SEATTLE (Hypebot) – Whether text messaging or Twitter, its important to keep up to date with the latest tools for maintaining the all important artist – fan relationship. The newest tool for communication – so new it won't even be in beta for months – is Google's Wave. The open source app combines email, IM, chat, Twitter and more in a single stream or wave. Here's how Google describes Wave:
Wave sounds a bit confusing. But since Google created it; it's certainly worth paying attention to. There's an hour long video of a Google developer explaining Wave after the jump below and here are links to shorter Lifehacker and TechCrunch explanations.
How Wave Could Change Artist To Fan Communications
Increasingly artist and fan communication is less about make announcements (i.e. OUR NEW CD!) and more about having a conversation or ongoing dialog (i.e. Which mix do you prefer?). Wave appears to be able to handle and even encourage those kinds of communications with ease. Think of it as chat on steroids with various band members and fans jumping into or out of the wave. Or imagine a group wave of fans sharing concert photos, videos and experiences.
The possibilities seem endless and confusing. But as Twitter has shown us, early, active and creative adopters can gain traction using new methods of communication; and it’s important to do it before the mainstream world of advertising and media gets there. So, while there's no reason to jump into the surf yet; its important that you see the wave coming.
