Visionary? Of course, it’s Bowie!
Bowie has always been ahead of his time. In 1998, he launched his own internet service provider, BowieNet, where he released exclusive tracks and videos for fans. And when it came time to release Hours, he didn’t follow the norm. Bowie released the album for download a full TWO WEEKS before it hit store shelves — something no major artist had ever dared to do before!
Bowie vs. The Music Industry
Think everyone was excited? Nope. Record stores, labels, and distributors were pretty pissed. Back then, retailers made their money selling CDs at premium prices, so Bowie’s move to digital (and cheaper) seemed crazy to them. But he didn’t care, and made a bold statement: “In five years, the music industry will be unrecognizable.”
The Future Proved Bowie Right
Believe it or not, he was spot on! Sure, Hours only racked up 989 downloads in those two weeks—those were dial-up days, after all—but Bowie was right about the future. Just two years later, Apple launched iTunes, and the entire music world changed forever. Today, streaming and downloading are as natural as ordering pizza from an app.
Creative Evolution: The Bowie Mindset
Bowie’s bold vision was a masterclass in creative development: seeing beyond the present, taking risks, and leveraging new technologies to change the way people experience culture. It’s about spotting opportunities where others see limitations, and being willing to challenge the status quo.
A Pop Culture Model
If you’re a fan of artists like Billie Eilish or Childish Gambino who release music in innovative ways, you know they’re following in Bowie’s footsteps. He paved the way for artists to use the internet to connect with fans like never before.
Quick Quiz
What year did Bowie first release Hours online?
How did the music industry react to the digital release?
How does Bowie’s vision connect to Creative Development?
Your Turn to Innovate
Think of an area or project where you could bring about a Bowie-level change. Just as he predicted the impact of the internet on music, what’s the next trend you could embrace to stay ahead of the curve?
Level Up Challenge:
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – It takes serious vision and courage to innovate when no one else sees the potential.
KEYS to Success:
Knowledge: Understand the digital marketplace and cultural trends.
Skills: Think outside the box and lead with new ideas before they become popular.
Attitude: Be bold enough to question the “only way” things are done.
Visibility: High! Being a pioneer attracts attention and reshapes the game.
Environment: Media, entertainment, and any industry waiting to be disrupted by new technologies.
