Comments on: The first step towards a brand.

By: Captain Jack

Captain Jack — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:06:25 +0000

I agree with Dan – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole came to mind first, and not just because of the ukulele, but also the vocal quality and style. I went back and listened to the rest of Jim’s songs and there were all kinds of cool similarities with other artists, but he definitely shows his own unique style throughout. One of them had hints of early Billy Joel, another one was kind of Jimmy Buffet, and yet another one reminded me of Jim Croche and/or Cat Stevens. All in all, I think that Jim has a damn good sound of his own – it’s called “Ukulele Jim”!

We like it! More – more – more!

By: Jim Clark

Jim Clark — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:56:55 +0000

At this point I think I may stick with Ukulele Jim for a while.

My music resonates well with kids, which is why my next album is going to be a children’s album; so the name fits well with that genre already. Someone looking for an “acoustic pop” album might skip past a Ukulele Jim CD, but someone looking in the “children’s music” section would likely pick it up. Then maybe their parents will get hip to the rest of my stuff.

There’s already some level of market penetration as Ukulele Jim, albeit rather small. At least 90% of the Google searches for “Ukulele Jim” actually have something to do with me. For better or worse, it’s out there.

And to go back and pull my albums off of iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Rhapsody, etc, etc, etc, would be a monumental and expensive feat. I’m not sure it’s worth it at this stage in my so-called career.

People may hear the name and think of a novelty act like “Tiny Tim”, but if I can get them to actually listen to a song or two they’ll come around. For now, I’ll let the music speak for itself.

Anyway, thanks so much for all the input. It’s really helped to open my eyes as to what potential there is for me as an artist.

By: Jim Clark

Jim Clark — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:42:46 +0000

I am NOT balding!

By: Hello Jodi

Hello Jodi — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:38:41 +0000

I have a zillion thoughts on this topic, but I’ll try to organize them and be brief.
First, you are looking at this from the wrong direction. Forget, for now, figuring out how to define who you are. First define your audience. Who are they? Why do they like you? What do you do for them? Everything comes from there. I have some first-person stuff I’ll save for private conversation, if you’re interested, but that’s where you need to start. My answer to this question: “We do a mix: jazz, lounge, rockabilly. Our bandleader says we’re ‘Lounge with an edge.’ Jen brings the edge – she’s like Amy Winehouse. I have about as much edge as the Lennon Sisters, but they still let me play with them.”
People are buying a fantasy from you. And for what you have to sell, “Ukulele Jim” is ok. It says non-threatening dude with a schtick. There is a “Ukulele Man” here, and people love him. LOVE him.
http://www.myspace.com/ukulelemanandhisprodigalsons
But his “thing” is not the comparison you’re getting here. You’re getting compared to attractive youngish men (Iz excluded for sure) that play guitar and sing about their emotions. Ukulele Jim And His Tiny Fascist Killing Machines could be a really awesome fun party band like Prodigal Sons, but your music would need to go in a different direction.
If you want to be one of those Guys That Sings About His Feelings, there is for sure a certain image that goes with that. A chubby middle-aged balding dude singing about his feelings is usually singing about equality because he is a folk singer.
I hope that all made sense. If you’re interested in more of these ramblings, you know where to find me.

By: Jim Clark

Jim Clark — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:42:18 +0000

Thank you for the comparison; I find that quite flattering. “Bruddah Iz” became famous based on that song — he could have called himself anything and it would have still been what it was.

By: Dan Watkins

Dan Watkins — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:40:33 +0000

I listened to a few of your songs tonight and it reminded me of a song at the end of 50 first dates (one sec i’ll look it up)

Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

This >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAIKznMPXUk is what your music sounded like to me.

You might want to research how this guy brands himself.

Best of luck!

By: Jim Clark

Jim Clark — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:49:15 +0000

That’s not a bad idea. Kinda makes consolidating things on iTunes/Amazon/etc a bit difficult, though.

By: Grumpy Coyote

Grumpy Coyote — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:47:43 +0000

John Cougar did this back in the 80′s. He went with a phased approach.

Go with Ukulele Jim Clark for the next record and then drop the Ukulele prefix on the third release.

By: Jim Clark

Jim Clark — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:40:53 +0000

That’s kinda what I was worrying about too. Unfortunately I’ve already released my first album as “Ukulele Jim”. I’d have to yank it from everywhere and re-release it.

By: Healdsburg Bill

Healdsburg Bill — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:38:15 +0000

I hope this is not a duplicate.. the first time didn’t show up. Anyhow, rather than box yourself in.. UKULELE Jim.. consider your full name like many famous artists. You could play any instrument or mix genre’s as you like. That’s my thought and I think it’s correct.