Music, Notoriety, And a Creative Fandom’s Natural Evolution

Hi! My name is HeyLasFas! I’ve produced nearly two hours of Ponypony music since I’ve started in early January. I’m also barely notable! Not that I mind, however… I knew this coming into the scene, regarding the nature of the beast…

I recently read a comment saying that the brony music scene is dying out, and the big names are getting off the sinking ship, and the upcoming third season will be the last chance to save it. The common thoughts of the influx of great music appearing to slow down. I disagree and believe that we are at the crux of a natural progression that strikes any creative fandom. The long-runners and big names in composition have been churning out awesome material practically non-stop that when we start to see them slow, we assume a downfall of the entire fandom when the music scene is still chugging along alive and well for the newcomers, fresh with their ideas! Unfortunately, this fresh blood always has trouble integrating itself into the fandom, especially in contrast to some of the larger names already notorious.

You see, as an artist, we strive for recognition. Sure, we create the music for ourselves, but (in my case) after putting in 300+ hours on an hour long album only to have it to get 15 minutes of somewhat-fame is kinda disheartening. I can only assume it feels the same way for many newer artists. You see, the era of the musician brony has looong past its fertile roots in the fandom. Back when there were only a few musicians, it was super-easy to know them by name. There’s just way more stuff now-a-days.

“But, LasFas,” you say, “You’re making it seem that more content is a bad thing!” Yes and no. On the first hand, more stuff is AWESOME. The problem is that we, as a fandom, don’t know how to handle all the stuff coming in. The most common notable example is with Equestria Daily’s album compilations. Eleven albums in one post. Don’t get me wrong, it’s better than nothing, but you can bet that my fellow musicians spent a good amount of effort on each one, and they were all cast into a single post. Sad day.

Anyway, I’m drifting from the topic. The big names are slowing down, because everyone’s looking towards them for more and more and more content. It must get super overwhelming for them. The little guys, are still struggling to catch the attention of the general fandom, but it’s so much easier to pass around a track by Alex S. or Living Tombstone or whathaveyou because of the impact the name has behind the music. (Don’t get me wrong, these guys are fucking awesome and were a blast to play a show with at the last con!)

Maybe a few of the big names have to slow down in order for the general fandom to broaden their musical artist selection. It’s a natural cycle and it was only a matter of time. Now, if you read all that crap and are asking, “What can I do to help?” You shouldn’t have to have me telling you!

Promote your favourite underground/unknown artists. 

Word of mouth is pretty much all we survive on. It’s also a huge confidence boost to the lesser knowns. We’re so used to hearing the super big names all around, imagine that feeling we get when we read our own username on someone’s post. That feeling of leaving an impact. It’s fucking good.

Thank you.