A response to promoting IN YOUR DREAMS. Why?

[On Ice]

I love In Your Dreams, it is Stevie's most consistently good album in terms of writing and singing that we've seen since her awesome performances on Fleetwood Mac's Mirage. It is a long album, but that's alright (pardon the pun), it's so great to hear her singing her heart out. That being said, I don't think Stevie is any better or worse than her peers in terms of how you gauge the success of this album. Other examples of albums approaching career bests that didn't register on what passes for radio these days: Peter Frampton, Thankyou Mr Churchill, is pure perfection but didn't register a bit on radio, Heart: Red Velvet Car, some great songs, performed professionally, one of the band's best, but not a hit; The Doobie Brothers: released a really good album, no notice; Steve Miller Band, Robert Plant, Blondie etc, all within Stevie's league of 70's rock stars, same thing. So Stevie (or Lindsey) are not alone in this, the others who have done just as good a work as Stevie, have also not been hits. Putting it into perspective though, all of these albums are "hits" for we fans and that's really what matters. At this point in Stevie's life/career, having big hits are just not going to happen, we have to appreciate it for what it is and not worry about that. She's had more than her fair share of success so who cares really if the radio plays her songs, we can choose to play them.

[poetinmyheart]

Originally Posted by On Ice

I love In Your Dreams, it is Stevie's most consistently good album in terms of writing and singing that we've seen since her awesome performances on Fleetwood Mac's Mirage. It is a long album, but that's alright (pardon the pun), it's so great to hear her singing her heart out. That being said, I don't think Stevie is any better or worse than her peers in terms of how you gauge the success of this album. Other examples of albums approaching career bests that didn't register on what passes for radio these days: Peter Frampton, Thankyou Mr Churchill, is pure perfection but didn't register a bit on radio, Heart: Red Velvet Car, some great songs, performed professionally, one of the band's best, but not a hit; The Doobie Brothers: released a really good album, no notice; Steve Miller Band, Robert Plant, Blondie etc, all within Stevie's league of 70's rock stars, same thing. So Stevie (or Lindsey) are not alone in this, the others who have done just as good a work as Stevie, have also not been hits. Putting it into perspective though, all of these albums are "hits" for we fans and that's really what matters. At this point in Stevie's life/career, having big hits are just not going to happen, we have to appreciate it for what it is and not worry about that. She's had more than her fair share of success so who cares really if the radio plays her songs, we can choose to play them.

100% agree

[WildHearted]

Originally Posted by sparky

I hope she hits the road for more solo shows after the Rod gigs, and from what I have heard it is likely she will. Of course she is touring this summer. That's what Stevie does. Naysayers, meet Stevie Nicks. Road warrior. Cliff dweller from the old school. Pounder of the boards with platforms or frankenboks in any shed or similar venue she can book from July to September almost every year since 19 f-ing 75. I am sure she is pleased to meet you. Get to know her. She tours and makes money, which we all need to do, and has fun. She loves performing and like she has often said, what the hell else is gonna do but play music? How is this news to anyone with a brain and an internet connection?

I for one am glad she tours all the time. I don't go to all of the shows I can. But I am thrilled she still can get out there and do it. I never thought in the old days she would still be at it and still have the ability to not only knock it out of the park on some days, but also be consistently good. Her hallmark for many years was inconsistency. Good for her. She is a workhorse. And she finally got it down to a reliable art.

As far as IYD being a flop - I don't think it was. It did not do as well as some hoped it would. Myself included. But the truth is the market has changed so much and continues to change on a daily basis. What is the real litmus test for an artist her age? It is very hard to say. It did better than most recent releases by artists from her generation. And her hip factor remains through the roof. She wouldn't get bookings on Ellen, AGT, The Voice, or any such big shows if the producers did not think people would watch. Not only do people watch, but her legend precedes her. There is a tremendous good will towards her in the business as well. People behind the scenes love her. She's a pro. She nails the rehearsals, does her bit, everyone has fun with her. The sales? Who cares? She got great reviews. She did a nice and well attended support tour. Those of us who are lifelong fans by and large loved the record. I even converted a few decades long naysayers who were moved to tears by the work on IYD. I think the project was a major victory.

