You know what they say…new year, new fight to become number one on the charts.
Well, actually, I’ve never heard anyone say that, but I know every solo artist and every member of your favorite band has thought just that.
While we mere mortals are making New Year’s resolutions to not procrastinate on getting our taxes done and to get out of bed before noon on weekends, the gods and goddesses of the music industry are preoccupied with that of a different resolve.
Our favorite artists are strategizing ways to ensure their records remain #1 on iTunes and doing damage control when their unreleased music gets “leaked” onto the internet.
Here are a few artists who’ve been in the news recently and are doing whatever it takes to stay relevant in 2011.
Keri Hilson
It’s no secret that Ms. Keri Baby has perfected her niche for penning hits for herself and for others, but as a “front woman,” I categorized her as the off-brand Ciara (who, as many believe is the reincarnate of Aaliyah).
The most recent Keri Hilson buzz, however, has been about her risqué video for song, “The Way You Love Me.” A scantily clad Keri and crew are dancing quite provocatively, but honestly, it’s not that much racier than anything we’ve seen the Pussycat Dolls or Lady Gaga do.
“The Way You Love Me” shows an extremely sensual side of Keri that we’ve never seen – a far, far cry from the super-conservative, “Way I Are,” Timbaland days.
Hilson’s “X” factor to stay relevant in 2011 is clearly the “sex factor.”
Is it too much or just enough?
Paramore
The disbanding of a mainstream musical act hasn’t been this news worthy since Destiny’s Child became DC3.
Exit brothers Zac and Josh Farro.
Former Paramore musicians and founding members Zac (drummer) and Josh (guitarist) announced last month they were leaving the pop punk band because the group was a “manufactured product of a major label.”
Farro brothers also accused lead singer Hayley Williams of signing as a solo act to Atlantic Records, something that other Paramore members had not done. Regardless of whether or not Paramore is, in fact, a manufactured product, songs like “Crushcrushcrush” and “The Only Exception” have proven the group has chemistry and talent.
But you know what they say… bad publicity is better than no publicity (and “they” really do say that). And with the back and forth blogosphere retaliations between Farro brothers and the remaining 3 members of Paramore, the group’s social media following has increased so much that they’re moving up Billboard’s Social 50 chart.
Paramore begins 2011 with increased Billboard popularity. In the long run, will the band member changes hurt or help the group?
Kanye West
I cannot decide if Kanye West’s ridiculous antics are fueled by his inability to be anything but a “d-bag” or if his public persona is a carefully crafted machine designed specifically to keep him in the news. For the life of me, I cannot figure it out.
And that’s exactly how Kanye wants it.
Here’s the abbreviated version of Kanye’s media melees: “George Bush doesn’t care about black people,” comment in 2005, Taylor Swift incident at the 2009 VMAs, and the uncomfortable interview he gave to Matt Lauer towards the end of 2010.
After repeatedly dragging his reputation through the mud, Kanye West joined Twitter where he reveals links to his new music and posts album artwork twitpics to keep fans abreast on upcoming projects. Most recently, he unveiled the artwork for H.A.M., his joint album with Jay-Z.
You would think that, with his bad-boy attitude, Mr. West would have 0 Twitter followers. Instead, he has almost 2 million. And he follows no one.
Whether it’s through mainstream media or social media, Kanye West has managed to stay relevant by embracing and celebrating his tarnished image.
Does Kanye’s attitude affect your decision to buy his music?
What lengths are some of your favorite artists going to to keep their names in the news?
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