- VIBRANT Revolt
- Posts
- Vol. 4
Vol. 4
Persona is power: decide who tells your story
Lance Marwood
August 28, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
You and 500+ other subscribers read Vibrant Revolt, a music promotion newsletter that wants you to shine bright enough to scorch the earth. Every Wednesday we’re firing this bad boy out, jam-packed with anti-cringe advice for those who are sick of bots and bullshit.
// What’s Inside
💣🔥 Disruptive Discourse // On Persona: The Three Faces We Wear. Every artist has a story to tell, and every artist has to make a decision: who’s going to tell it? We break down the power of persona for creativity. Read the full article below →
🗑️❓ Truth or Trash // Each week, we'll present you with three headlines and one lie. Think you know your industry news? Prove it: read the headlines below, and try to guess which one’s the fake.
🛠️🥾 Riot Guide // Routing A Tour // ‘Do It Yourself Motherf!*&$r’ — Looks like last week’s video from industry mainstay Vanessa Silberman was appreciated, so we’ve got another one for you. Watch it below →
// Disruptive Discourse
On Persona: The Three Faces We Wear
TL;DR: Everyone wears different faces: the public one that shapes your brand, the private one you show to those closest to you, and the hidden one that fuels your creativity. Balancing these is key to staying authentic and mentally healthy. By grounding your public image in your core values, being selectively vulnerable, and consistently reinforcing your persona, you’ll build an identity that resonates with your audience while staying true to yourself.
“It's a saying they have, that a man has a false heart in his mouth for the world to see, another in his breast to show to his special friends and his family, and the real one, the true one, the secret one, which is never known to anyone except to himself alone, hidden only God knows where.” ― James Clavell, Shōgun
Clavell’s words from Shōgun cut deep into the multifaceted nature of human identity—a theme that hits home hard for musicians and artists. He nails the truth that we all juggle different faces: the one for the world, the one for our close circle, and the one we keep locked up, known only to ourselves. This isn’t some esoteric concept; it’s a brutal reality of the creative grind.
For musicians, these ‘faces’ are more than just metaphors. They’re the personas you navigate daily.
The Public Face
First up, the face you show the world. This is your stage persona—polished, crafted, and curated. It’s the you that belts out lyrics, strums the guitar, and captivates the audience in music videos and album covers. This is your brand, your public image, the ambassador of your creative spirit. It’s the identity you push out there, the one that screams, “This is who I am!”
The Private Face
Next, the more intimate face—the one your bandmates, friends, and family see. This version of you is raw and real, stripped of the performance layer. It’s the face that shows doubts, unfiltered creativity, and raw emotions. Here, you find your support system, the people who lift you up when the spotlight dims and the crowd disperses. This face is your refuge and your reality check.
Then there’s the face nobody sees—the true you. This is where your deepest fears, desires, and dreams lurk. It’s the wellspring of your creativity, the hidden core where your most daring ideas are born. This face is your sanctuary, a private playground free from judgment and external pressures. It’s where you experiment, dream, and create without limits.
Balancing Act
Balancing these three faces is a tightrope walk. Your public face connects you with the audience, solidifying your place in the music scene. The private face keeps you grounded, reminding you of your roots and the genuine connections that fuel your art. The hidden face, your secret garden, is where your artistic soul runs wild.
For musicians, embracing these facets is crucial. They’re not just masks; they’re integral parts of your identity, each playing a vital role in your journey. By acknowledging and understanding these faces, you can strike a balance that lets you stay true to yourself while resonating with the world in meaningful ways.
Do you want to learn more about what steps you can take to cultivate your persona? Channel your inner desires into external image? Continue reading the rest of the guide here →
// Truth or Trash?
Welcome to Truth or Trash, where the gullible are rewarded with gifs and the sleuths with news. Can you guess which one is the fake?
This Week‘s Headlines:
(Answer below)
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// Riot Guide
Tips for Routing a Tour // ‘Do It Yourself Motherf!*&$r’
Vanessa Silberman’s DIY ethos has made a serious impact across the music industry, from artist development to record production. Her label, A Diamond Heart Production, blends the best of old-school record label values with a fresh, modern approach. Recognized by Alternative Press as one of the 11 LGBTQIA+ and women-owned labels making waves, Vanessa has now teamed up with V13 Media to launch the unapologetic series “Do It Yourself Motherf!*&$r.” Want to tour like a pro? Watch her latest video and start mastering your craft.
Wait—did this help?Or was it a bigger waste of time than a pay-to-play gig? Only way we'll know is if you tell us, babe. |
Truth or Trash Answer:
We made up the Dave Grohl one (#3). Just because it feels like it could have happened at some point doesn’t mean it was an actual headline.
Folks, please, a moment of your time:
We know you’re the coolest person on Planet Earth, but don’t gatekeep this shit. We’re entering a new era of transparency, and in order to destroy the old guard we all need to support the emerging talent around us. To sweeten the deal, we’ve come up with this fun little referral rewards program. Check it out below.
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