She clearly does as well. And if she wants to keep pushing it, good on her. The songs are worth it. She should be proud. And if that means she bucks common sense and keeps touring behind it, I am right there with her. Say what you will about Stevie, she does whatever the hell she wants. For her own reasons. And she always has. I haven't always agreed with her decisions, and I am sure she couldn't give a rat's ass, but in this case I do agree. I love this record as much as she does. And I think it is some small miracle she is as good as she still is. I never expected her to be able to pull this off, so I am gonna celebrate it as long as she does.

Bravo, my friend. And I agree completely.

[vivfox]

Originally Posted by On Ice

At this point in Stevie's life/career, having big hits are just not going to happen

I don't agree with this statement because IMO a hit can happen at any stage in one's career. Elton has had many hits well into his late 50's and probably will still have more while he's in his late 60's. A great song is going to be heard by the masses.

[jcfree]

Originally Posted by sparky

I hope she hits the road for more solo shows after the Rod gigs, and from what I have heard it is likely she will. Of course she is touring this summer. That's what Stevie does. Naysayers, meet Stevie Nicks. Road warrior. Cliff dweller from the old school. Pounder of the boards with platforms or frankenboks in any shed or similar venue she can book from July to September almost every year since 19 f-ing 75. I am sure she is pleased to meet you. Get to know her. She tours and makes money, which we all need to do, and has fun. She loves performing and like she has often said, what the hell else is gonna do but play music? How is this news to anyone with a brain and an internet connection?

I for one am glad she tours all the time. I don't go to all of the shows I can. But I am thrilled she still can get out there and do it. I never thought in the old days she would still be at it and still have the ability to not only knock it out of the park on some days, but also be consistently good. Her hallmark for many years was inconsistency. Good for her. She is a workhorse. And she finally got it down to a reliable art.

As far as IYD being a flop - I don't think it was. It did not do as well as some hoped it would. Myself included. But the truth is the market has changed so much and continues to change on a daily basis. What is the real litmus test for an artist her age? It is very hard to say. It did better than most recent releases by artists from her generation. And her hip factor remains through the roof. She wouldn't get bookings on Ellen, AGT, The Voice, or any such big shows if the producers did not think people would watch. Not only do people watch, but her legend precedes her. There is a tremendous good will towards her in the business as well. People behind the scenes love her. She's a pro. She nails the rehearsals, does her bit, everyone has fun with her. The sales? Who cares? She got great reviews. She did a nice and well attended support tour. Those of us who are lifelong fans by and large loved the record. I even converted a few decades long naysayers who were moved to tears by the work on IYD. I think the project was a major victory.

She clearly does as well. And if she wants to keep pushing it, good on her. The songs are worth it. She should be proud. And if that means she bucks common sense and keeps touring behind it, I am right there with her. Say what you will about Stevie, she does whatever the hell she wants. For her own reasons. And she always has. I haven't always agreed with her decisions, and I am sure she couldn't give a rat's ass, but in this case I do agree. I love this record as much as she does. And I think it is some small miracle she is as good as she still is. I never expected her to be able to pull this off, so I am gonna celebrate it as long as she does.

BRAVO! Well said sparky, my sentiments also!

[On Ice]

Hi Viv,

I would love to see Stevie have a hit song, maybe it could happen with a new Fleetwood Mac album (I think they're pretty much done though albeit touring), but if it didn't happen with the many awesome songs on In Your Dreams, I'm not holding out much hope. Hope I'm wrong.

[vivfox]

Originally Posted by On Ice

Hi Viv,

I would love to see Stevie have a hit song, maybe it could happen with a new Fleetwood Mac album (I think they're pretty much done though albeit touring), but if it didn't happen with the many awesome songs on In Your Dreams, I'm not holding out much hope. Hope I'm wrong.

Hello Ice! All of us would love for Stevie to have a huge hit from IYD but most of us agree it wasn't gonna happen with Secret Love and FWIW. Knowing Stevie and her choices the next single will probably be Cheaper Than Free when it should be Moonlight, New Orleans, The title track or The Ghosts are Gone.

[Macfanforever]

Originally Posted by vivfox

Hello Ice! All of us would love for Stevie to have a huge hit from IYD but most of us agree it wasn't gonna happen with Secret Love and FWIW. Knowing Stevie and her choices the next single will probably be Cheaper Than Free when it should be Moonlight, New Orleans, The title track or The Ghosts are Gone.

I was hoping for "Cheaper Than Free " and FWIW would hit the country stations with a country hit on the charts.

