The rise of Jonathan Coulton
I have been following Jonathan Coulton for a few months now after hearing about him on Merlin Mann's (43 Folders) new podcast. Impressive to see him featured in NY Times Magazine and the quasi "poster child" now for independent musicians trying to make it on their own through the use of the Internet. Coulton sells most of his music through his website and iTunes without the middleman record label.
He quit his day job as a programmer back in 2005 to pursue his online music career. His popularity rose out of his "thing a week" series where he would write a new song, some becoming very popular, each week for I believe a whole year.
Although I had heard of Coulton previously, one thing really struck a cord with me--his fan base. The article recalls countless stories of fans helping Coulton with everything from graphic design to song lyrics. He receives hundreds of emails a day and countless myspace friend requests. But why? People love a good story. His popularity is largely based on the exciting idea of a fledgling musician trying to make it on the Internet--no less with a girlfriend and kid to support. Who doesn't like the idea of someone sticking it to the man by quiting the day job and sticking it to the music industry by going out on his own. No royalties to the big labels here. And throughout history we keep falling for this same great tale.
We all love this story and cheer for Coulton because we are all living vicariously through him. Who doesn't want to quit the day job and be a musician or artist? Although Coulton will argue that it is not that simple and I could only imagine so but still, lets keep it simple, he is the underdog that we all want to see succeed. A modern day seabiscuit or the current Golden State Warriors
The Internet is clearly a major force in leveling the playing field and changing the way we can access art, music, news, and information. Call it Music 2.0, Art 2.0, or whatever, either way it changes the game. This honesty and transparency is awesome and we are seeing it more from governments to major corporations. I can only hope to have the same results as we continue to push forward with our efforts in bringing our crazy idea to the masses.
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2 comments:
I think he really lucked out in that a couple of novelty songs got slashdotted. It really isn't about the music itself although I'm sure his fans really do like his music. His generally nerdy fans are enamored of his lyrics, and his personality, and they like a good story.
Some of his music is good, but there are plenty of unsigned artists with equally good music that get little attention because they lack the novelty factor.
I am a fan of Jonathan Coulton because I really enjoy his music. It is intelligent and very witty. The fact that he is NOT on a label is a really nice side benefit and the reason I have actually purchased his music even though it is all out there to be had for free . It's why I go to see him play live when he travels though my part of the world.
Ironically, I discovered his music not through all the great press or Internet buzz he has had recently, but because I was searching for news on when the IKEA would be built in my city. His "IKEA song" was humorous AND good. I then found "Code Monkey" and his awesome version of "Baby Got Back" and was I hooked for life.
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