TALK TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There’s nothing much to write home about among the other new releases, which include J/RMG’s Mario,Warner Bros.’ Flaming Lips and Reprise’s Dead by Sunrise, all in the 20-25k range. Next up is a pair of unlikely matched holiday albums in Jive/JLG’s David Archuleta (18-21k) and Bob Dylan (15-18k), with Columbia’s Five for Fighting also on tap (12-15k).
via (HITSMAGAZINE)
THIS IS A CONTINUATION TALK TO ME OF MY LAST POST ABOUT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND HOW THEY BETTER GET ON THIS SOCIAL NETWORKING TRACK FAST OR THIS IS GONNA BE THE END RESULTS EVERY TIME. I HATE TO SEE THIS HAPPEN TO MARIO, NOT ONLY IS HE A FRIEND BUT HE ALSO HAS ONE OF THE HOTEST R&B RECORDS OF THE YEAR. I HATE THE FIRST WEEK NUMBERS GAME PROBABLY MORE THAN ANYBODY. I BELIEVE THAT’S WHAT KILLED THE BUILDING, THE DEVELOPMENT AND THE GROWING OF AN ARTIST THAT WE USE TO SEE.
TODAYS QUESTIONS ARE DIRECTED TO THE LIFERS THAT BELIEVE THEY WANNA BE IN THIS CRAZY ASS BUSINESS.
QUESTION NUMBER 1. IF YOU WERE MANAGING MARIO WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
QUESTION NUMBER 2.WHAT SHOULD THE RECORD COMPANY DO TO SALVAGE THIS PROJECT ?
TALK TO ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wat up jd if i was managing Mario I would have more fan participation in wats going on with him! something like u said have fans participate in some way in the process of makin the album, maybe do youtube to show behind the scenes of recording then asks the fans to pick which songs they like! I would also try to get him to do more tv shows or maybe daytime shows to get hisface out there more! I would also try to get him on some magazine not just urban but more mainstream magazine as possible. I would also try to help him find a images that will separate him from the other R&B cats. Possible have him write more and produce for himself! I would also have him work with new producers possibly ones overseas or new cats so he could get some young blood. I would also have him do more shows in smaller venues make them more intimate. Also have more money for advertisment would help on the net and on physically billboards! I think Mario is a very talented dude its just that the game is so oneside and its hard 4 ppl to tell the diff btwn him and the other dudes. JD i think u r on to something with these social networks but in additonal to him doing commericals for national productS. take him from being an r and b dude and make him into a Pop star with longevity and crediblity. But truly writing his own material may be also an avenue he may need to take!
I’d pay Twitter to keep my artists in the trending topics for weeks like Jay-Z did.
I saw a commercial for Mario’s on BET, while watching The Game. I think that was great placement.
@Nakita Benjamin Were all going off subject lol but not really lol.
Yeah I so feel you I liked Ashanti too but she didn’t do nothing for me lol but I can say she can sing better than Ciara and Rhianna put together lol.
You know what I think people wanted something fresh and new something like the old 90s female acts then Ashanti came and so people wanted something replace that, Thats why so many people liked Ashanti lol then Beyonce came with her first album people didn’t really care for Ashanti but not just that 50cent made it worst for Ashanti lol.
@Nakita Benjamin I bet you like Tamia, Kelly Price,Jill Scott,India arie Ledsi, and others greats singers who get over look which is sad.
If I was managing Mario I would tell him the must important thing right now for him to do is to get attention. I would have him doing a lot of shows. With his shows I would have it at a venue where it is small enough to where he can interact with his fans. He would definitely need to start using social media. What he could do is show how tough if it is to make it in the industry and air it on Youtube. While he is doing this he can have his audience participate by getting their response to his questions because that is going to be the must important part (audience participation). He can also perform some of the songs that didn’t make the album and ustream it. The most important thing is interacting with his audience on social media, he has to let them into his life and get personal so they can relate to him. The reason I say this is he has to differentiate himself from everybody else. I think that’s whats wrong with a lot of struggling artist out there they have yet to create their own lane.
