TED Talk by Amanda Palmer

Amanda Palmer reforms the “business” aspect of music to where the connection between the artist and the audience is whats driving the cash flow and income. It is definitely more risky but it is the trust Amanda Palmer talks about that leads to the support of true musicians. Amanda, in a way, takes away the business part of being a musician. She doesn’t make people pay to see her perform. She takes that risk of possibly having no income and simply just asks her audience and fans to help support her. This works. It is brilliant! What more of an reward and proof can a person ask for than having people love and admire you so much that they will just GIVE you money. She reshaped the “business” part of music to where there is trust and a real relationship between fans and musicians.

Most relationships between artists and fans are nonexistent. Yes there is the waving and the shout outs but there is nothing like the actual interactions Amanda Palmer has with her fans. Amanda becomes friends with these people. She goes to their homes and spends the night. She meets up with them in coffee shops just to chat and even lets a group of drunk men draw on her body. She doesn’t just sign autograph after autograph but she looks the person in the eye and acknowledges them while signing an autograph. There is a difference. Amanda Palmer redefines the relationship between artist and fans by trusting them, listening to them, and seeing them.  

Amanda presents her TED talk in a very theatrical manner. She uses props such as a flower, a veil, and a crate. By using these Amanda is opening up, expressing her vulnerable side. Just like she did on the streets as an eight foot bride, she is connecting with the audience, pausing and looking them directly in the eye. She then uses hand gestures and walks around, however, she seems very relaxed. Her attire is slouchy and punk-ish showing how laid back and calm she is. She is letting the audience see her for who she actually is. She didn’t dress up or particularly down for this occasion. She trusts the audience will accept her. Finally, by showing the pictures of her couch surfing and crowd surfing and of her being drawn on by drunk people, shows just how much she embraces her fans and the idea of genuinely connecting to the audience.  Amanda Palmer LETS, not makes the audience support her.