Tim Carr / Rock-Goes-Social

It’s been interesting to see how artists have reacted over the past year to fan sharing at concerts, or anyone in entertainment for that matter. Having worked on social media campaigns around concerts, music events, movie premieres, special events etc. for a while now, of course I think there’s a lot of value in sharing real-time updates. I spend a lot of my nights/weekends covering events and capturing content for sharing, and know of many events/festivals that have had a sizeable crew entirely devoted to social sharing.

I totally get an artist’s frustration with fans being more focused on their phone than the show. Music is an art form where most acts want their fan to be fully present in the moment, whether that’s being quiet and soaking in every word during their ballad or joining the moshpit.  I remember in my band days we’d hate when someone wasn’t facing the stage even for a moment, or if the bar was configured in the back of the room so people ordering/sitting there weren’t watching. No different than being focused on a device.

This past week, I was at a local acoustic show and went to check out an artist’s Twitter at the same moment they were encouraging people to sing along - and he called out in in the lyric (creatively) that someone was “on their cell”.  Which has prompted this post.

There is no debate people sharing to the masses, texting to friends, or even recording to share in later weeks - has incredible value to the artist/label/promoter/venue.  When it’s good of course, Mashable noted an instant when an artist didn’t feel that way HERE.

1 billion and counting worldwide are using smartphones now - so there is no question we’ll be seeing more and more hands up with cameras at shows.

So to keep the peace - I am thinking there will be more and more discussion around “real-time sharing etiquette” that will be going down.

This already happened this summer with Jack White’s team discussing sharing at shows, specifically pointing out they are not against social media sharing - just to not impede other fans view/enjoyment by holding up your phone, and don’t ruin your own experience with eyes on phone the whole time. Couldn’t agree more.

As we move into 2013, and in my job are exploring many new platforms/ways & places to share and capture great content - will be interesting to see how this area continues to rapidly grow.  

Throw your hands up high (with device) are your next show
But make it quick :)

TC

What a weekend it’s been so far at JAY-Z’s #MadeinAmerica Festival in Philly - Here’s what performances an audience of nearly 50,000 have raged to:

4 stages (one EDM tent, one local stage) and tons of vendor tents (instagram collage display was cool), local food trucks and Philly favorites, and of course tons of Budweiser.

JAY-Z put on an amazing performance with Kanye West

Director Ron Howard has been onsite filming a documentary on the Festival, a huge crew capturing and interviewing artists - can’t wait to see that finished product.

JAY-Z closed the show and killed it last night (and live streamed for those who aren’t here) Pearl Jam closes tonight.  

For live updates, tweets, photos (lots more coming this week) from today, be sure to follow/fan:

Made in America Facebook

Made in America Twitter

Live Nation Facebook

Live Nation Twitter

Would like to be going to @Incubusband tonight at @Hollywoodbowl

RT @DaniNash: Very interesting!! - Six Secrets About Whether Twitter Censors Trending Topics http://t.co/Iy1gHbYi via @bufferapp

RT @twittermedia: The Fall TV season is upon us! Follow your favorite shows, actors and showrunners right here: http://t.co/8LsZA8NJ

#RIPSteveJobs