I'll say. Radio sucks these days.

[Johnny Stew]

Originally Posted by vivfox

Knowing Stevie and her choices the next single will probably be Cheaper Than Free when it should be Moonlight, New Orleans, The title track or The Ghosts are Gone.

As has been mentioned before, Stevie doesn't choose the singles. She's quite likely included in the decision-making process, considering her stature as an artist, but it's not entirely up to her as is often implied here.

Read this article for a glimpse into the process: http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/jimvellutato123.htm

Jim Vellutato (VP of A&R for Sony/ATV Music): "Currently, there are also more people involved in selecting the single. Years ago, there might be one A&R and/or marketing exec who chose the single. Now, there's the artist manager, the promo exec, the head of the label, the A&R execs, the producer, plus advertising execs and movie execs. All of these people could be involved in deciding which song becomes the single. "

Note that he didn't even mention the artist as part of the process.

[WildHearted]

I really think Stevie should go for In Your Dreams as her next single. It's a spring/summer sort of song - one you can blast with the windows down and all. Upbeat and catchy.

[MikeInNV]

Originally Posted by WildHearted

I really think Stevie should go for In Your Dreams as her next single. It's a spring/summer sort of song - one you can blast with the windows down and all. Upbeat and catchy.

Yep, a great springtime song. If it caught on, it would be a great way to launch publicity for the documentary and for the tour with Rod. I saw it live one of the two times she performed it, and it works great....she could do it on all the TV shows she didn't hit last year.

[APerfectLie]

Originally Posted by WildHearted

I really think Stevie should go for In Your Dreams as her next single. It's a spring/summer sort of song - one you can blast with the windows down and all. Upbeat and catchy.

Agreed, but I'm not holding my breath. They should have released it last May!

[Jondalar]

Originally Posted by APerfectLie

Agreed, but I'm not holding my breath. They should have released it last May!

I don't understand their resistance to it. It was most radio friendly single on the album.

[Eponymous]

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

...

Jim Vellutato (VP of A&R for Sony/ATV Music): "Currently, there are also more people involved in selecting the single. Years ago, there might be one A&R and/or marketing exec who chose the single. Now, there's the artist manager, the promo exec, the head of the label, the A&R execs, the producer, plus advertising execs and movie execs. All of these people could be involved in deciding which song becomes the single. "

Note that he didn't even mention the artist as part of the process.

If that many people were actually involved in choosing the singles from IYD, then shame on all of them. IMHO, “Secret Love” was one of the weakest songs on the album (“Cheaper Than Free” is maybe a bit weaker). FWIW was a great second single, but the first single needed to be a strong, catchy song. Several songs on the album qualified, but were not chosen. Although I personally like “Italian Summer,” I know it isn’t good single material because it needs a string section, and it would be difficult to perform night after night on tour. Even though I don’t consider the album to be a “flop," I am so sorry that it was mishandled from the singles standpoint. Despite the extensive publicity push with all of the appearances and TV spots, it did not garner the attention it deserved. That’s a shame.

[Aussie W/Heart]

Originally Posted by Eponymous

If that many people were actually involved in choosing the singles from IYD, then shame on all of them. IMHO, “Secret Love” was one of the weakest songs on the album (“Cheaper Than Free” is maybe a bit weaker). FWIW was a great second single, but the first single needed to be a strong, catchy song. Several songs on the album qualified, but were not chosen. Although I personally like “Italian Summer,” I know it isn’t good single material because it needs a string section, and it would be difficult to perform night after night on tour. Even though I don’t consider the album to be a “flop," I am so sorry that it was mishandled from the singles standpoint. Despite the extensive publicity push with all of the appearances and TV spots, it did not garner the attention it deserved. That’s a shame.

I totally agree, its so frustrating that Stevie's industry people, seem to ALWAYS get it SO wrong, they continue to sabotage Stevie music time after time and it really pis*es me off.. Stevie promoted her butt off all year,( an Album she is very proud of as are her fans) behind a not so good first single.. On the other hand Moonlight, WSS, GAG or New Orleans, much better choice in IMHO.. Same goes for TISL, Everyday was also another poor choice..

I imagine that all these knuckleheads get payed big bucks for their so called skills in marketing knowledge, hit predictions etc.. This has been going on since the very beginning of Fleetwood Mac & Stevie's Solo career, its such a shame !!