Derek Webb's album Stockholm Syndrome was supposed to be released sometime in May, but according to Webb, his typically open-minded record label would not release this album in finished form for an undisclosed reason.
Derek then went underground, Tweeting only as ssyndrome on Twitter, and leaving cryptic messages on his website. After this, a game ensued city to city with clues revealed on different cryptic messages and scavenger hunts for "stems."
I'm honestly not quite sure how it all works, as I'm watching from the sidelines.
I have been wondering, though, is this for real?
Is he really having trouble with the label? Is this game just drumming up interest? Is this the creative, innovative and daring Derek Webb being creative, innovative and daring? Is he attempting to take the concept of an album and make it into an interactive experience in a way like no other?
Is he just proving some point that some people will follow whatever he asks to get the album?
I have no idea. Maybe yes to all.
I have wondered, though, how this game will be received by his fans. All of his fans that I've met are pretty much people like me. (and I've seen him live 5 times, so I have a pretty good idea of the type of people make up his audience.) I can not help but wonder -- if and when Derek's audience will get tired of this "game" and if anyone will play.
I (sort of) got my answer this morning as Derek posted a status on his Facebook page:
You can find Derek Webb at the Rutledge in Nashville, TN tomorrow night (friday, july 3rd @ 6pm). Questions will be answered. The beginning is the end is the beginning.
Initially, a lot of the responses in the comment box were negative, expressing frustration about "the game" and demanding the music. Some expressed a bit of anger if they find out this was all a publicity stunt. Strangely, (or perhaps not strangely) those comments have since been deleted.
I have no idea what is going on, and I'm kind of over trying to figure it out. Apparently a few others are too.
Derek, will we really get the answers tomorrow night, and when we do have the answers, will the game be worth it?
We shall see.
Here's another commentary on the hoopla from our friend at Lux Venit.
The beginning is the end is the beginning...
2 comments:
One has to wonder, with the title of the album, if it isn't an exercise in loyalty; his way of asking, 'how connected have the fans become' or something like that. If he uses it to establish a larger point (the spread of the Gospel, for interest) that would be cool. I doubt whether fans would like to be trifled with for much less than that, though.
('for interest' should be 'for instance'--need another cup of coffee apparently; not awake yet)
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