Helaine is sitting on the other side of the sofa. Her laptop is on. She’s watching a live Q&A session featuring Rick Springfield. He is relaxed and funny. From time-to-time he punctuates an answer by picking up his acoustic guitar and playing a snippet.
For a dedicated Rick Springfield fan like my wife¹ this is nirvana. This online appearance coincides with Springfield’s annual three day concert series in Milwaukee.
Why Milwaukee? Who knows. Some things you just have to take on faith.
Rick Springfield is taking advantage of social media. He is keeping his fans energized. This is promotion in the 21st Century and pity the performer who doesn’t embrace it!
One of my Facebook friends recently told me about a similar online gig for Thirty Seconds to Mars. The Leto Brothers get it.
From KROQ: In order to get fans fired up about the new album, the band will invite people for a sneak peak into their studio, April 27th for a live webcast. The digital presentation will include a live performance, preview of their live tour film, sneak peek of their documentary film ARTIFACT, and a discussion with the band.
I follow Howie Mandel on Twitter. He might be the best at leveraging his flock. Whenever Howie has a show (live or TV) he chats it up on Twitter. Often his mentions come as replies to questions from fans. Smart.
Howie Mandel @howiemmandel
Ok RT @BethHaven: @howiemmandel: can I get a rt? We are spending the night with u 2morrow in aberedeen wa
Helaine says Kathy Griffin is terrific with this too. I’ll have to follow her.
The conventional methods of promotion are fading. Fewer people listen to radio, watch TV, read newspapers and magazines. The best way to maintain and build is to engage… maybe the only way.
I have friends on-the-air who are unable or unwilling to reach out like this. I don’t think we have a choice anymore.
¹ – I sometimes ask her how things are in the Rickdom. She doesn’t appreciate that.