#mick management

[karasmarsh-blog]

Walk The Moon Opening night of their fall tour.

www.karasmarshphotography.com

[jlk2808]

Dear John...

Oh my, what a perfect way to start my Friday.. a cup o' chai, my work office all to myself (except for when my mate arrived - he was briefed on the event taking place), 10k others on a live web stream.. almost like the old days, except we were all sober! Fun times.. 

As a fan since the (Australian) beginning, I just can't express the gratitude that comes with what you, Don 'love the bare feet (seriously)' Was and your Management team gave us this morning. 

There are always going to be the usual moans and groans when technology fails us, when a 'World Tour' starts in the US and people don't get their question about your personal life answered. Yet for me, I just saw this dude, with his (mother of pearl adorned) guitar and this goofy excitement at the chance to share what's been in his head for the last 18 months. 

It took me back to that car ride to Kalgoorlie when I blared my iTunes bought copy of B&R and was laughed at by my man for wearing my Acubra (Aussie version of your hat) for the whole drive (7hrs). It took me back to the bullshit hot evening when I sang Shadow Days in my car at the top of my lungs (reference intended) and didn't care and felt ridiculously liberated by the experience. As with the countless repeats of Speak for Me down the freeway after Italian class. The list goes on.

What I loved most about the broadcast today was your candor. You've always been candid, but it feels like you have redirected it, or changed the route source of it. There has been a transformation, a 'born and raised again' experience! 

Let me indulge just one more piece of what I love about your candor, which came from hearing 'Dear Marie'. The lyrics are undeniably candid to the bone and I sincerely hope that everything you say in this song, is specific to your actual experiences in life.

Welcome home John, your true fans patiently await you to take whichever stage lands you in front of them. You're back to your vocal brilliance and I cannot wait for your passport to be stamped by the Australian Customs officials. 

JK x

PS - my question today was, did you record any pure instrumental tracks whilst in vocal silence? If so, will we get to hear them? Also, I am STOKED that you are just throwing in random songs. You've wanted to do this for a very long time. You're welcome to stage an intimate show in Perth, W.Aus with JUST new songs if you would like! ;)

[jmwristbands-blog]

Good morning!  Are we going to be able to give away another signed wristband today?  We're up to 168 wristbands sold--which means we are only 32 away from the second signed wristband drawing!  Please reblog/retweet/scream it in the streets and spread the word.  John likes the black Born and Raised slap bracelets--did you know you're also entered in the drawing if you buy one of those?  Check it out now! http://www.jmwristbands.com aaaaaand GO!

[mayermatters]

If you have an interest in the BUSINESS side of the music business, head on over and check out this interview. I found it to be refreshingly honest and probably one of the reasons that I have begun a fairly big John Mayer fan.

Since this is a new blog, this is probably a good place to introduce myself...at least a little. I'll start with a confession.  I'm old. Not grandma old, but I'm old enough.

I've been a fan of various types of music for as long as I can remember. I was a charter member of the Barry Manilow fanclub when I was in 5th grade.  I've loved the Beatles, went through a country-music phase (yes, I've seen the Statler Brothers) and settled into an apprecation for any sort of music that makes me think and/or feel (I'm a sucker for the whole singer/songwriter thing).

I've also been actively involved...as probably would be labled a "super-fan" of one of the most legendary of American music groups. I've seen them almost 100 times, have created my own online community centered around a website and spent a lot of time listening to their music.

That's part of the reason I started this blog. To put out news/reviews and to share some of my concert photography. I'm just used to blogging about bands I love.

When I stumbled across JM through a gig he played with a member of this group, I was blown away by his musicianship. As I started downloading and purchasing music and live shows, I felt an affinity with the music that I hadn't felt in a very long time. Most importantly, though, I was blown away by the level of fan engagement, both on the part of the artist, but more importantly on the part of his management.

I don't want to speak ill of my legendary band. There's a reason I love them and a reason I'll continue to go to their shows until they stop doing what they're doing. What frustrates me about them, though, is their inability to embrace new technologies and to include fans. It's a running joke how crappy their website is. They don't tweet because one member has what I suspect to be philisophical reservations about social media. Tour Dates are secret until the moment tickets go on sale.

When I started following JM, it was like when Dorothy wakes up in OZ...everything is suddenly vibrant and colorful. Fans of this artist get updates and teases about upcoming appearances or projects. They get backstage tours and live tweets. Setlists are posted within hours of a show being over (that wouldn't matter with the legendary band...they play the same set every night). This experience has made live music fun and engaging. Fans feel included and appreciated.

I think the strategies that are mentioned in the above interview are working incredibly well. They've won me over.

That's why I'm so excited for JM's new album and why I'll be heading up to Thackerville (seriously, have y'all been to Thackerville...there's nothing there....nada) in the middle of March to see two amazing shows.  I know, though, that even though I won't be able to make it ever show, the job that John's management team does to get information out there, will mean that I won't really be missing much.

[kristenlockyer]

Awesome news! I'm stoked for 2012.

[buildyourheartanarmy-blog]

Can I just say...

OK. I am very grateful to mick management for updating us and everything, and I'm not even mad about the fact that John's album might be taking longer than expected. However, I am slightly annoyed at their attitude toward fans who just want some information. We are just trying to support one of their artists! You would think that would make them happy over there instead of what seems to be angry. We're just excited! No need to get all snippy!

Bottom line: if we weren't excited, John wouldn't sell any records and they wouldn't be making any money. So just cut us a break!