By: Independent Hawaii Musician Kenneth Makuakane Thrives on Social Media « Music Business Heretic

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:01:53 +0000

[...] Independent Hawaii Musician Kenneth Makuakane Thrives on Social Media The Heretic’s Comment: Columnist Roxanne Darling has put together a great article featuring Hawaiian artist Kenneth Makuakane and a discussion concerning how Mr. Makuakane is effectively using social media to cashflow his musical projects. Some of the commentary provided by Mr. Makuakane appears below: Rox: How are you using Facebook? I know you have a fan page for your music. Kenneth: Well, I leave it on all day when I am at my computer. I get the notification sound and can respond whenever someone interacts with me. There is more interactivity and ease of use; it is easy to create events. It has a chat capability – fans see you are online and want to talk! I had to finally turn it off though, as I get too much – I only use it when I have time. The good thing is people can message and I can respond when I have time. A lot of Japanese fans now, sending me photos, etc. Rox: What is your larger strategy in using social media? Kenneth: I’ve changed my branding to being a solo artist. First I was a “lei and white pants musician” at the hotels, then musician for musicians and record producer, now back into the performance end. Had to rebrand myself and find another avenue. Social media has done that for me – it creates opportunities for younger and older people to connect – they feel like they can talk to you now! Greatest part – you don’t have to have live chat – you can respond in your own time. However I always answer my fans; that is very important. Rox: What other tools do you use to connect with and support your fans? Kenneth: Well, I learned I had to build a fan base. One by one. So they trust me and know me and call me a friend and know that Im a real person. They know I will answer. I do my Google Alerts to find out who is talking about me in other places. I go to those places and start commenting to people and then it drives them back to my site. It takes time, but is well worth it. I have gained loyal fans, they are buying my albums, reading my stories, telling their friends about me. Rox: Do have a specific example of how social media directly is supporting your business? Kenneth: Yes! last year and this year I held a CD release party at the Ala Moana Hotel. We only used social media to get the word out, and both events were standing room only! That was the only marketing we did. Closing comments: We love this quote describing Mr. Mukuakane “He is an independent Hawaiian musician, earning a comfortable living for himself, his lovely wife and their small child”. Here at the Heretic, this quote represents a goal we all should strive for…..being able to do what you love, earn a comfortable living doing it and take care of your family through it….everything else above these items…is icing on the cake!!!! Social Media can be tedious work and sometimes it feels like such a waste a time, but this Blog is living proof that if you don’t give up, people can truly be blessed for the better through your efforts and decisions to keep fighting!!!! http://www.barefeetstudios.com/2010/05/27/independent-hawaii-musician-kenneth-makuakane-thrives-on-s… [...]

By: Roxanne Darling

Roxanne Darling — Fri, 28 May 2010 05:25:58 +0000

Kenneth – It was my pleasure! I look forward to seeing you at the festival this weekend.

Comments on: Independent Hawaii Musician Kenneth Makuakane Thrives on Social Media

By: Independent Hawaii Musician Kenneth Makuakane Thrives on Social Media « Music Business Heretic

By: Roxanne Darling