By now I think everyone has heard of Lady Gaga.
You know, she’s the scantily-clad and shock-inducing musician that’s been taking the pop world by storm. I think many Christians would probably find her a little frightening and off-putting, and I think for many good reasons.
But I actually think there’s several powerful lessons we can learn from her career and methodology.
Walk with me for a second…
Things She Knows How To Do:
1. Leverage the Power of Video
Her video “Bad Romance” is the most viewed video of all time on YouTube.
This shouldn’t necessarily surprise us. But I think it’s interesting that the most viewed video before that was “Evolution of Dance” which had held the spot for several years. All of a sudden she hits the scene, and in what seemed like a matter of months she raced and took the crowning top spot. People clearly like watching videos online.
From what I’ve read, these are days in which the music industry is quite hesitant to invest in full-scale music videos for their artists. But when it comes to Lady Gaga, every single one is still a theatrical affair.
2. Build a Connection with her Audience
In interviews, she refers to her fans as “little monsters.” Apparently sometime ago in a concert, some of her fans began making, what can only be described as a snarling-tiger-claw-monster-fist with their hands. Instead of pumping their fists into the air or making the “horn” symbol (or whatever that is), they would make this other symbol. She noticed this, and began to do it back to them. This has become a symbol that they share together. A way to send their love without saying words.
This reminds me what I’ve read about the Grateful Dead band. They didn’t care if people made copies of their cds, because what really mattered was attending a live concert. They had built an incredible audience by building an you-had-to-be-there experience . There were the t-shirts and dancing and…*cough* *cough* whatever else.
The fans, and the Grateful Dead knew that what mattered was seeing them live. This engendered an incredible amount of loyalty among their fans.
3. Create a Space of Acceptance.
In each interview that she gives she talks about wanting to be a role model to the “freaks.” That’s why she dresses the way that she does, because she wants people to feel good about expressing themselves and being who they are. As a result, she has helped to create a “space of acceptance.” People at her concerts will dress up now in crazy ways, because she has made it a safe place to do so.
The genius of Lady Gage is that she has learned to tap into certain core values that a huge amount of fans are attracted to. People want to feel a sense of belonging, connection, and acceptance.
So here’s my question: I wonder what we can do in our churches, web properties, and actual lives to connect with people on this level? I wonder what we can do to build these kinds of connections and exemplify generous avenues of acceptance? I’m not sure. But I know that it’s something we need to think about. After all, our motivation to do so is much more important then just money, entertainment, and fame. Or at least it should be.
What do you think?
Darlene Ouimet says
I agree! If we want to make a difference, then acceptance is the answer. This age old truth has only ever been embraced by so few! Such a sad thing. I love this article and using the example of Lady GaGa is brilliant!
Darlene Ouimet
Rodlie Ortiz says
Thanks, Darlene. Wish we could all be a little more accepting. Think that’s what JEsus would do.
Will Foy says
Just a subnote on the idea of bands like the Grateful Dead allowing fans to copy CD’s. It’s not as much that perhaps, as it was the culture of fan exchanging of live concert recordings, for free. So long as no tangible profit was gained, the band was incredibly gracious in allowing people to share the buzz about their live concerts by allowing this to take place. It’s how a band like Widespread Panic was able to have fans far outside their original home base in Georgia to be aware of the lyrics to their early original songs when they first went on tour in Colorado. It wasn’t merely transplants from Atlanta, but the exchange and sharing of information in the form of tape-trading that allowed them to build. It’s a culture built on a concept of “gifting” the partial experience, so you’ll want more. It’s also why many artists choose to participate in similar activities today, including the Live Music Archive at archive.org -disclaimer: i’m a contributor and former junior level archivist.
What can the church learn from THAT? How about encouraging people who have the buzz of the message of God in their lives to spread that, in entrepreneurial ways? Interesting untraditional usages of church space? Technology experiments? And simply put, maybe doing a little more to get out of the mortar and do more mission and face-to-face or fingers-to-keyboard exchanges and being what we notsocrazy Methodists describe as being connected? To be able to exchange a concert recording for another, you have to actually talk to someone and get to know their collection and interests, and more importantly, sometimes be willing to get something unfamiliar to you, offered freely as a gift. What a great way to describe the gospel’s message?!
As a gift, and something I’m proud of, go check out the Bela Fleck and Flecktones recording from the Riverbanks Zoo. It was a special night, one I’m proud to have recorded, and glad to have witnessed in person. Perhaps others will find how awesome this group of musicians is, and use this sense of “viral” sharing of music to virally spread the Word, too. Please note that I receive no benefit here, just want to share some awesomesauce.
Final note, Seth Godin talks a lot about the concept of the culture and lifestyle of “gifting” in Linchpin. It’s highly recommended reading. The church could learn a few things there too.
Rodlie Ortiz says
Wow, thanks Will for that deeper analysis. That’s one of the things I love about twitter and blogging is that it’s an awesome sharing tool. If we learn something we can share it with the world. I’ll have to check out those bands you mentioned.
Adam Lehman says
The real message is that people value originality, regardless of complaints.
Jesus’ message offended people. Most churches seem to strive for the opposite.
Be less of a politicians. That is the message.
Rodlie Ortiz says
Yeah, I like that. Jesus was himself no matter what. Definitely didn’t try to pander to what the religious leaders wanted him to be about. He hated the sin, but loved the sinner. Thanks.
Graham Brenna says
Hey Rodie! Very well said! You did a little of what Gaga is doing by writing this post. “What The Church Can Learn From Lady Gaga”… I’m gonna click that and read it because it sounds crazy! But I love it! Great observation.
Graham Brenna says
Sorry… Rodlie… can’t spell, it’s early
Billy says
It seems to me that a spirit of anti-establishment is part of Lady Gaga’s shock factor. Honestly, I feel a bit hypocritical embracing that because the “church” is practically synonymous today with archaic establishment. Any thoughts?
Rodlie says
I think you’re right that she does exude an anti-establishment vibe, but that’s not what I’m suggesting we embrace or learn about. She uses certain mediums quite wisely, I think, and has a hard-core message of acceptance, which is something I think Christians can probably learn a few things about.