Meet Amanda Cooksey, a millennial American singer-songwriter out in Nashville, Tennessee.
Currently finishing her collegiate education at the University of Florida, Cooksey also works at Demolition Music Publishing as a creative assistant, managing their social media and music catalogue. But don’t be fooled, this artist knows exactly what she wants and won’t stop for anyone or anything until she accomplishes her dream of being a world-traveling artist that brings joy and positivity to her fans.
How she plans to do this? Utilizing social media and the technology around her.
I spoke with the Nashville artist to better understand how she uses her social media platforms to help spread joy and her music across the world. Here is an unedited, clipped version of our interview:
Practicing Good Digital Hygiene Can Yield High Rewards, Even for Artists
“Digital hygiene,” is a term used to describe the ways in which we conduct ourselves online. No different than brushing your teeth every morning, afternoon, and night—encouraging users to engage in good online habits can help separate you from most of the asinine junk out there.
For those in the entertainment space, understanding how to use social media for spreading positivity and good vibes can help keep them at the top of the charts and away from TMZ-like situations.
Andrew Rossow: How has technology helped make your experience as a musician easier?
Amanda Cooksey: Technology has helped me immensely as a musician. It allows me to reach out to my fans daily through social media. It allows me to record my original songs on my computer at home and release it to my fans for their opinions before recording it professionally. Technology helps me keep my life organized by using the calendar as well as being able to catalog my music library.
Find A Platform You Like and Capitalize On It
For the millennial generation, platforms like Instagram and Snapchat succumb to the very short attention span its users have, forcing them to upload video content in 10-15 second segments.
For many, this is perfect, as they don’t have the time to sit and watch a 2 minute long video. For others, however, they just don’t understand it. And, as Jedi Master Yoda once instructed Luke Skywalker—”and that, is why you fail.”
In my conversation with Cooksey, she made it pretty apparent that she understands why and how to use the social media platforms she does. With over 19K followers on both Instagram and Facebook, the young singer understands her demographic and how to gauge their attention.
AR: What is your favorite social media platform to use?
AC: Definitely Instagram because I can reach out to my family, friends and fans with a picture, story or live video. It is extremely easy to use from wherever you are at that specific moment.
AR: How does utilizing Instagram TV (IGTV) and/or Facebook Live help you connect with your fans?
AC: What I love about IGTV is that it allows me to post longer videos for my family, friends, and fans to see, while also allowing me to reach out to people that may not already be following me. With Facebook Live, I’m able to talk to my fans which makes them happy as if they were communicating with me as a friend.
Striking Chords for the Future
Cooksey emphasized that over the next five (5) years, her goal is to travel the world.
“By having the ability to tour much more around the country, I’ll be able to develop more sophisticated relationships with industry leaders and fans, while having the ability to share my music. I of course would like to continue writing new music, hoping that leads to a publishing/record deal that fits within my parameters.”
In a recent interview I had with country artist, Frank Foster, the music industry has most definitely changed when it comes to choosing whether to go with an independent music label or selling your soul to a major recording company. Regardless of the path you choose, it’s not a one-size-fit-all scenario. What’s good for the goose may not always be good for the gander.
The Dark Side of Social Media
As the internet and its applications continue to grow more advanced, so do the tactics of those who use it. Unfortunately, for those who like to use the internet to exploit others in a negative light have created an age where bullying is no longer just within a school classroom, but follows us home each and every day.
Under federal law, there is no cyberbullying statute; however, most states have their own harassment statutes that are either beginning to incorporate the internet and electronic devices, or just don’t seem to address cyberbullying at all.
Cooksey was one of the recent stars who accepted the #CYBERBYTE Challenge, a viral social media movement designed to spread awareness about cyberbullying.
AR: You have a large social media following. In your time as a musician and influencer, have you ever been subject to instances of online trolling? If so, how have you handled it?
AC: Unfortunately, I have. Recently, a man sent me an extremely threatening email only because I unfollowed him. The reason I unfollowed him and of course blocked him, was because he continued to post inappropriate comments on my social media sites. He then continued to send me email after email, badgering me about it. But, he didn’t stop there. He started to send messages and post comments about me to my other followers. He still tries to follow me under other social media handles and names. All I can do at this point is continue to monitor my accounts, blocking his requests and emails.
At the end of the day, my ultimate vision is to always be happy. That’s key. Eventually, I’d like to travel the world, sharing my music with as many people as possible, while making the world a better place.
Thank you to Amanda who accepted the #CYBERBYTE Challenge.
