If you are empathetic and sentient like us, you share our visceral awareness that despair is no match for positive social activism propelled by #Music4APurpose (songs that metaphorically elicit thought in addition to being entertaining). You’ve probably recognized the above qualities in yourself that range from perceiving the feelings of animals and other living organisms, or becoming intensely angry, frustrated or tearful about current events tearing at traditional, universal values that benefit us all. You’ll feel compelled to join our rapidly growing constituency who are passionate about harnessing the emotional power of music as a unique catalyst to connect artists and songwriters with grassroots fans and supportive business brands. You’ll want to become the inertia that rallies an end to tribalism fueled by provocateur entertainers on ersatz television news broadcasts, and promoted by contrarian partisan politicians. You’ll act to inspire a return to civil dialogue and solutions agreeable to reasonable people.
The SDM Contests and Business Model Animate Kelsea Ballerini and Ketch Secor’s Heartfelt Challenges!
The recent shootings in Nashville (and now Louisville) are a stark reminder of the devastating impact that gun violence has on individuals and communities. The tragic loss of life and the long-lasting effects on families and friends left behind are a horror that no one should have to endure. Unfortunately, incidents like this are all too common in our society, and the lack of meaningful action to address this issue is a cause for great concern.
In response to the ongoing epidemic of gun violence, some elected officials in Tennessee have taken a stand, only to face backlash and even removal from their positions. This lack of legislative action to address the issue is unacceptable and emphasizes the urgent need for change. Let’s address the bogeymen in the room. The Constitution did not contemplate individual ownership of weapons of war and, in fact, limits individual rights that harm others. Further, the intersection of right to life anti-abortion ideology and the refusal to address gun violence by the same far-right groups can be a challenging paradox to reconcile. On one hand, these groups advocate for the protection of human life, including the lives of unborn children. On the other hand, they often oppose measures to reduce gun violence, which can result in the loss of many lives (and their own and loved ones), including innocent children. This is a glaring contradiction. It is time for all of us to come together and demand that our leaders take meaningful action to address gun violence and ban assault weapons.
One organization that is demonstrating a commitment to positive social impact is Socially Driven Music. Its mission is to cultivate a return to meticulously crafted songs that strive to become evergreens (versus productions not reliant on song values), that resonate not fleetingly, but emotionally and meaningfully. Although it does develop songs about the usual fare, its priority is to connect music artists and songwriters with causes, fans and brands who inspire and support shared social impact goals. By using music as a platform for social change, Socially Driven Music is able to reach a wide audience and engage people in important conversations about issues that affect us all.
We commend artists such as Kelsea Ballerini and Ketch Secor, of Old Crow Medicine Show, for standing up so loudly for gun control. If you share the goal of reducing gun violence, addressing social wrongs and promoting social justice, we urge you to join Socially Driven Music. Together, we can use the power of music to create meaningful change and make our communities safer with opportunities for everyone. Let’s come together to demand action from our elected officials and work towards a future where incidents like the Nashville shootings are a thing of the past.
To further this goal, our consortium of complementary companies is launching a “Best Use Case” contest. Emerging artists and songwriters are invited to submit socially poignant songs related to their chosen cause. These songs should be created with the aim of motivating activism for the identified cause, cleverly presented as a metaphorical message delivered in a melody that feels as if there could be no other as ideally suited, that is serendipitous. Check out these classic examples: https://bit.ly/Socially_Driven_Music
Along with their submissions, artists and writers will also include a wish-list of established artists and writers with whom they would like to collaborate if they require a collaborator for the completion of the recording or song. SDM has also invited established artists and songwriters to inform it of causes they embrace. Please submit your songs to: info@sociallydrivenmusic.com.
The selected artists and songs will be offered the most applicable solutions in the SDM-Consortium arsenal and will become proof-of-concept leading examples of innovation in the new music business.