As far as the company is concerned I doubt that they will spend any more money on his promotion but maybe he can get on some other artist albums. I think as of right now he needs to take matters into his own hands and get on his grind.
As a Public Relatons degree holder I consider myself at least some what informed on how this could be fixed but I am at a loss. I don’t know enough about Mario… and that is the problem. I have been a fan since his first album back when we were all prounouncing his name wrong. I watched the reality show with his mother and have deep respect for him as a man in general for what he does for her and his siblings. As an artist he is an enigma. Quality exposure is what is important now. Fans expect to see his life via these social networking sites. People know release dates ususally but they buy from artists they like and connect with. That is why living the life is so crucial to the Ocean’s success. Based on the fan base built by the blogs and vlogs you could sell triple the numbers of anyone who dropped this week. Also I live in Chicagoland and I never hear about him being in town for shows on the radio. Now I can’t make a real recommendation without knowing what his team already has or hasn’t done.
I can’t speak as a manager but I can speak as a publicist and my plan would be:
1. Accept the first week numbers as a solid starting point, address the label and make them aware this is what limited promotion and marketing produces. If your artist didn’yt hold up his end of the bargain accept responsibility and pitch a complete plan to get numbers up.
2. Set up a youtube vlog and an associated blog. Reference live shows, release dates and just film your real life. We don’t care that you are rich, we just want to connect with you. Fans expect it or they feel cheated. Social networkign has increased expectations exponentially of what artists let fans see.
3. Plan a tour as many cities ad as many shows as possible. It is a sacrifice but it is important again to connect people to your brand.
4. Develop your brand! Stop allowing companies to do product placements in your videos without offering more exposure for you as an artist. Instead negotiating drinking money or money to buy a car arrange an endorsement deal. He can sell underwear, hair products, anything. If people beginto recognize the his face they’ll recognize the artist and his brand further.
5. Better videos: meaning make sure fans can see your face, eyes and who you are. Break up’s video involved Mario in shades and a backwards hat mostly. Jay z, Beyonce, Wayne, their silhouettes are unmistakable and recognizable because it is seen regularly in print ads and on tv.
6. Finally pull a Rocafella Records: use your own money to do videos and go grass roots with it. It will show your current and the next label that you are serious about your success as serious as I’m sure you expect them to be about it. Another label will court you if they see you putting in the effot to truly help your own career. Hitting the booth and the stage is not enough anymore.
Unfortunately many artists may not want to make the sacrifices associated with earning real succes in this cutthroat industry. But it’s like that elsewhere in life, music is your career so put in the time, effort, money, and passion needed to get you where you need to go.
J.D. here’s a topic for you: Why do most black athletes and artists choose not to spend money on quality management, P.R., stylists, and brand managers ? Most of them hire their home boy, cousins, mamas and It seems the only thing most of them spend real money on is attorneys when they get in trouble?
Now when I say good money, I mean hiring trained, licensed, and degreed professionals in these fields. I’m sure they pay their home boys well but is he really trained to negotiate your contract or manage the day to day affairs of your brand? How many ball players have sued their friends for embezzalment or brand mismanagement? Just wondering and you being in the industry probabaly can clarify.
@kinglovejoyltl SO WHAT IF POP MUSIC STANDS FOR POPULAR MUSIC. BACK IN THE 90′S, WHEN I HEAR A POP SONG FROM MICHAEL, IT SOUNDS FRESH, LIKE YOU CAN HEAR THE DRUMS POP EVERY SECOND. TEDDY RILEY IS A GENUS BECAUSE HE MADE MICAHEL’S DANGEROUS ALBUM A MEGA HIT. MICAHEL HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT BECAUSE IT’S ALL FROM HIS VISION. I LIKE THAT KIND OF POP EVEN THOUGH IT GOT THAT NEW JACK SWING FLAVA IN YA EAR.
