Social Media: A Vinyl Collector's Best Friend

Chapter 11 covers "Groups and Social Media", where we learn about the types of influences we receive from social media outlets and the effect they can have on us.

Interestingly enough, I have found that my musical taste has flourished thanks to social media and exposure that many bands and artists get through it.

Here are a few which I follow when looking for something new to listen to:

Connoisseurs of Heavy, Audio Pleasures 

When you find someone with an excellent vinyl collection on Instagram

Through Instagram, I found several individuals with impressive collections of records and music tastes. I'm rather picky with my own music taste, and so I find it difficult to take recommendations from most people. However, there are a few folks on social media who I trust fairly well with their recommendations.

One such personality is InfidelAmsterdam, whom I loosely follow on YouTube but pay attention to on Instagram.

I need to be more like this guy.

Another gentleman with an impressive array of records goes by the name Scourge of Vinyl. He puts out excellent content regarding new and old releases as well as exclusive colored vinyl variants. He is what I would call a "market maven". 

Scourge of Vinyl

Hate5Six in an amazingly talented videographer who does full live set shoots for a myriad of hardcore acts. As someone who has just gotten into hardcore within the last two years or so, I can count on Hate5Six to expose me to great acts all while catching them in their most intense and raw state.

Sunny Singh, modern hardcore historian.

The Chicanx Art of Pilsen

The Heart of Chicago

Chapter 13 discusses the phenomena's of subcultures: groups of individuals, within a larger group, who have a shared sense of identity, beliefs, and values.

One of the richest subcultures in Chicago resides in the working class Pilsen neighborhood of the lower southwest side of the city. Formally dominated by European immigrants (primarily from Czech), the late 1960s saw an influx of Mexican immigrants enter the neighboring area after loosing much of their residency to what is currently the University Village/University of Illinois in Chicago campus. This peaked in the 1980s, and would become a cultural landmark for the city.

Merging Mexican traditions with the American lifestyle, the sons and daughters of these immigrants would form what would be known as the Chicano (and later Chicanx) subculture of the city (along with other neighborhoods such as Little Village). From foods to music to religious practices, they would embed themselves into this Heart of Chicago community and add their own unique flavor into the melting pot of the city.

And while the neighborhood is ever-changing, it's interesting to note the lasting presence of its Mexican past and current resurgence of its culture by Millennial and Gen-X residents, taking up the mantle of their parents and grandparents and carrying on the traditions of old.

The hallmark of the neighborhood is it's art, displayed prominently on nearly every corner. Some of these pieces have been around for nearly 30 years. 

Below we'll review a few pieces, most of which can still be found today.

Pilsen is home to the works of many Mexican-American artists. One of the most famous was Francisco Mendoza (1958-2012), known as the "Pilsen Picasso":

Francisco Mendoza outside of Orozco Academy, where he taught art for a number of years.

Cooper, another school adorned with Francisco's art.

The community is host to several art pieces and is famous for being dressed in dozens of murals, ranging from traditional pieces to graffiti works of art:

Casa Aztlan, a local community center, prior to being closed down.

18th Street Pink Line stop of the CTA.

Resurrection Project, renovated with art. This piece was primarily done by local artist Delilah Salgado.

Mariachi on the right... painted by me.

Girl in blue... My sister.

My dad and aunts are on the right hand side, below the man with red hair.

19th and Ashland

Some of the signature themes of these works include Catholicism and immigration, often married together in pieces such as the ones above. Below we find a newer mural addressing immigration:

Near 18th and Blue Island

There are even pieces attacking the current state of the neighborhood, which is going under gentrification:

Neocolonial concerns addressed on the streets.

A few newer pieces:

Across Dvorak Park

18th and Wood

Mexican-Americans are very fond of the Virgin Mary, who is the subject of several pieces throughout the neighborhood:

Located within Casa Aztlan

Another woman who is widely respected and adored: Selena Quintanilla. Might as well grant her Chicanx Sainthood.

Located at Cooper Elementary. Done by Francisco Mendoza in the 90s.

Recycling: 4 Things You Could Be Doing Better

Chapter 10 is called "Buying, Using, and Disposing", and it brings to light many important points regarding our own habits as consumers. In an ever-changing world, our options are practically limitless. No matter the lifestyle or personal taste, it has never been more easy (or difficult) to make a purchase.

What has remained fairly consistent, however, is what we can do after. When the life of our beloved product is up (or perceived to be), we can do much more than simply throw away. While you may have brought 30 Hallmark cards while they were on sale, you can at least feel good about your splurge when you realize it's time to put them away.

1. Don't Be So Plastic

Beware.

Plastic bags. So much use can be the cause of so much trouble, believe it or not. And it isn't that we don't have the technology to recycle them, but these little demons tend to end up where they shouldn't and can cause an array of machinery issues. If you can, recycle them separate from your other items. And please, don't put your recyclables in them either.

2. Styrofoam 

This one is easy. It can't be recycled.  Don't use it.

True.

