Music as a vehicle: artists who prefer to build their personal image.

The relationship between music and celebrity has evolved in recent decades, transforming many musicians into authentic personal brands. This metamorphosis has generated a curious phenomenon: artists, who once focused exclusively on their art, now seem more interested in building a comprehensive image that allows them to diversify their income and connect with their followers in broader ways. This shift in dynamics has led to many interviews with famous musicians overlooking their musical work in favor of more anecdotal and superficial aspects of their lives. Let’s take prominent figures like Miguel Bosé, Rosalía, and Isabel Pantoja as examples. Most of the time, conversations with them veer away from their music to touch on current events, lifestyle, or curiosities that often provide entertainment but add little to the understanding of their art. This phenomenon may seem frustrating to those who genuinely value the music of these artists, but it reflects a conscious strategy. For many of them, music is just a starting point. Santi Carrillo, director of Rockdelux, has pointed out the irony behind this trend. According to him, these artists not only do not feel hurt by it, but rather, they actively seek this type of promotion. After all, what they really want is to cultivate an image that transcends music, allowing them to connect with their audience in more versatile and less limited ways. In this sense, music becomes a vehicle for creating a public identity that encompasses multiple facets. Artists like Taylor Swift are a clear example of this duality. Her songs, which often contain references to her personal life, have allowed her to build an emotional bond with her followers. But she hasn’t stopped at music; she has expanded her personal brand through clothing lines, dolls, and fragrances. This multifaceted approach is becoming increasingly common among those looking to maximize their impact and relevance in a highly competitive market. For his part, Harry Styles has taken a similar path with his brand Pleasing, which not only aims to offer products but also to convey a lifestyle. Meanwhile, Rihanna has taken an even bolder step by sidelining music production to focus on her cosmetics and lingerie empire. For her, music seems to have taken a backseat compared to her business success. Why should she submit to the pressure of a music critic when her focus is on creating and managing brands that resonate more with her current identity? This phenomenon is not exclusive to international artists. In Spain, the same is happening. Many musicians prefer to participate in interviews with influencers or YouTubers, where the conversation can be lighter and focused on their personalities rather than their music. This reflects a shift in how artistic careers are built, where personal image has become as important as the music itself. However, this change in focus also raises important questions. What about the fans who truly appreciate the music and want to know more about the creative process behind their favorite artists? For them, the lack of depth in interviews can be disappointing. Many of these celebrities seem to overlook that there is a base of followers who value music in its essence and would like access to their thoughts and artistic motivations. Ultimately, the transformation of musicians into personal brands reflects a reality of the contemporary world, where fame and image are often considered more valuable than art itself. The pursuit of notoriety and commercial success has led many to prioritize their connection with the public through anecdotes and lifestyle, leaving music in the background. For those who still feel passionate about music, there remains the dilemma of following these idols who have chosen to be more than just musicians. It’s a price that, in most cases, they are willing to pay.