WHEN BRITNEY SPEARS CAME OUT WITH BABY ONE MORE TIME, I HATED IT, AND THAN WHEN SHE CAME OUT WITH ANOTHER HIT, I HATED IT EVEN MORE. THE REASON WHY I HATE IT BECAUSE IT SOUNDS LIKE DISNEY MUSIC. IT GOT THAT YOUNG SOUND TO IT. I DIDN’T SOUND COOL TO ME.
BECAUSE OF HER, THAT’S WHEN TLC BECAME POP, BLAQUE BECAME POP, 702 BECAME POP, IMMATURE BECAME POP…. IN THE LATE 90′S. I GOTTA IMMITE, POP THAN WAS OK. BUT I NOTICE THAT IN THE LATE 90′S, EVERY POP BEAT SOUNDED THE SAME, YOU CAN TELL IT CAME FROM THE SAME PRODUCER THAT CREATED THOSE SOUNDS/BEATS.
NOW DAYS, POP IS BORING. THE CONCEPT NEVER CHANGED.
MICHAEL MADE POP COOL. ON THE CHORUS, HIS HARMONIZING ALWAYS GIVES ME GOOSE BUMPS.
HE LIKES TO SING AGGRESSIVELY, LIKE HOW ROCKERS DO IT, BUT HE MAKES IT SOUND COOL.
ALSO I LIKE THAT HE SINGS ABOUT ISSUES IN TODAY’S SOCIETY, HE MAKES SHORE THAT IT BRINGS A POWERFUL BEAT WITH IT.
@Tellingthetruth101 YEAH, ASHANTI DOES SOUND BETTER THAN RIHANNA AND CIARA. I THINK CIARA SOUNDS BETTER THAN ASHANTI BY THE WAY. I GET WHAT YOU MEAN, RIHANNA’S VOCALS MIX WITH CIARA’S VOCALS COMBINE DOES SOUND LIKE ASHANTI.
A LOT OF PEOPLE WANT THAT 90′S FEEL BACK. I MISS EVERYTHING ABOUT THE 90′S. I MISS THE BEGGY CLOTHING. I MISS THE LEATHER. I MISS THEM SUN GLASSES. I MISS THE DARK SMOKEY MAKE UP. I MISS THE MUSIC VIDEO CONCEPT. I MISS THEM HOTASS BEATS THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO DANCE YOUR BUTT OFF. MAN I MISS THE 90′S R&B AND 90′S HIP HOP.
90′S MUSIC IS NOTHING COMPARE TO TODAY’S MUSIC. TODAY’S MUSIC IS THE WORST DECADE OF MUSIC EVER. LOL!
Mario is an established artist on multiple fronts. Pre-album launch, there could have been a viral album launch campaign 4 fans to host their own listening parties w/designated captains. Street Teams could host them 2 & have posters streets and singles 4 the club. I would social network to allow fans 2 connect and discover more about him. He could host ladies nights in select cities 4 the candy effect. Proper video showcasing his acting skills could work also. Late night/day shows r good but 2 of each is enough.
How 2 save it now? Reintroduce the artist with proper mkting & buzz. Allow him 2 engage his fans with a unique spin of the full-on blitz.
Hey JD-first let me start off by saying I’m a big fan and a lifer, I’m a frequent vistor to your site and youtube videos, but don’t comment much. But since this question is near to my heart (my dream is to be an A&R rep) i felt i needed to comment.
If I was Mario’s manager I would’ve released to album very soon after his stint on Dancing with the Stars, the way album’s are selling these days and record companies seem to not want to put alot of promotion dollars behind the talented artist. Its unforunate but true, so the artist and his management must take all free promotion and run with it. Now, I’m sure it would’ve difficult to release a quality project soon after the his stint because I’m sure the scheduling for DWTS was crazy, but dealing with the current climate of the music industry it was absolutely a MUST that they should’ve attempted to do so.