3. The "Scrunch" Test

Typically there are two types of plastics: the hard and the soft. And while I could go over the nitty-gritty differentiation of the two, you can use this rule of thumb to help you make the best recycling choice:

Take your plastic and try to scrunch it. If it was easy, it probably shouldn't be recycled with the rest of your items. You are better off throwing them in "red" bins or opting to shop locally and use your own (eco) methods of packaging and bagging.

4. When In Doubt, Throw It Out

In a worst case scenario, it's best to simply throw out what you are unsure of. You could very well jeopardize an entire recycling process by not doing so. But if you feel a bit of guilt about it, you can always reach out to sources for educating yourself on recycling or go out and plant a tree. That's always cool.

Marketing, Tattoos, and the Choice Dilemma

Chapter 9, "Decision Making", makes quite a few valid points about modern decision making.
Namely, the massive influx of information and options that our brain must sort through in order to make the most optimal purchasing choice.

The process in choosing a tattoo is no different.

In fact, you can argue that it is easily one of the most intense decision-making processes you can undertake.

An Idea Is Born

Maybe you saw a tattoo on a friend, celebrity, or musician. Perhaps you passed by a shop and your curiosity was stirred. Whatever the case, you have made the conscious (and sober) decision to have ink permanently placed on your skin. 

But, what to get? How do you get it?

With the explosion of visual-heavy social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pintrest, you are bombarded with a plethora of styles, designs, and artists. It can be enough to drive anyone crazy. Where do you start?

For one, make sure you set down some basic rules for yourself.

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Nate Dogg and Warren G were proficient in the art of regulating.

Regulation is key. 

Do you have an allergies? Dermatological issues? Maybe your profession doesn't allow tattoos. Or are you concerned with what your friends and family think (though you shouldn't)? What is your budget? Color or grey and black scale?

You should be sure to address these and other questions well before finalizing your design or choosing one. .

The Decision Making Process

Problem Recognition

You know you want a tattoo. And now that you have performed some self-regulation, you are finally ready to commit to it. 

Information Search, Evaluation, & Product Choice

So much information. What a time to be alive.

You can't just let anyone stab you with a needle. It is an art form and should be treated as such. Utilize social media and review sites to find the most suitable artist for your piece. 

You should make an effort to not only research artists, but the kind of tattoo you'll be getting. There are a variety of styles to choose from, and whether you decide to go with a pre-made flash sheet design or opt for an all original piece, there are for the most part, no rules in deciding what to get.

Some examples:

Japanese

Traditional

Chicano Style

Neo-Traditional

Don't let the cliche of a tattoo needing to be symbolic fool you, either:

Post-Purchase Evaluation 

If you made this far, congrats. You are now part of a great, expressive subculture. At this point your thoughts are either

A) I am the proud owner of a beautiful piece of artwork that I will carry with me forever

or

B) Why. Just why.

I hope that this short guide will have led you to A rather than B, though I want to say you should still find something about your new ink to be proud of. After all, you just sacrificed both time and intense pain for it.

And always remember, no matter what:

Are You Living or Simply Existing?

In chapter 6, we are presented with the various concepts of self: ideas and sentiments regarding our identity and that which define it. And while we as a society continue to make strides and advancements in technology, it seems that the definition of self has slowly begun to warp into a psyche-driven technological masquerade, where despite our progress and wonders we are still confined to the human ego and all the ways that we can address it.

The Self and the Extended Self

Our environment is a strong indicator for the ultimate formation of the individual. As we age, we learn habits, ques, and cultural contexts that let us create a satisfactory clay from which we can mold ourselves. And from these experiences our personality is born, complete with tastes, preferences, beliefs, and aesthetics.

With modern technologies we have begun to accessorize said clay: plastic surgery, prosthetic enhancements, cosmetology, pharmaceuticals, and wearable computing have all ushered in an era of customized living. Where we once sought to merely define our existence, we have now begun to tread the path of synthetic pursuits.

Where do we go from here? Future technologies are fast and coming, ranging from microchip identification devices implanted within our bodies to self driving automobiles and the current emergence of virtual reality headsets. 

Have we begun to disconnect from our human traits by the privileges (or necessities) that the 21st century has granted us? What happens when this technology ages? As it drips down from luxury into an every-day-buy, how do we cope with a generation that will grow to always being accustomed to a "plugged-in" lifestyle, where alteration and enhancement is the norm or even expected? 

The Greater Good

Or, is it wrong for us to not enhance our lifestyles? As a human collective, perhaps we should be making these strides to alleviate the psychological woes of the mind and body, constructing our being as we see fit.

Should we not be moving forward, and really, who is to say? Up until now, we only know of one singular timeline: our own. We don't have a reference point for technology and human relations. We have science fiction, and we have science, and somewhere in between our imagination and capabilities have brought upon us the onset of a new way of living.

The Concept of Existing: A Blurred Reality?

My point is... Where do we draw the line between human, and human-like? Have we actually agreed on the definition of a human being, or are we, with our all glorious discoveries and capabilities, simply on the verge of defining what that actually is, what our capacity is really made of? 

