Social Media enables content, conversation, and community
As the founder of Camper Van Beethoven, the alternative rock band (when alternative really meant something) and Cracker, David Lowery is no stranger to innovation. David’s first band – Camper Van Beethoven -
was eclectic and fused elements of country, pop, ska, punk, world music and
acid rock. David’s second band – Cracker, as my friend GP, and I were
discussing over a Triple De Ripple at lunch a couple of days ago is a smart-alec,
driven, countrified, and virtuoso rock group – all at once. And as you listen to
Cracker in concert – in their various configurations and in different places –
that their sound is big, yet scalable, moving and almost tends to build its
audience up for Johnny Hickman’s ejaculatory, gratuitous, yet welcome guitar
solos. Anyway back to David. He's produced records for Sparklehorse, Counting Crows, Lauren Hoffman, September 67, Wormburner, L.P., Tea Leaf Green, and others.
was eclectic and fused elements of country, pop, ska, punk, world music and
acid rock. David’s second band – Cracker, as my friend GP, and I were
discussing over a Triple De Ripple at lunch a couple of days ago is a smart-alec,
driven, countrified, and virtuoso rock group – all at once. And as you listen to
Cracker in concert – in their various configurations and in different places –
that their sound is big, yet scalable, moving and almost tends to build its
audience up for Johnny Hickman’s ejaculatory, gratuitous, yet welcome guitar
solos. Anyway back to David. He's produced records for Sparklehorse, Counting Crows, Lauren Hoffman, September 67, Wormburner, L.P., Tea Leaf Green, and others.
Recently, Cracker played in Indianapolis at the Kessler House Concert Series, and I caught up with David. David has the rare ability to define things in clear and simple terms. We spoke about internet marketing, using social media and how CVB and Cracker communicate, collaborate, and generate content with their fan community. They meet their fans regularly through out the country. This usually culminates every year with a large concert over several days with a family of related bands – CVB, Cracker, its contemporaries and followers. You guys taking notes? And its natural, feels right, and not at all deliberate.
Check out the interview and a clip from the concert.
Very nice, Duncan. Love Lowery’s ability to embrace the New Media. The point about being directly connected is spot on.
Comment by Chris Huffman on March 6, 2009 at 2:24 pm
It is great that Cracker is connecting with their fans in the new age way. Do you think that you had any influence on David in your years of connecting with him?
Comment by Nikki Zaugg on March 6, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Makes me want to go out and see them sometime!
Comment by Liz Carver on March 8, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Great interview! I also especially love the Triple De Ripple reference!
Comment by Jess on March 9, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Chris: the guy lives in the social media paradigm. He doesn’t believe in traditional media at all.
Nikki: First, what a cool name. Second, I doubt we had anything to do with David’s approach with connecting with fans. We are collaborating with them on something in the near future. Stay tuned!
Liz: we’ll invite you next time they do a house concert!
Jess: We’re local baby. More love to come!
Comment by Duncan Alney on March 9, 2009 at 7:28 pm
They are always coming up with new videos!
This is the new one!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyxIrfjla88
Comment by Anna on April 28, 2009 at 1:31 pm