It Started With A Conversation About Music
In 2011 I interviewed Huey Lewis over the phone. At the end of the call, I pointed out that the band was not doing much with social media. I said I could help with that. Huey said, “I like what you’re saying.” He suggested we talk about it more in person at their upcoming concert.
I never showed them a pitch deck. There were no charts and graphs. I never used the terms “optimizing,” “incentivize,” or “projecting authenticity.” I did not promise viral videos. My specialties were and still are interviews and text content.
We talked about music.
Almost 13 years later I am still working with the band. And because of them, I am helping to promote a Broadway musical.
I’ve loved Huey Lewis & The News ever since ‘Sports’ came out 41 (!) years ago.
I think the lesson to be learned here is ‘know your audience’.
Had you hit the band with a hammer of marketing speak, they would have kindly (or otherwise) shown you the door. Instead, you gained their trust by speaking their language.
Thank you for reassuring me that this rock and roll legend would rather talk tunes than TikTok.
Thank you for keeping Huey Lewis and the News music mainstream. Maybe now, today's youth will understand just how awesome their grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles were before they existed; and they music was cool to listen to. I hope the musical comes to Providence RI. :)