A Desperate Time Calls for Desperate Measures

Posted by: Grayson Brulte

Today a colleague forwarded me an open letter from the band moe. that outlines their desperate strategy for adapting with the times. For those of you who do not know who moe is a jamband from Buffalo, NY. Quotes
from the email are below. It makes for an interesting read.

“It’s amazing to watch fans gathered in the audience and come to realize that there is a doctor rocking out next to a web designer who’s next to a mechanic who hangs out with a librarian who is jamming by a CFO, who is standing next to… well, you get the picture.”

This is fine and dandy, but do you really know your fan base? Are you connecting with your fan base? Or are just just using those terms to help you in a desperate time?

moe. and the organization also pride themselves on growing organically and are always on the lookout for projects and opportunities that push the boundaries of traditional music industry practices.

Organically? How are you growing organically if you are sending out a desperate email? You do not build relationships over email. You build them over years by interacting in person and getting to know each other. Relationships are delicate and sensitive. They must be nurtured over time, not blasted out in an email.

That being said, the moe.org is reaching out to fans and friends to learn whether they are associated with any companies that might have an interest in getting involved with the release of a new album and the sponsorship of events like moe.down and Summer Camp.

Tacky. What else can you say about this? Its a shame when an organization like moe. does not do their homework and research. They have firms that specialize in this. After all, didn’t you participate in the Coca-Cola Instant Live Tour in 2003? Who set that up for you? Maybe you should reach out to them or Google “Sponsorship Firms”. That would be a good start that would save face and show class.

Over the years, many fans have expressed interest in these situations and some opportunities have worked out. We have a feeling there might be more fans out there who have shied away from approaching us, and have had the “no way this would happen” attitude. But no idea is too crazy and all should be heard.

Isn’t that what Agents are for?

If you work for a company that would possibly like to talk about some marketing opportunities, whether it be sponsorship, partnering, or possibly having moe. write a song for an ad, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me.

Why? Why? Why? Is just me or does this sum it all up? Desperation! Moe., it’s time to fire your manager. It is obvious to me that he does not know what he is doing as this open letter is sure to cause embarrassment.

Next time, do your homework and execute your plan with class!

–
Original email from moe.

Dear moe. fans,

Both the band and the moe. organization have always marveled at the wide range of talent, interest and professions within the moe. fan base. It’s amazing to watch fans gathered in the audience and come to realize that there is a doctor rocking out next to a web designer who’s next to a mechanic who hangs out with a librarian who is jamming by a CFO, who is standing next to… well, you get the picture.

moe. and the organization also pride themselves on growing organically and are always on the lookout for projects and opportunities that push the boundaries of traditional music industry practices.

That being said, the moe.org is reaching out to fans and friends to learn whether they are associated with any companies that might have an interest in getting involved with the release of a new album and the sponsorship of events like moe.down and Summer Camp.
Over the years, many fans have expressed interest in these situations and some opportunities have worked out. We have a feeling there might be more fans out there who have shied away from approaching us, and have had the “no way this would happen” attitude. But no idea is too crazy and all should be heard.

If you work for a company that would possibly like to talk about some marketing opportunities, whether it be sponsorship, partnering, or possibly having moe. write a song for an ad, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me.
We owe everything to our fans and if we could team up with some, we think it would be a lot of fun and ultimately, beneficial for everyone.

Thanks,

Jon Topper
moe.manager