To salvage this project the record company should ofcourse throw more marketing dollars behind the projuect, but honestly I feel that the artist and their management have to take more control sometimes and do the leg work themselves. Like its very unforunate but record companies aren’t backing artist like they should. If I was Mario’s manager, I would document his days by video and load them on the web. We are in a reality show world right now, and it seems to help alot of artist sell records. I’d also hit the pavement running, and go back to promoting him as if he was a new artist. Do small town shows, and radio drops. Also, I would’ve had him relaese a mixtape before his official album dropped to create some type of anticipation for the album, kinda like Trey Songz did with Anticipation and Drake did with So far Gone. If I were his manager I’d really grind it out like he was a new artist. I’m mean they just have to put in the work to get the results and stop depending on the record label to do the work, because they obviously aren’t and this is his career…they will still have a career long after his is over.
JD-I have alot of ideas on A&R(ing) artist and I feel the demise of the A&R is partly to blame for the demise of the record industry. I’d love to sit down and talk with you about some of my idea. I’m live in Atlanta, so if have the time hit me up. (I know this may be a long shot, but hey I have to try.)
THIS SHIT SO FUNNY.
Tyra banks puts ciara in her place and shows the world that ciara really cannot sing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXnX7yfZC88&feature=related
1.) I would fire my publicist. Try to get more ‘savvy’ with todays youtube/twitter/facebook applications.
2.) The way to salvage it is to make a few hot singles and make a re-release of the album with the new singles. Maybe a DVD with music videos etc.
I have to admit Mario puts out some heat but it just sucks that his work always gets leaked before or doesn’t get the publicity he should.
Well I love the music industry. My dream really and no bull is to work with JD and Jay-Z as an A&R talent search.
I think Mario made the worst mistake by not taking at least 90% of promotion into his own hands. Now if he wants to come back from this, he needs to get out to the radios, get on the web, book as many interviews and tv apperances as possible. Jay Leno, 106, mtv, Vh1, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Blackplanet, everything. That is what I would do if I was on his management team. Come out of your own pocket for things. Also you don’t need to do a millon dollar video. Get mor intouch with your own visual. Do what you want to do and not what someone else picks out for you. The fans like the real person and not just the artist. DiiGG!! That’s why LTL gets so many hits. Shout out to B.Cox and Johnta by the way…
Two, the record label needs to do more advertising. Since Mario’s album has been out, even befor it was, I’ve seen a total of about five comercials for it. That’s bullshit to me. Promote your artist as your product. Don’t pull a Diddy. Diddy only promotes himself 100% the rest of his artist gets 40%. Also the label should make sure that the artist is putting out the best material possible and not just good for the moment. Like look and dondria, she hasn’t come out yet because JD won’t let her put out a flop. He is going to make sure it is the best out also why Johnta’s album is still in the works,.
DiiGG!!
1. He needs more publicity. He needs to be on Twitter, and ustream, facebook (although, I don’t think it’s as effective), and myspace on GP. He needs to be on tour with somebody. He should have been on the powerhouse tour with Day 26, Trey Songz and Chris Brown, but that’s neither here nor there. He needs to be an opening act for somebody major.
2. He needs to drop a second single, and quick. He needs to do that, even before touring. His one song is getting a ton of spins, but Drake has like 4 or 5 songs, if not more, spinning constantly. He needs another hit video, to go with that song.
3. The daytime/night time suggestion is good, but I wonder if his audience is watching that stuff. They seem a little too young for it. He needs a high profile GIRLFRIEND, so Necole Bitchie, Media Takeout and YBF feel a need to pay attention to him. HE needs a date with Rhianna, or at least a BFF moment.
4. He needs a CREW, who is he linked to? Who are his boys? He needs more spotlight, he should be hanging out with Chris Breezy, Bow Wow and Soulja Boy. They all need a little help right now.
