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This week, Story Time, Let’s go -
Once upon a time not long ago when people wore pajamas and life was slow - Slick Rick. I got a story to tell, and it’s about writing stories in your stories, music, art, marketing, sales - whatever. Some would say that the art of storytelling is dead because truth and wisdom have given way to technology, Twitter size mentality, and sensationalized soundbites. While these new norms are true to a point, they are still stories nonetheless and as much as some might talk about the way stories were told “back in my day…” it’s not going to change the way stories are told by today's storytellers. Storytelling is everywhere; in music, art, dance, marketing, sales, church, politics - EV-ER-RE where! At its core, storytelling is using a narrative to communicate a message. The aim is to give the listener/viewer something they can feel, grab on to and take with them to let them know what you're saying is real. This is not to say that stories aren’t filled with symbolism, metaphors and hyperbole, just the opposite; that’s what makes them fun. In marketing for instance, the point is to give people a CTA (call to action), something to do. They achieve this by telling a story that might be factual or as outlandish as the Emu and Doug commercials for Liberty Mutual. But here’s the aha moment - the story sticks with you.
So in music and book marketing we are talking about a story to tell a story about the story so people will read, listen, remember and buy the story. Stories are more memorable than just a hook and repetitive verse. Not to say they aren’t successful in today’s market, they just aren’t as memorable, and that’s what sells. Now I know some of you are thinking, what about an instrumental jazz song? Well if you really pay attention, that sax, guitar, drum etc have the same song structure as a vocal tune. There is that part that you go away humming, and it speaks to you in emotions - happy, sad, excited, frantic etc. It is a story. Life is art and art is a story be it painting, architecture, sculpture, literature, music, performing art or cinema. The way you walk, talk, express yourself, eat, sit, the clothes you wear, the way you sell your goods and services all tell a story. So do yourself a favor today; go out and tell your story!
This week's Independent Artists of the Week, Shelley Carrol featured at The virtual Jazz Jam at Jazz Becuzz tonight Tuesday at 8:30 CST on Facebook and YouTube live.
For more information or to hire Unda The Hat as your brand or label consultant send a message via undathehat.com. See you next week.