Good PR (Bombadil Case Study)

So, tonight, I'm going to talk about an absolutely lovely night out with some friends!

((Well, evening, really, since I'm working at a summer arts intensive right now that requires me to be back by the 10:00 curfew to check my hall of students in))


There's this band, see. And they're not super-duper-like-of-monsters-and-men-type well-known, but they're growing a following, and they're signed with Ramseur Records, who has also signed bands like the Avett Brothers and Carolina Chocolate Drops (*fangirl happy sounds*).

The name?

Bombadil (yes, after the LOTR character).

Here's what they look like:

That's my photo. If you want to see a more clear image (and to get the biography), please feel free to head over to their website!

Anyway, good-looking-ness aside, I'm gonna take a minute to talk about good PR(Public Relations, in case you were unsure of the acronym's meaning).

See, I've seen Bombadil play a number of times, mainly in my school's town, but once in my current city and once elsewhere. Bombadil sees thousands of concert-goers on even short tours.

Bombadil took care to let my city know they were coming. Flyers were up over two months ago in a few locations(particularly the venue where the show would be hosted). I saw articles mentioning the re-release of an old album on vinyl several months ago. And finally, at a record-store nearby, they posted a warm-up party show, and invited their FaceBook followers to show up at their leisure and enjoy some pre-concert jams.

And you know what? That's all great. That's all fine and dandy, and it's definitely helping get their name out. I love their music, but the reason I took the time to check out their album is because the band members made me want it.

I have never once been to a Bombadil concert without speaking to at least one of the members. And I'm not that flashy, I'm not particularly easy to remember unless I try.

 But Daniel Michalak, vaguely seeming to recognize my face, waved at me as I went in, and came up and said hi while I was waiting for a drink at the coffee-bar as the opener (River Whyless, in case you were wondering. Another band I'm rather fond of) was leaving the stage.

He smiled when I told him where I was from, asked if I knew _______(I did, thank you for asking!) and asked what I did for University.

He did not ask "how did you hear about us?" or "What do you think of our music?" or any other questions that would have provided him with useful information. Nope. He asked me about me, smiled, and waited for me to answer. Listening. I know I didn't say much that was interesting. But he listened and waited politely, and that's what sticks with me every time I see them.

Every one of the members has at some point made sure to be at the exits as audience members are filing out, holding the doors and thanking them all for coming to show their support for the band.

And that's really the kind of PR you can't buy.

I don't care about who thinks she's cheesy or young and googly. Taylor Swift has made it in the music business, and she recently released a well-written article about how the future of artists lies in their 'love affairs' with their fans. I think that statement is so, so true, particularly in a growing technological age where it is possible to make personalized connections over long distances.


So, Bombadil. Hats off to you. I love your music- I do truly consider it art.

I will freely admit, however, that your showmanship and interaction with your public are what compelled me to give your art a good fighting chance of a listen in the first place.