Seen enough Miley Cyrus lately? With the marketing push for her latest album, Bangerz in full force I’m sure most of us have seen our share (and then some) over the last few months.
Miami Vice ’80s style Bangerz CD cover
{from Wikipedia}
I listened to Bangerz out of curiousity. Thanks to Spotify. The CD is not bad. I wouldn’t buy the whole album, but I did purchase “Wrecking Ball” and “Someone Else”. I also liked “Bangerz” and “FU”. Personally, I have enjoyed watching the Miley Movement happen. Here are a few branding lessons that I learned from following along over the last few months:
1. It’s okay to re-invent yourself
Most of us know Miley as Hannah Montana. That’s not who she is, but for years, that’s who she had to be. Essentially, Bangerz is the first time we get a chance to see who Miley Cyrus is outside of that. She’s 20 years old, confident, and living her life. Most of the songs on Bangerz address things that 20 somethings are going through: heartbreak, reckless fun, adoration and self-love.
2. Take risks
Last year, Miley cut all of her hair off into a short crop with shaved sides. This helped her stand out against her peers like Selena Gomez and Arianna Grande. She said she was tired of wearing long extensions and that the short hair suited her. Following the haircut, Miley said her style just fell into place. If she never cut her hair, her whole attitude and look would have remained the same.
3. Accept the blame
Miley stated in her documentary that this is her time and she is the spearhead for the branding. So, if it fails she has admitted she will follow the instructions of her advisors instead. That’s always the hardest part of growth: accepting the blame and using it as a tool to grow. It’s way too easy to point the finger at someone else.
4. Take criticism in stride
Following the VMA performance, lots of people had something negative to say about the “twerking” performance. She took the hype in stride. Her comments on the whole thing:
Get More:
Miley Cyrus, Miley: The Movement, Full Episodes
“I don’t pay attention to the negative because I’ve seen this play out so many times,” Miley asks, “How many times have we seen this play out in pop music?”
“Madonna’s done it. Britney’s done it. Every VMA performance, that’s what you’re looking for; you’re wanting to make history.”
She’s right. How many shocking performances have come and gone? So many over the VMA history. She’s the only performance that anyone is still talking about.
5. Trust your intuition
Despite what everyone else has to say about it, Miley seems confident and focused on doing her own thing. I think it’s important to consider the feedback of others, but not everyone who offers advice has your best interest at heart. So (politely), take what you can from the advice you are given and leave the rest where it is. For me, I accept the feedback then reflect back on what I can use from it and let go of what I cannot. That’s really all that you can do!
What do you think about the Miley Cyrus marketing strategy?
Have you heard Bangerz? If so, what did you think? Listen on Spotify here.
