I’ve seen a lot of people talk about how, in the past, an artist’s mystery was what made them big. We only got to see them when they were doing a show, at an event, or something major, so the “celebrity,” in a sense, carried more weight because it felt more special to see that person, even if it was on a screen. Now with social media, it has almost diluted the mystery that used to allure artists, and it’s almost as if you have to be ever-present to keep that connection to supporters.
I was speaking to my cousin about something I’m sure many other artists feel. It was about how he hates social media, and hates how you have to keep posting about your life, or the whole content cycle you have to put out for a song, and how he would rather focus on the music, coming and going as he pleases. At one time (because we’ve had many conversations about this), we referenced how things were in the past, but unfortunately. I don’t think that is possible anymore.
Even thinking about myself. If I don’t see you, I’ll probably forget about you, honestly. I just think the world has changed so much that you can’t afford to do that mysterious angle anymore. Well… at least at the start of your career. You need to build enough credit in the bank before you can go ghost and still have people wavering over you like Frank Ocean or Adele, because how often do we see those artists now? But best believe when they first came out, they were so ever-present.
In today’s day and age, I think the only way to do that is to cover your face somehow, and even then, you still have to put in the same work. You still keep that mystery factor that makes people want to know more.
My brand is authenticity and vulnerability, and that’s another conversation I had with my cousin. And for someone who doesn’t like sharing stuff, how does he “show his brand”? I prefer to showcase myself and talk about how I feel. I’m not a major artist, but I feel that doing so brings a certain connection with people who do watch me, and that’s what I want people to see: bringing people closer to me, the person.
Ultimately, you can do what you want in this life. So post what you want, how you want. Although I do understand you have to play the game a little bit. There is still a way to be you and showcase whatever you are through that, and honestly, for anyone who feels the same way or hates this new age of artistry in tandem with being a content creator or whatever. Just get it out the way early, so you can live the way you want. It is what it is, and if you truly want it, you have to go through it just like everyone else.
The journey is the film.