Uniting Music and Social Impact: Empowering Artists and Songwriters to Make a Difference and Thrive
We are the antithesis of apathetic. There is much about which to be concerned and which we should be able to find solutions. In addition to the urgency of quelling gun violence and banning assault rifles (including for hunting), we are initially focusing on Equal Rights, Social Justice (and DEI); Voting Rights and Democracy; Cancer and other medical research; Anti-discrimination, Anti-semitism, Mental Health Support (Bullying; Self-harm); and Animal Rights Advocacy (and restrictions on hunting, supported by research).
#Music4APurpose
Purpose has become increasingly important for businesses and their marketing strategies in recent years. In the past, businesses focused primarily on profitability and growth as their main objectives, and marketing was often geared towards promoting products or services without much consideration for the impact on society and the environment. However, as consumers have become more socially and environmentally conscious, the importance of purpose-driven marketing has grown.
One major reason for the shift towards purpose-driven marketing is the rise of the Millennial and Gen Z generations. These groups are known for placing a high value on social responsibility and sustainability, and they are more likely to support businesses that align with their values. According to a study by Cone Communications, 64% of Millennials and 75% of Gen Z believe that businesses should contribute to society beyond just making a profit. Perhaps most importantly, there is an inverse ratio to prejudice and bias with each new generation which will dramatically influence voting and politics.
In addition to consumer demand, there are also external pressures on businesses to operate with purpose. Governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly implementing laws and regulations to encourage or enforce responsible business practices. For example, the United Nations has established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a framework for businesses to operate in a way that contributes to a more sustainable future.
Overall, the importance of purpose for businesses and their marketing strategies has grown significantly compared to years ago. Businesses that prioritize social and environmental responsibility are better positioned to appeal to consumers, comply with regulations, attract top talent, and navigate challenges. As such, purpose-driven marketing has become a key aspect of modern business strategy.
The Music Business is Actually a Business: How To Exponentially Increase Music Reach and Have Influence
As we think about how and why we have devolved into a culture where reasonable people can no longer agree to disagree and then work to compromise on a resolution, we must be reminded of the disservice we do to “The Greatest Generation,” of which so many fought and died, and which we now betray. In a society where we are no longer surprised about, but accepting of the chances of being randomly shot, where dangerous disinformation, diviseness and disrespect has become politics as usual, where vile discrimination and white supremacy “accelerationism and replacement theory” terrorism runs rampant, and voting rights, women’s rights and education are all challenged, we cannot be silent.
What does this have to do with music? Be reminded that the music business is actually a business, with the same core issues of any enterprise dependent upon marketing. Music has always been a reflection of society, often influencing and leading it. I’ve written and questioned “Why Is So Much Current Music About Nothing But Bullshit? (Part 1 and Part 2)”. The answer may simply be that music is indeed reflecting the banality of today’s society and is currently without motivation to lead us to a higher purpose despite the glaring opportunity to do so.
We were very saddened by the recent passing of music giant, Barrett Strong. His legacy of hit songs with the late Norman Whitfield (and others) is extraordinary and will live on forever. Of their many masterpieces, “Ball of Confusion” is perhaps even more relevant today than it was in 1970 when The Temptations brought us this ground-breaking, insightful smash. The late 1960’s and 70’s were conducive to socially conscious songs and there were many that deeply influenced us. We suggest that our currrent local and world events are equally, if not more, ripe for #MusicForAPurpose as they were during that volatile period.
Socially Driven Music brings its empathetic value proposition to a myopic music industry and parlays the solution with untapped traditional and Web3 opportunities.
Music can obviously be immensely entertaining, but is arguably less meaningful or impactful without an altruistic purpose at its core, with its ability to inspire, whether lyrical or instrumental. The most effective purpose is a thought-provoking “Call-to-Action,” be it about interpersonal relationships or social responsibility. The music industry has ostensibly forgotten this and has lost its way at a time it can least afford to be directionless (when technology threatens to progressively dilute its oligopoly structure ever more rapidly).
