’t say I wasn’t enthusiastic!

*Waves*