What I Learned About My Favorite Singer via Twitter
A year ago, when I wanted to research an artist, I checked their web site, MySpace page, Facebook page, press releases; everything I could to find out exactly what they were up to. With all of that information in hand, I’d then create some questions for an in-depth interview, hoping to learn more about the artist behind the music, not just about the “mega famous celebrity”.
With over 425 interviews on PensEyeView.com over the past two years, I’ve learned a lot about artists I only knew from the radio – people I’ve admired for years that have been willing to open up to me, whether I was sitting in front of them, on the phone or corresponding through email. But still, I wanted more. Despite getting great answers, I’ve always liked the more random questions that happen to come up during a conversation, like finding out the drummer from Lifehouse is an extreme germaphobe or how before every show, Puddle of Mudd has what they call a “Puddle Huddle” in which they gather around and say a prayer, or that Marc – the lead singer of OAR – enjoys being the handyman of the house, albeit more of a Tim “The Toolman” Taylor he admits. Those are the kind of topics I like to cover. Those are the answers I like to get. A year ago, if I didn’t ask those kinds of questions, I’d walk away not knowing things like what these artists had for breakfast, who they ran into while jogging in Central Park or even where to get the best burger on the road… that was until Twitter came along.
Ah yes, Twitter, the little website that broadcasts 140 character messages to the world about anything you like. Some people love it, some people hate it but everyone has heard of it. Twitter is like a writer’s heaven of information from artists who are usually reserved and restrained. It also allows the artist to open up on an entirely new platform, letting followers tap into their unique thought process. And of my favorite Twitterers to follow, Adam Duritz - the lead singer of The Counting Crows who grew up in the Baltimore Jewish community - takes the cake. I work closely with his label, yet despite numerous interview requests, the dreadlocked poet has eluded me. Last year I was scheduled to interview him, along with several other writers that day, but due to a scheduling conflict, it never happened. Don’t get me wrong, it’s completely understandable and I’m by no means upset with him. I mean when your e-magazine is on the same call sheet as Rolling Stone, things come up and there is only time for so many interviews - it’s just a part of the biz. However, when I started to follow him on Twitter, I began learning so much about the lead singer of my favorite band.
For example:
Like a line out of one of his songs: I like the idea of Independence Day as a concept & for everyone else but I think I’d be happier if I could just survive being dependant instead. (10:27 PM, July 7th)
Why check TV Guide when you know the star? An inside scoop to actress Eliza (Patricia) Dushku, the star of Dollhouse: @ElizaPatricia: Sorry if you’ve been asked a thousand times but is DOLLHOUSE coming back? I’m addicted. (11:59 PM July 4th)
Gracious: Thank you so much to Sioux City. 30,000 people & you were the best audience any band could ever hope for. St. Louis & Sioux City were the joint. (11:53 PM July 4th)
Caught in thought: In retrospect, Sioux City was the perfect place to be today. I can’t imagine anywhere I would rather have played on the 4th of July. (11:50 PM July 4th)
Random thought: @Rachy123075: I suddenly remembered some ex-gf making me monkey bread years ago but I can’t remember who it was or what it is? (11:38 PM July 4th)
Ready to rock!: Now leave me alone. I have to make the setlist. (1:41 PM Jul 4th)
Granted from these tweets, I don’t know everything there is to know about Adam Duritz and the Counting Crows but as a fan it’s fun. I like knowing that the artists I listen to and pay to see in concert, are on some level, just like me. After all, 414,842 other people (and growing) like the fact that Adam enjoys sci-fi TV shows, celebrating the 4th of July and some monkey bread every now and then… even if he can’t trace who gave it to him. Well, now I know what to bring for lunch when I get the interview.
To discover great new artists, check out http://www.PensEyeView.com and drop me a line. Every great idea starts with a pen, paper and a vision.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 07/10/09 at 12:54 PM | Comments (5)