5. He needs more magazine coverage! More interviews, more shocking statements, like the stuff that he spoke about with Necole Bitchie. That was a great interview. She gives him love, but not so much the other websites.
6. RECORD LABEL…it’s 4th quarter man, they aren’t doing anything else. That’s not just entertainment, I don’t care if you work for Proctor and Gamble. In this economy, the money is gone for marketing and other things. That’s what he needs. His label needs to send him on a morning radio tour. Hit up all the major markets. Figure out where he sells the most, the least, then create a travel itinerary based off of past album sales, radio spins, and current sales. The label needs to do the research, collect the data points, and actually come up with a real strategy. Unfortunately, they don’t employ many MBA’s. Mario should invest in hiring his own Harvard MBA to do the strategic marketing. REAL TALK!
QUESTION NUMBER 1. IF YOU WERE MANAGING MARIO WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
In the music industry, the management team consists of certain key members. Namely: the artiste’s manager, publicist, financial manager and most importantly THE ARTISTE. With that in mind, as part of his mgmt team, each of us would be held responsible in terms of articulating Mario’s vision through our different skill sets. The manager would be responsibile for seeing to that shows, concerts, interviews are booked ahead of time even before the release of the album. The publicist would be responsible for generating attention through social/viral marketing(twitter, ustream, facebook, myspace, blogs), traditional marketing(commercials on TV, ads on radio, billboards). When it’s all said and done, MONEY will be a key factor in terms of jumpstarting some of the above mentioned. This is where the financial organizer will come in, they will be responsible for setting a realistic budget taking into account the funds available, the scope , and anticipated album sales. Finally, Mario has to be in the thick of things. Granted that the management team is not only working WITH HIM but also FOR HIM, he also needs to be assertive in terms of his short-term and long-term goals in regards to his career. Of course, the management team may look at things from a business perspective, as opposed to him looking at it from a creative point of view, a point of comprise needs to be met by all.
QUESTION NUMBER 2.WHAT SHOULD THE RECORD COMPANY DO TO SALVAGE THIS PROJECT ?
The record company is a BRAND NAME. Therefore it needs to affiliate itself more with Mario. To salvage this particular project his record label needs to be at the core of the marketing aspect of his project. That is, the distribution, promotion, as well as also working hand in hand with his management team!
If I were managing Mario I would first assess his past accomplishments to see what has gotten him to this level. Historically he has been a strong 1st single guy and then a mildly strong second single. I think they picked the rawest joint off his project for the 1st single. The album has strong pop undertones. The vocal arrangements have a MJ-esque boyish, quivery quality which is cool(especially numbers 4 and 12). Don’t flood the project with the same sound. Understand that the great bands would produce albums that meshed. By that, I mean Earth Wind and Fire, for example, didn’t switch snares on each record. Their albums still popped. I know Mario is by no means comparable to EWF. I just think his project’s single is misleading. Every joint can’t be the club joints but again they should be indicative of the tone of the album. A great example is Usher’s Confession. The singles were dope!! Whether they were club records, mid tempo, or ballads. Mario’s album does not have as much balance. Number 8 they could’ve kept off the overly used A …A…A….A….and maybe used Apache drums to make it more street. Again I only say this because the single is street r&B. His shit was tight overall. What must be considered is his audience. He appeals to r&b/hiphop fans, pop-r&b fans, as well as, 30 and over ie “you should let me love you”. I can understand why it isn’t as raw as it could be. Its really consistent with his image. They should’ve touched up some the tracks like they do his photos. Remixes also give street cred, so if that’s what he’s seeking that may be a good look. I also think they let the single run a lil too long. You need support. The next single is your bench, your supporting cast and he has 3 to 4 viable options to keep the project alive. Regardless of the marketing techniques, it all begins with the product. He needs to appeal to his core fan base (LADIES), point blank!
