Fans or Freaks
Fans are a vital element in what makes the music business work. Without them the industry would implode on itself, as is evident by the current state of the industry.
Despite being such a necessity, fans are a bit looked down on, and not just they way you might think. Everyone pictures big shots in suits treating focus groups like lab rats and devising marketing plans to trick the lowest common denominator of music fans into buying he next big thing. I know all too well that this is going on. I wrote a marking plan in college that made me feel so dirty I had to take a shower… or 12. 
There’s another side of it that doesn’t begin to tackle the fans who’s letters are delegated to the “psycho fan mail” box or voicemail message that require calls to their local police department out of concern for their well being.
People in power look down on the act of being a fan, even when it’s someone they know personally. Never mind the necessity of fans to make the business work, you would just expect anyone who chose to spend their life working in music to actually enjoy and appreciate it. It’s like they’ve been on this side of things for so long that they’ve forgotten what it’s like to really enjoy music.
For example, I buy records the day they’re released. I travel to see the bands that I love. Not only do I actually go to see bands perform, I even get there early enough to see the opening act, even when I’m not going just for the opener.
My coworkers do not.
When I come in recounting a 36-hour cross country trip to see a band or that I was out until sunrise after a show, they stare at me like a sideshow freak and make snide comments. I work in a casual office of alleged music fans but my friends with stuffy corporate jobs get a better reception to the recaps of their weekends.
It seems the only position lower than the assistant, is an assistant who is out about their fan status at work.
If you have any questions about what I do, the workings of the music business, or just the perspective of an insider, then please post them in the comment section. I’ll do my best to answer them. On any given day I work with management, labels, book agents, publicists, venues, marketing people, promoters, radio, web masters, and loads more, so I have plenty of dirt to dish.
