DNC: A local rapper’s take on the 2016 election

By: Clarissa Cottrill

One area rapper is expressing his opinions on racism, public controversy and the 2016 presidential election through his music.

The results of this year’s presidential election have been nothing short of controversial,  spurring protests and causing many to question how much of a racist, bigoted ideology exists in the United States. Recently in West Virginia, two Clay County officials are under fire for making blatantly racist comments about First Lady Michelle Obama online and one musician is speaking out.

Cameron  Williams, also known as Elias Music on Soundcloud, saw news coverage on the incident and felt prompted to speak out through his medium, music.

“This entire election season was inspiration,” Williams said. “A few nights after the election I read a story about two Clay County officials who called Michelle Obama an “ape in heels” and the future First Lady classy, dignified, and beautiful. As to say our current First Lady isn’t. It just disgusted me that this man’s hate speech and bigotry has empowered others to speak out in the same manner.”

Williams wrote DNC (Dignity ‘N Class), released the track on Soundcloud and promoted it on his Facebook, which seems fitting since social media has played such a major role in this election and its aftermath.

In the song, Williams addresses his rejection of the President-elect and his bigoted, racist platforms, his perspective as a black man and a perceived regression the United States has taken by electing Donald Trump.

“I don’t acknowledge him (Trump) as my president in the song. And it’s not because of his policies and his plans as president,” he said. “He goes against so much of what I was taught to be right and moral as kid; he encourages violence, he’s extremely misogynistic.”

Williams is not alone in his view. Protests have erupted across the country, particularly on college campuses and even here  at West Virginia University.

 

With so much controversy and stimuli, Williams said this election has been particularly challenging as an artist.

“This election has been exhausting as an artist. I have so many thoughts racing around my head constantly and I can’t express them fast enough,” he said. “It’s like white noise up there.”

As we move further past Election Day, and closer to Inauguration Day even more uncertainties await U.S. Citizens, particularly minorities who are fearful of a Trump administration. In the midst of that, Williams hopes this song and other music can bridge a gap that’s growing between Americans.

” I just want to spread love and positivity through my music. And I hope this song inspires others to voice their opinion and be heard during a time when our nation is really divided,” he said.

What’s Missing: Social media trailblazers

By: Clarissa Cottrill

The West Virginia alternative rock band  “What’s Missing” has grown exponentially  by using social media to spread the word and make an impact on the local scene. 

In the constantly evolving world of social media, people trying to reach an audience have a tricky task of finding a balance between human and digital interaction and What’s Missing, a local band here in Morgantown seem to have found a sweet spot.

The band is extremely active of social media, updating fans of band news and issues on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Important announcement: https://t.co/6P9veOQWWa

— What's Missing (@whatsmissingwv) October 20, 2016

Ensuring a strong social presence takes constant effort, and Aaron New, guitarist and vocalist for the group says the band has done continuous work to ensure they are makng strides.

“What we’ve done in the last few months with our social is become more active in broadening our outreach and finding ways to engage people directly,” New said. “That idea used to be inviting people to an event of Facebook, but now it’s grown to incorporating specific hashtags on our Instagram.”

That move alone drove  average likes per post up 300 percent, confirming that social media diversity and outreach matters for local musicians.

The band plays  local venues like 123 Pleasant Street, which is a staple in the Morgantown music scene. Foot traffic and local word of mouth can play a big role for local bands, but ensuring that people get to the shows takes more strategic media steps.

“We are engaging people directly on Twitter by seeking out specific trends and mentions, using Tweetdeck as well as looking at analytics, to target an audience that may better connect with our product,” New said.

Finding that analyzed audience leads to a larger fan base, more exposure, merchandise sales  and connections with other corners of the music industry.

As What’s Missing prepares their second EP and continues making local appearances, New says the band is treating not only their music, but their outreach as a full-time gig.

“Our engagement is up a decent amount. Still a lot of room to grow, and still much to learn about working with it,” he said.