As far his project, I don’t think it needs to salvaged because it isn’t completely junk. He is a multi faceted performer in that he sings, and dances. He just needs to be on point every time he is seen. I think the Essence Music Fest is a good look in satisfying/attracting the 30 and up crowd, as well as the dance show being good publicity. The label should strongly encourage him to have a really tight band/choreography so that bloggers’ll be like his show is off the chain. Less pop and more r&b. Pop is cool but it is a derivative art form. You gotta be on ya Mike game in terms of showmanship to really come off….either that or have the kind of album people can’t live without.
update: I don’t know if I’m late but I just saw the video for his second single, “Been Thinking About You” It’s alright but my hypothesis remains true hot 1st single, weaker second joint.
OUT
@Nakita Benjamin
just b/c u hate some music or artist, it doesnt mean they arent pop.
its a global thang. any artist loves to be known as pop music. pop
music will be everything u hear in a club, ur fat joe lean back to michael jackson
bad. popular music isnt always gonna be everyone favorite joint, album, or artist,
but it will get folks in the mood for energy and fun. like it or not.
Too late… they had to do alot more while they where finishing up the album … I’m talkin’ youtube videos of making of’s … studio sessions … a day in a life type of stuff… Maybe put the single in a hot serie like entourage with a cameo!!!
I live in europe … We love Mario out here!! Most people don’t even know he has an album out!!!!! So maybe his management should play the international card a lil more!! a DVD with the first thousands of copies…
A perfect example: Fabolous and trey songz!!! These guyz were EVERYWHERE, internet, featurings, videos, interviews, magazine covers!!!!!!!!!!!!
People need to get focused!!! ASAP
JD, there’s also another artist which came out invisibly. It’s Sean Kingston, he had a huge success with his first album and totally flopped with the second. By the way I didn’t like the “Tomorrow” album too much.
I haven’t seen any blogs showing the Sean Kingston sales numbers, only for the first week wich were like less than 30k. I’m sure a lot of people didn’t know he put out a new album.
Anyway he had a big hit single “Fire Burning” but his label fucked up him like Mario waiting too much time to put the album out and then we see the result.
So these fucking labels need to me more reactive and put the albums out when their artists are up on the charts not when they drop their second single whis is most of time never hotter than their first.
Peace
QUESTION NUMBER 1. IF YOU WERE MANAGING MARIO WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
I would have not tried to ride the rave of 1n single and think that it would give me a diamond album. He needs Drake buz which means 3 or 4 of the top 10 should either be your singles are singles that you are on. Part of the reason that artist like Wayne with the Carter III and Drake with his up coming album is that they stay hitting you with something new. Before the 1st song can even get a chance to get old u have a another banger out with the hottest of the hot.
There was very bad promotions on this CD i had no idea when his CD was coming out and from the sound of it netiher did anyone else. Its just sad because his single was really hot and instead of his label keeping him current and out there they let the buz die.
He needs to jump on the next tour smoking and create his own buzz sometime u have to make ur own way and show ur still hungry for this shit.
MARIO SHOULD HAVE HAD A WEB PRESENCE AT LEAST SIX MONTHS AGO……. HE SHOULD JUMP ON THE SOCIALS RIGHT NOW.
Okay, I am late to the discussion so I won’t ask questions, as I am sure no one is really left reading. I will attempt to address both questions together.
First, some points of clarification:
1. Mario is on tour right now with Trey Songz and Day 26.
2. As some have mentioned, he did release a 2nd single prior to this album release. (Though, I couldn’t tell you how it goes even though I have listened to it on the radio a few times).
a. However, I was in my car most of today and didn’t hear the song at all. Go figure.
Second, lessons learned from the handling of Mario’s latest album up to this week:
1. He needs to release singles (1st, 2nd or otherwise) that feature HIM. I thought “Break Up” was Gucci Mane’s song. And the only reason why I know it is Mario’s is because they say so. Nothing about that song says “this is Mario’s song.” He should have just released that to the clubs or something and came out with an actual first single.
a. Personally, I think Mario was really building something going from “Turning Point” to “Go!”. I thought he had really transitioned into adulthood very well and I felt that “Break Up” was actually a step back for him. He was a rising star, especially after being on DWTS.