To extend our vision even further and move music past its lemmings mentality of sameness, Socially Driven Music has become a consultancy consortium comprised of a selection of tech-savvy social marketing companies that infuse purpose for good, artificial intelligence companies and a live performance companies for artists who support a cause of their choosing. The social marketing company selected by our clients promotes the music and causes, while the AI company assists with data analysis and targeting relevant artists and songs and the precise audiences with which this will resonate. The live performance company is responsible for organizing and promoting live events where artists can perform and engage with their fans while also promoting the causes they support. Our NFT and visual art partners bring new ideas to the combination of music and artwork that amplify both.
Through the synergistic efforts of our designable menu of consortium partners, Socially Driven Music is able to create a powerful and transformative impact on the music world. But SDM is also a music industry administration and creative disruptor that focuses on untapped opportunities for discovery of emerging talent and monetizing music. By utilizing WEB3 and Metaverse innovative thinking, we aim to push the boundaries of how music can exploit untapped opportunities and benefit social impact. Our entrepreneurial thinking illuminates answers to other daunting problems that beseige the music industry, such as how to achieve equitable streaming payouts.
Socially Driven Music also recognizes another major untapped revenue source for music when presented in combination with visual art. We aim to resurrect the album artwork that added so much to the fan experience and can be parlayed through the use of socially conscious PFP NFT’s (profile picture and/or proof of physical ownership non-fungible tokens) that include music for a purpose. This approach not only allows us to create unique and engaging experiences for fans, but also allows us to monetize the artwork and music in a new way. Additionally, we anticipate additional revenue to come from donations to the related social cause, as well as from brand advertisers. The revenue from these sources will be shared with the art and music creators, providing them with a new stream of income.
AI, used properly, can enhance music and fan experience and connect them for like-minded activities (think voting), despite the detractors’ and luddites’ unfounded fears. Regenerative AI is also capable of adding value to music, corresponding artwork and NFT’s, but it is important that it is approved and properly licensed. Otherwise, the deluge of music of questionable value that now prevails on the pop music charts will only further subsume quality.
In addition, the organization is in discussions with a renowned Broadway fashion designer with innovations in the WEB3 universe to explore opportunities to dress avatars in the Metaverse and NFT’s in ways that have additional lucrative potential, particularly in the realm of Name, Image & Likeness licensing.
One of the key ways Socially Driven Music engages local communities with socially impactful music is by working closely with community leaders. These leaders have a deep understanding of the hyperlocal issues and causes that are important to their communities and can help us identify and connect with emerging local artists and songwriters who are passionate about these issues.
We also work with community leaders to identify and connect with local fans who are passionate about social impact, want to get involved in making a difference, and perhaps aspire to be groomed as music managers through our associations with industry luminary mentors. This network of local “Musicpreneurs” can help us cultivate and promote socially poignant music from their communities into global assets.
SDM contends that new music for a purpose will attract alienated music fans, and that this older demographic can not only be reengaged but that they are precisely the audience most likely to rally around most causes. Caring about a social issue is not a one-off concert, but instead requires interaction on a daily basis. Our mission accomplishes this while also bringing the solution to the desire for genuine artist-fan direct interaction. We believe that by creating music that is not only entertaining, but also meaningful and purposeful, we can reconnect with the older demographic of music fans who have become disenfranchised by the current state of “music” promoted by the music industry writ large.
Overall, Socially Driven Music is an ambitious and innovative concept that seeks to achieve best use of music and technology to create positive social change. (Of course, we’ll also develop customary love song themes, albeit hopefully more thought-provoking). What distinguishes it is that it seeks to use music as a powerful tool for social impact on a daily basis rather than the obligatory congregating around the occasional disaster. With a focus on working with music artists and songwriters to create themes that engage audiences in daily, consistent activism motivated by a return to quality song messaging first and then production, the organization aims to improve the livelihoods of music creators while connecting them to positive social causes for reciprocal benefit.
