I was watching a clip online w/ Ray Daniels and he was breaking down how, what once was such a rare treat, is now becoming an expected norm. And in this clip, he was speaking on how everything is about “Entertaining” people; how everything is a “spectacle”. Initially, I thought I knew what he meant, until I realized I didn't
He used the examples of the late Michael Jackson & Prince. See, when we think of the term “spectacle”, Im sure we relate it to big flashing lights, megaphones & large crowds. Though this can be true in the entertainment world, it can also mean something else. Being on the radio, music videos or radio (station) tours. “Spectacles” were also going to the (night) club and making appearances to get the crowd hyped and/or exclusive details about a release in the near future. Those were also “spectacles”. Those were things that generated a stir of excitement and created an anticipation for that/those particular artist(s).
See, singing and dancing musicians were something that has happened all throughout time, so in order to stand out, you had to differentiate yourself from the crowd…you had to create a “spectacle”.
See, according to Mr Daniels clip, Michael Jackson understood that his footwork on stage/while performing was something that people LOVED to watch and admire. So, what did Michael do? Simple…He wore shiny/sparkly socks! In regards to Prince, his fanbase was LONG before this example, but, during his super bowl halftime performance…the "Purple Rain" - NOW, the color is synonymous with him, aka “The Purple One”. Those were little, minor, insignificant things to some, but it also gave the crowd something to connect to and remember them by - creating an ever lasting relationship w/ them AND us. Now, when we see shiny socks or a red leather jacket or a metallic/shiny glove, we think of MJ. Whenever we see the color purple or hear a certain style of guitar or synth, we think Prince.
“Spectacles” aren't always something big or gigantically moving. It can be something subtle. Something rememberable. Something consistent. So, when you're in the field of trying to establish your name/brand in the ocean full of competitors, do something that will get folks to acknowledge who YOU are. Something that will allow people to gravitate towards YOU when something flashes across their eyes or across their minds.
Give them a reason to remember you.
Give them a “spectacle”
D. Cal
GNSEntertainmnt.com