Miley Cyrus‘ latest single, ‘Flowers’, has been a controversial release that has made the most of the power of implication and controversy.
As an independent musician, what can you learn from this approach to marketing?
Context
Firstly, it’s important to understand the context around Cyrus’ release.
As a former child star and the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus, she has spent most of her life in the public eye.
his means that her personal life is widely known, and she has used this to her advantage in the ‘Flowers’ release.
Timing
The release of the single on the birthday of her ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth, was a clear hint that the song was about more than just flora.
The public’s interest was piqued, and rumours began to swirl about the true meaning of the song.
This created a conversation around the release, and it’s this kind of buzz that independent musicians should be aiming for.
Be Aware
It’s important to note that not all controversy is good, and musicians should be careful not to cross any lines that could damage their reputation.
However, a carefully crafted controversy can generate interest in a release and get people talking.
The Power of Implication
Another lesson to take from Cyrus’ approach is the power of implication.
By leaving some things unsaid and allowing fans to read between the lines, she has created a whole conversation around the release.
This is a great way to get people invested in a release and make them feel like they are part of something.
Example of Success
Finally, it’s important to note that the ‘Flowers’ release has been hugely successful.
The song has broken records on Spotify, been used in millions of TikTok videos, and been viewed over 100 million times on YouTube.
This success has been driven by the conversation around the release, and the fact that Cyrus has created a whole narrative around the song.
What Can Independent Musicians Learn?
Independent musicians can learn a lot from the ‘Flowers’ release.
By using controversy and implication carefully, they can generate interest in their music and get people invested in their releases.
It’s important to be authentic and not cross any lines, but with the right approach, it’s possible to create a buzz around a release that can drive success.
