I just learned the band REM decided to retire as a Musical unit. They have spent 30 plus years creating music they wanted to play. Many millions of fans have enjoyed growing right alongside them. As a musical act they have always maintain a small but deeply loyal audiance, though not that small when you consider they played their fair share of 20,000 seat auditoriums.
REM known by many for such mainstays as Losing my Religion and Man on the Moon were one of the new avaunt guard bands who came out in 1980. They had hopes to last a few years tops according to Mike one of the founders. But much to his surprise they lasted 31 years. He said on an interview on NPR that they enjoyed growing and having their fans come along for the ride. After 80 plus million records sold they are indeed a Brand worthy of respect.
In the world of music very few bands last 5 to 10 years much less 30 years. Unlike many of their contemporaries: think Duran Duran, Pretty in Pink, Boy George, Nirvana, Great White they lasted long after the rest were relegated to Casino circuit status. U2 would be a great comparison of another band with longevity who came out around the same time.
What can be learned here? Do what you love, be open to grow, be open and transparent and by all means have a heck of a lot of luck on your side. Yep luck struck when REM came out. There was a need for their brand of music by the new generation who embraced them. What is today's generation embracing? My son 16 likes metal but of the bands he enjoys listening to, very few will most likely last past the ten year mark. Many of today's hottest pop stars will go the way of Bobby Sherman, Andy Gibb and The Archies.
So just like REM the businesses who will continue to grow are the ones who hit a wave and ride it for all its worth. Unlike the New wave bands who have gone the way of parachute pants REM retained their own identity and that's what set them apart from many of their contemporaries in the music world. You must stay clearly focused on being who you are not what others want you to be well ok someone has to see a need for your services but don't be just another company instead carve out a niche for yourself and then stay loyal to that niche.
Truly REM is a brand to be proud of. Good luck and best of life to the former members of REM!
Posted by: |