Welcome to August and the beginning of what’s known as those dreaded “dog days of summer.” With nothing but love and affection for our canine friends, let’s start the Friday of a new month on a hopeful note.
In that spirit, it’s another edition of our “Junk Drawer” feature, a compendium of interesting media stories that perhaps aren’t worthy of their own standalone blog post. But in aggregate, it’s hopefully a compelling collection for your end of week celebration.
Connie Francis, R.I.P…on TikTok – A huge pop music star in the ’50s, Connie passed away last month, destined to be forgotten by young generations obsessed with their own modern stars. And like most of her contemporaries, that seemed to be Connie’s fate.
That was until social media discovered her and her music. Even before her passing, Connie developed a strong following, especially on TikTok where her songs seemed to especially resonate.
@iampresleefaith this song is so aesthetic | #fyp #foryou #presleefaith #jesuslovesyou #lipsync #songstolipsyncto #soundstouse #audios #audiostouse #audiostouse #audiogirl #jewelry #makeup #nails #blowthisup #viral #makemefamous #Godisgood #mindset #findyourpeace #makeupinspo #outfitinspo #hairinspo #roominspo #nailinspo #inspiration ♬ Pretty Little Baby – Connie Francis
For all the pundits who wonder what will become of Classic Rockers when musicians pass away and bands break up, here’s your answer. When the music is timeless, it can be discovered anywhere—especially on social. Even when radio programmers move onto the next format.
The resurrection of the iPod – It’s not just about old artists. It is also becoming a phenomenon for old technology—especially that iPod perhaps gathering dust in your sock drawer.
It turns out Gen Z (there’s a pattern here, right?) is eschewing their smartphones (and instant access to social media, “doomscrolling” and the like) for older gadgetry that simply and efficiently connected them to their favorite music, in essence “a social media detox.”
According to the New York Post, who reports that even so-called “dumbphones”—that is, Blackberrys—are in-demand on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and other reseller sites. iPods, flip phones, and Walkmans are part of this old school device renaissance.
Simpler times, simpler devices.
@skzzolno Replying to @saraahhhyo literally everyone needs a flip phone in their life #BRINGBACKFLIPPHONES #college #goingout #collegelifehack #flipphone #y2kaesthetic ♬ original sound – sammy k
No drinking, no partying – Yes, the Gen Z contrarian trend continues into leisure lifestyles. I found two stories that catalog the desire for simplicity—and staying sober—among the lives of young people. Oddly, this is the age when most people start their adventures with alcohol.
Brandwatch sent out an alert to companies dependent on alcohol sales with the warning that Gen Z is “redefining drinking.” More discussion about moderating alcohol use is taking place among young people. And Brandwatch’s own research conducted over the last year reveals Gen Z is the generation most negative about drinking:
And so it stands to reason that Gen Z does not know what it’s like to “party like it’s 1999.” Or 1989. Or 1979.
In fact, cultural journalist Derek Thompson refers to it as “the death of partying.” In a recent commentary, he writes that today’s young Americans “spend 70% less time attending or hosting parties” than they did when the century began.
Actually, social gathering is down across the board—and the trend started long before COVID forced us indoors. But the trend impacts teens more than any other group who have fewer friends than ever. The trendline shows this happening long before the ravages of the pandemic:
What’s causing this phenomenon? Of course, it’s complicated. But Thompson tells us it may be the confluence of “labor economics, family dynamics, consumer technology, and modern psychology.”
So, think about that this weekend when you’re likely to see more adults partying than teens.
The “no mail box” – I love this story about a woman in Boston, Jean Powers, who created a “not mail” box outside her home. It may be the antidote to the previous stories of disconnectedness and alienation.
Jean told CBS News the idea hit her during COVID “as a way to just connect with strangers.” The idea is simple: she invites folks to simply leave her a note about anything on their minds.
And that they do. Her “not mail” box is filled with “thoughts, opinion, poetry, secrets, and lies.” It is amazing that in our age of communication technology, something as basic as an anonymous “not mail” box resonates for so many of her neighbors.
Jean told CBS that people get more personal and “heartfelt” than she would have expected. But anyone in radio who has ever taken calls before from anonymous listeners knows exactly how this works. And it suggests the idea of a personality show creating a similar device—a phone line where listeners can leave voicemails about anything they like (maybe limit the messages to :60).
Have a wonderful weekend and a strong start to the new month.
Thanks to Mike Stern, Bill Jacobs, Chris Brunt, Allie Jacobs, and Mickey Jacobs.
Originally published by Jacobs Media