2. Wrong lead singles make it hard to figure out who to market the album to. I mean, could he have really gone onto the View, GMA or Today show with that single? Mario has the charisma and name recognition that he could get on those shows (or even Oprah) with a “Let me love you” kind of single. However, “Break Up” was going nowhere but 106&Park and obviously that wasn’t enough.
a. I don’t care how big that single was, it just never seemed to correlate with who Mario was and what he was trying to sell. Although, I’m sure the song did wonders for Gucci Mane (party party party, let’s all get wasted!).
MOVING FORWARD:
1. I think the album can be salvaged but they just need to move forward. Whatever is the strongest song (or if they really believe in that 2nd single), they need to start performing it any and everywhere they can. I mean, was he even on Tyra’s show? He needs to start performing all over. Ellen? Regis? He needs to get out there. It is not too late to say “albums in stores NOW”. That is not hard for people to remember.
2. He needs to take over cities. While he is on tour, he needs to be all over radio, dedicating hours to his music. When he came home (Baltimore on Wednesday) he didn’t perform because he was sick so I don’t know how he has been promoting while on tour. But he needs to be on the 2-6pm show (or 10-2pm) to talk about his album and mention every other time that it is in stores NOW. Play a couple of strong songs on the album (sorry but leave the club bangers for after purchasing listening).
3. Mario has been doing some acting and I think he needs to do that more. Bigger roles and get his name out there (brand building, kind of like Tyrese). Plus, that acting money could be better and free him up to get a better direction on his music career.
a. He is really one of the few male R&B singers that can actually sing and he needs to know that as long as he takes care of his voice, no one can ever take that from him. And he should never compromise the gift that he has. So “sitting” on it for a while won’t hurt. (see Jamie Foxx).
As for social networking, though he means well, I’m not sure how interesting his vids will be, lol. I think the Ocean boys make it look easy but really, everyone can’t pull it off. I’ve seen some painful vlogs. They were straight snoozefest and made me almost regret liking the artist, lol. Also, I think the jury is still out on # of views/followers turning into album sales.
However, I do believe that online promotion has to be more than putting wallpaper ads on urban blogs the day before the album comes out. (Of course, I’m so slow I still didn’t know when the album was coming out. How about including a date on that poster next time, lol).
All in all, I really want Mario to reach the highest heights. He is one of the few artists from Baltimore and he actually reps the city now, lol. He is truly talented and I believe if he just puts his head down and go full force into his career, he can really succeed. And if he has a bunch of people around him that don’t believe or don’t know how to reach these heights, tell him to give me a call
If I were Mario’s Manager I would have waited to release the Break up single, and the current single. Next year would have been a smoother approach.
Marketing needs to go back to the older times. crazy radio interviews, mall signings, excessive album plugging, heavy street team presence, guest appearances (TV,Parties, late night), Poster up cars literally. And dont limit to only US consumers. There are so many countrys to reach out to. Mario Has been quiet for a long time as well; so philantropy of some sort is so needed. Thats just the beginning. 106 and park tour? that was cute, LOL. Why would he do well? Hes not offering himself to the world. Minimal thinking will give you minimal results. For the past year He should have been everywhere he could.
So its a rough fix to salvage. No one knew the album was even out.
Technology has shifted,
But the old ways are still affective. And Record Execs are to scared or lazy to put in the work to get the job done. Artist Development isn’t what it was, Financial support is far from what it was, and no one is willing to take a chance; they would much rather settle. Step your business plans up if you want to thrive again. Market acts as a product and groom these artist like you once did. Set the standard instead of the poor ol’ me mentality. Or bitch and moan about how ringtones are the way and CD’s cant sell anymore. And I guarantee the hungry katz who refuse to conform to be like you all; will achieve what you dream about. Now That’s a promise. GOD bless all of you who are working in this crazy industry. And for those Who are incapable of adapting and creating the opportunities to be better. I expect to hear you bitching and moaning for the next 10+ years. I’ll see you from the top.
