Independent Thinker
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July 28, 2011 at 9:27 am
I’m a Kelly Rowland supporter for life. I could care less about numbers. As long as she remains the humble, sweet-natured, immensely talented star that she is, I will continue to show her love and BUY her music.
HOWEVER, I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Promotion and PROPER MARKETING is key. People can not buy an album that they don’t know about. If I did not search Kelly on the internet I would not know what she’s up to. She’s NEVER had the MAINSTREAM exposure that she needs as a solo artist. NEVER. The buying public that exist outside of the blogosphere have no idea that Kelly has released a new album. Promo the day of your release is not enough to pull big first week numbers, but if Kelly is really serious about stretching this era out and going for long-term sales, I’m with her, and hopefully she and her team will continue to release singles and PROMOTE. Appearances, PERFORMANCES, interviews on nationally syndicated shows, more magazine covers (can we get Essence or Ebony for once?). Kelly is (as she stated) “grown and sexy”, therefore, she should be marketing herself to a grown and sexy audience. MATURITY is key. The 106th and park crowd aint gon’ cut it. While there are young people who DO buy albums, there are twice as many who illegally download and think nothing of it when they do. Kelly’s album leaked. I think alot of people (who blog) downloaded the link. The blogosphere may mean free promotion for an artist, but it is also the means by which most artists get jacked.

Kelly just needs to forge ahead. There is such a thing as “slow burn” albums. If Kelly continues to put herself out there she will eventually aqcuire the audience that will actually go to the store or to i-tunes and purchase her album, not to mention her over-seas release in November. One must consider the fact that this draft of the album was only released stateside and Kelly is still building her brand as a solo act in America. Once European and Asian markets get a hold of her music this Fall, record sales will be a non-issue because those continents seem to love Kelly and are huge supporters of her music.

I’m not worried. I purchased my copies like I said I would, and I am thouroughly enjoying the album. I enjoy all of Kelly’s albums. That’s all that matters to me. My review is still pending. I’m waiting for the perfect post to place my review in.
Kelly’s gonna be fine. Bump what they haters say.

And by the way, the week isn’t over yet.