The Potential of Social Media as a Freelance Musician.

The Potential of Social Media as a Freelance Musician.

Over the 10 years I have been learning to play the bass guitar, I have frequently used YouTube as a valuable educational resource. Where I began to develop as a freelance musician, I begun to see YouTube as a promotional resource and closely monitored the activities of other musicians who have achieved a successful reach through YouTube. Two examples are Miki Santamaria and Davie504. As their following grew, they both developed enormous influence in bass guitarist communities which is doubtlessly beneficial towards their reputation and integrity.

Since November 2014 I've been uploading YouTube videos of myself performing 'covers' and original tracks on the bass guitar. Around the same time I also organised a photo shoot and designed a logo in an effort to label myself as a kind of brand that helps me appeal as a 'product', which other artists and musical directors would want to work with. I'd seen a lot of musician job applications online which required footage of the applicant playing. By making these videos, I am able to show my appearance, ability and standard across a variety of genres. In addition, I also put together a portfolio showreel of videos uploaded by myself and other people in different environments and contexts, showing my versatility as a musician.

I aim to continue making videos where I have time, maintaining my quality improvement ethic. While my view count is not huge, I still find YouTube a valuable tool that crosses the the border between hobby and promotional device.

Bibliography

Santamaria, M. (2015) Miki Santamaria Bass Guitarist [Online] Available at: http://www.mikisantamaria.com/ [Accessed on 25/11/2015]

Davie 504 (2015) Davie504 Facebook Page [Online] Available at: https://www.facebook.com/Davie504/ [Accessed on 25/11/2015]

My Links:
Facebook www.facebook.com/c.parkerbass
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPd3KlyW2mYzjgj6eloBWnA
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cparkerpark/
Twitter https://twitter.com/Cparkerpark