Do your words come through the music?

The Grateful Dead asked us in Ripple if our words came through the music. They assembled perhaps the most motley crew of rabid followers. They were viral before there was viral. They defined movement.  It’s possible that they even invented tie-dye. But who is to know?

And where else will we spend $5.00 for a grilled cheese prepared in the parking lot by a guy who we will never see again ~ but at a Dead show? Total trust.  We followed them everywhere. 50 year’s later parents and kids mutually worship the band.

Those of us who came of age during the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s seem to always have a musical accompaniment to whatever it is going on in our lives. The flick “High Fidelity” told the story of the guy who remembered his “break ups” based on what music was hot at the time. He humorously articulated that the guy who one great love left him for was a Supertramp fan.

God forbid.

The world of communications takes us to diverse places. That’s always the good part. For any of us who have worked inside a specific industry for many years – the variety is a welcome thing.  This diversity has brought me closer in to music and the personalities who populate the scene.

And like in most of life, some have great talent, some don’t. Who gets famous or sells the most tunes is not always a result of the best words or voice. There is always someone who is sexier, heartier, more talented, catchier and in the best place at the right time.

We have all been there. We scratch our heads and wonder why he/she made it bigger and better. It often doesn’t make sense. Add in a few drinks, a warm summer day, a line up of singer songwriters from all corners of the country and ask yourself why guy #1 (who has little talent) trumps girls #3 (who has lots) and he is famous and she is not.

This is not a trick question.

In a world filled with talent and beauty (in the arts, business, sports and music) who makes it big and who flounder often seems unfair. Such is life.

Yet often more pronounced.

Skilled communications crafters readily know three things:

1)   Core talent is USUALLY required.

2)   Being in the RIGHT place at the RIGHT time matters = show up.

3)   Have the best communications pro you can find and LISTEN to them.

The difference between uber success and lingering can often be found in the marketing plan and execution. Ultimately it hinges on reputation and general awareness. Our late friend Jerry and his cohorts Bob, Phil and Mickey set out to make their own kind of music. Their timing was optimal. Their sense of place worked – and somewhere along the way – someone informed them that SWAG, T-shirts and standing for something would propel them forward.

We would like to think that it was all-organic. It makes us feel more wholesome, but case studies on the movement prove otherwise.

Were Ben and Jerry’s naming ice cream after Jerry Garcia just an ironic accident?

You decide.

So if you are talent, a brand, a product or a service – you can hardly afford to hope that you will be found serendipitously.  The world and people in it are too busy to find you by happenstance. Your success comes through in your communications and image.

And thankfully there are people (like we communicators) who can pick the words and the spot for you to be found.

Join us on YOUR movement.