-Charm
Alright so im like so late on this disucssion but better late than never…
Mario needed more exposure of himself simple…. be it social networking, television shows to be interviewed or perform, constant interesting twitter updates yes thank the fans for coming out and let them know where you are but come on now make it more fun and attract more twitterers to follow, building a network of strong supportive fans by introducing personalised phrases (whats unique to Mario, instantly recognisable within the online community), competitions (send pics in of you with album as used by Trey Songz and Tyrese for his comic book). Copying the formula that is working now as they were lazy in the first place that is the least they could do.
Now I as a person that wants to work in this crazy industry we call entertainment and did so on the marketing side but for films I would take it to the next level that people are not at yet… social netwoking is just the start. We used to push messages out to the consumer but in the last few years that is now a pull factor to interact with the consumer, end user and form a relationship with them Heart, Head and Hand… connection with these is important. This projects low sales does not mean they cant start building for the future today… future album releases. Build for tomorrow from the lessons of today.
Sidebar: I asked myself this question a few days ago… as a person that resides in London why do I keep seeing Trey Songz everywhere and know all that he is up to in comparison to Mario? Mario filmed the video for his new single in London and I did not even know he was here (unless that was a really good green screen). Real talk…
For Mario, I would do a couple of things. First, I would start from the core. I know that the right marketing and promotion can do wonders, but with the internet and file sharing, you have to have a dope album. Mario started young, so in the eyes of the public, he’s getting old. I would start with the music and do a real album. An album without all of the “featuring” and hooks with raps and that sort of stuff. I would get some classic, name brand producers like Jam&Lewis, and babyface to put some real R&B music without the hiphop”ish” sound to it. Believe it or not, there is a market out there for classic, good smooth r&B music.
It’s a shame that Mario isn’t getting the proper representation. His voice is so pure and full of talent. I for one had no idea he had a new album until I saw his most recent video. In the age of social networks pr teams/firms has to really re-organize their strategy. I’ve gone 10 months without cable and still knew what was going on in the world/entertainment industry etc because of social networks and marketing. The perfect example of an artist who has really tapped into that is Trey Songz (00711). While I knew of Trey and loved his music, I didn’t know him or recognize him past his released singles. With the buzz centered around Ready and the prequel Anticipation I definitely tuned into him more. His team did a great job of shoving him down our throats whether we liked it or not via twitter, tv, interviews, shows and especially connecting with fans; now I’m a Trey Songz fanatic! (Its a little scary sometimes lol). He became more personable. I love mario becasue I don’t think he conforms to what people “think” music should sound like at a particular time. Mario’s presence was so strong early in his career becasue he was fresh and naturally talented at such a young age. From seeing the potential we just knew he’d be great as an adult but unfortunately his presence has diminshed a bit…real ears missed a male voice like that. Sell, Sell, Sell should be the strategy, the album was release too early with not enough excitement. You can’t just count on the fans you already have to buy and be interested in your album; engage others and create new fans.
David Archuleta is definitely one of the best singer in American Idol.:.`
Ciara’s brand new album single ride be so sick! i am her number one stan n everyone best be on the lookout because Cici is going to smash these charts with Ride with Ludacris.
Online promotion is heavily done by internet marketers out there promoting goods and services.;~~
David Archuleta is great but for me, the best is still Kelly Clarkson;*-
online promotion is a great way to introduce new products on the market..`”
David Archuleta has a great voice but i do think that it is not the best voice*-,
online promotion seems to be a fast way to make your products and services to be known;;.
i just thought that adam lambert has a much better voice than David Archuleta’;`
online promotion also takes some time just like offline promotion. it is just that online promotion is a bit faster compared to.,,