Music to live by (and listen to).

Building your brand.

A great way to build your personal brand is to step away from your “normal” voice or topic online (your blog, Facebook page, Twitter account, Pinterest board, etc).

For myself, I’ve found sharing music that I like is a good way to connect with others. You may or may not be a music person…so if music isn’t your thing, share favorite recipes or gardening tips or sewing challenges, etc. Whatever it is, share what you love outside of photography. It will help to make you real to your clients.

Music recommendations

That said, I thought I would share some of the music I’ve been listening to in 2012. Last year, I started keeping a playlist in iTunes of any new music I purchase in the year (whether it’s new to that year or not).

New (to me) music I’m listening to in 2012:

Lana Del Rey – Born to Die

If Marilyn Monroe sang (full albums) today, this is how I would imagine her. Sultry, sexy, jazzy (with a definite electronic influence). Really fun and different music to listen to.

Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto

Coldplay (for me) is one of those bands you get the new album no matter how good or bad it is. Mylo Xyloto isn’t ground breaking as compared to past albums, but it is very respectable.

FYI – if you’ve never seen Coldplay in concert, make it a point. They are absolutely incredible.

M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

A few years ago, I started listening to Phoenix, specifically Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. I liked the album because it was light, fun, easy to listen to. It made me feel happy. This album by M83 kind of reminds me of that.

The Black Keys – El Camino

These guys are just some throw back rockers. Their sound has progressed over the course of the last few years. It’s one of those albums that you enjoy the more you listen to it.

If you watched the NCAA basketball tournament at all (mens) you no doubt heard the song “Gold on the Ceiling” from this album.

The Goat Rodeo Sessions

What do you get with you put together Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile? You get the Goat Rodeo Sessions. These diverse and accomplished musicians came together to make this blue-grassy album that is really, really good.

The Beatles – Revolver

I’m one of those people that have always appreciated The Beatles, but never dove into their music. I wasn’t that kid in high school who know every Beatles song made. I’ve kind of waded into the waters…I just made it to Revolver. There is a reason The Beatles are considered one of the best bands of all time. They make incredible music.

 

Gotye – Making Mirrors

I’m sure you have heard the song “Somebody that I used to know” – it’s all over the place right now. Gotye kind of reminds me of Sting. What I imagine Sting would do if he were just leaving The Police in 2012. Eclectic, soulful, incredible music.

The Shins – Port of Morrow

I was introduced to The Shins via the movie Garden State, and became a quick fan. I was really pumped about this album, but was kind of disappointed. The let down was due to the fact that it sounds…just like a Shins album. The Shins collaborated with Danger Mouse to create Broken Bells a few years ago, and I was hoping for something moving in that direction.

However, if you like the old Shins. You’ll love this album.

fun – Some Nights

Like Gotye above, I’m guessing most of you have heard the song “We are young” recently. It’s all over the radio, and for good reason. It’s one of those anthem songs that could carry through the summer.

I really think the rest of the album is that good, and worth listening to.

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