creative deconstruction

Imogen Heap Uses Twitter, ‘Heapstream’ To Connect with Fans

Posted on 05. May, 2009 by refe in INNOVATION

Imogen Heap

I have talked ad-nauseum about the opportunities that social media provides artists to get the word out and connect with their listeners. Sometimes I feel like I am beating a dead horse – surely everybody get’s it by now, right? But the more I talk with new artists and record labels the more I realize that everyone really doesn’t get it yet. They either don’t believe that something like Twitter can actually advance their career, or they just don’t know how to use it properly to get the results they want.

I follow a lot of different artists and musicians on Twitter, and I love to see some of the innovative things they are doing to engage with their fans. Recently rap/reggae artist Matisyahu offered to send out the address of his rehearsal hall to the first few followers to send him a message. Everybody had so much fun that he did it again for the next couple of rehearsals. Singer/songwriter Imogen Heap posted a link to a live web-stream where fans could eavesdrop on her as she played piano just for fun. The four ‘heapstreams’ that she has hosted have garnered thousands of hits and a lot of positive comments and tweets from grateful fans. The majority of the comments expressed how much they appreciated being allowed a window into the artists private creative process. The videos also reveal that Imogen Heap really knows how to play her instrument, something that is valuable in itself.

These ideas are perfect examples of how social media can be used creatively to add value and depth to the artist-fan relationship. As technology increases and artists have more time to play around with new tools and new ideas we are sure to see many more innovations in the future. Bands should be paying attention! If you learn from the people who are out in front innovating you have the opportunity to get your name out there in ways not possible five years ago.

Tags: ARTISTS, INNOVATION, music, MUSIC INDUSTRY, music streaming, NEWS, online