Maybe humanity is subjective, only limited by our own perception and scope of interest in the subject, limitless in definition.

And is it wrong for such an organism to learn to play god, or is it neglecting our very nature and potential for us not to?

I don't know, but this is certain: my hopes and aspirations for the future and what we can do to it is only limited by my fear of what we may lose, and have already lost, along the way.

Dark Side Marketing: Motivation, Affection, and the Devil's Music

Chapter 5: Motivation and Affection was a chapter that really hit home with me:

Let's cut to the chase: rock music is an excellent marketing tool. Let me tell you why.

It breeds loyalty, cultivates individuality, and becomes a vessel of expression for the outsider. 

How many people have cut "Kanye West" into their forearm? Exactly. Do you know how many people carved "Slayer" into their arms? Google it.

The fact of the matter is, very few genres of music spawn the type of dedication and admiration that you receive from fans of rock music and all of it's little predecessors: metal, punk, etc. And that is because it is a culture for outsiders, a large, broad market. It is the spiritual and emotional aura that surrounds individuals who don't quite fit mold of society. 

And these individuals know it. They champion their subculture of non-conformity. They recognize who they are, where they're from, and what bar they're going to next. 

It becomes a gang, a calling, a wolf pack. And it's a marketer's dream: people with an undying love who are willing to make questionable purchases. But this post isn't about co-opting subculture for those who have no culture. This is a love letter.

Noise Pollution

Before we proceed, let me give you a brief history of rock:

Freddie Mercury, vocalist for Queen. Rest in peace.

Amidst the success of early groups such as The Who and Led Zeppelin, rock and roll music began to take shape: heavy, hard-hitting, guitar work that wasn't afraid to acknowledge it's bluesy past but keen to eliminate the current wave of hippie acts. And by the mid 70s, groups such as KISS, AC/DC, Queen, and Black Sabbath had begun to sell out stadiums across the globe. The latter of these groups would go on to become the undisputed grandfathers of heavy metal. 

In response to the mainstream success of rock groups came punk music. Early groups included the Clash, the Ramones, and the Sex Pistols. Fast and abrasive, these groups removed the glamour and excess of their hard rocking predecessors, and instead embraced rebellion against political, social, and religious institutions.

Iron Maiden are quintessential heavy metal.

Right around the same time came tremors form the industrial landscapes of England. The bastard sons and daughters of Black Sabbath had been born. It was the musical likes of which the world had never seen: Judas Priest, Motorhead, and Iron Maiden, among others, would take the speed of punk and the technical prowess of rock and create what we know as heavy metal (this genre is my favorite btw). The groups fancied themselves as outsiders on the same level as the punks did, but they chose themes of war, satanism, violence, and the occult as their outlets.

SO MUCH BLACK.

The 80s were basically a sequel, but like a really good one. Kind of like Terminator 2. Genres such as glam rock, hardcore punk, thrash metal, and death metal came to be. Guns n Roses, Megadeth, Motley Crue, Black Flag, Napalm Death. All the good and not so good stuff.

And in case you were wondering, this is when the world got Metallica. You know, that band of old guys who backed up Lady Gaga at the Grammy's this year. They used to be pretty cool.

The 90s were basically a completion of a trilogy. Kind of like Terminator 3, which sort of sucked but you went ahead and saw it anyway. We'll stop here.

All You Need Is A Little Motivation

This is what brand loyalty is made of, people. This is rock and roll. 

Why am I going to heed your brands' call? What is going to push me to seek emotional satisfaction with you? You need to appeal to my emotions. And right now, my emotions as the aforementioned outsider are as follows:

Social Anxiety

Loneliness

Anger

Lots of anger.

Such a rebellious bunch, aren't we?

A NEED IS BORN

And so to satisfy my needs, I will seek those and that which seem most similar to me. Who shares my pain? Who understands me? 

Music touches humans on an emotional level. And that is what marketing does. It is a pillar of human creativity, of the classical kind. Alongside art, literature, and theater, music stands as it's own monolithic shrine of hedonistic worship. Few things speak to us like music does. It dissects you, it gets under your skin, and penetrates the very fabric of your soul. 

And because of this visceral intimacy, many popular bands achieve a cult-like following that even Charles Manson would be jealous of. Legions of people, from young to old, clad in their favorite band shirts, spending paychecks on records, and congregating at concerts like it's a holy mass, worshiping the sounds of rebellion thundering through Marshall amplifiers. 

Some of them even do their part to keep the spirit of rebellion alive.

Back when I was cool, man.

It's unreal. And it's strange in that, when the sun rises, a lot of these people recede back into the real world: they are your dentists, your principals, your firefighters, your CEOs and at times the president of Indonesia. 

Sounds familiar? If you are in marketing, it should. This is your brand affiliation. This is power. This is the identity of your customer or client. They identify with you because you represent a lifestyle and perhaps a philosophy that no one else does. You can become what a person turns to when the rest of the world has looked the other way. 

Just remember to be real about it.