The “Gaga” Effect: Discover this singer's unstoppable success in the music industry!

Monday: Marketing Marvels FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Happy Monday! We hope you’re having a great time so far. Let’s start the day with a dose of motivation from our “Marvels.” Each Monday, we feature these independent-minded industry professionals and highlight their experiences, contributions, and insights. Today, we’ll talk about one of the most influential singers in the world. Keep reading to know more about this icon’s rise to stardom with her voice, persona, and marketing strategies! CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

The “Gaga” Effect: Discover this singer's unstoppable success in the music industry! Lady Gaga: Founder of Haus Labs by Lady Gaga When it comes to serving iconic looks and performances, SHE never misses… Her head-turning red-carpet outfits and chart-topping songs are definitely one for the books… Who could forget her infamous “meat” dress and the award-winning song “Shallow?” Beyond the stage, she is a beacon of empowerment, self-expression, and authenticity… Brace yourselves, everyone, because today we'll talk about... Lady Gaga! Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, more popularly known as Lady Gaga, is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She is known for her avant-garde performances, striking looks, and smash hits like “Bad Romance,” “Applause,” “Born This Way,” and “Shallow.” Lady Gaga was born and raised by an Italian-American family in New York City. She fell in love with music at the age of 4 when she began singing and playing the piano. By the age of 14, she had already started performing at clubs in the city. At 17 years old, Lady Gaga enrolled in New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Not only was she able to develop her songwriting skills there, but she was also able to write essays and papers about art, social issues, religion, and politics. However, Lady Gaga decided to not finish her studies to pursue a career in the music industry. Her journey in the music industry wasn’t easy… but with her unwavering dedication to her craft, opportunities came knocking on her door. She wrote songs for some of the big names in music, like Britney Spears, Pussycat Dolls, and Fergie. In 2007, Akon, an R&B singer-songwriter, recognized Lady Gaga’s vocal skills. He offered her a contract for his record label, KonLive Distribution, which she accepted. With Interscope Records and Akon’s record label, Lady Gaga started working on her debut album, “The Fame.” After her single “Just Dance” gained mainstream recognition, Lady Gaga marked her breakthrough in the music scene. Since then, the artist has earned multiple nominations and awards for her hit-after-hit music releases. Lady Gaga is more than just a musical phenomenon, though. In 2018, she also starred in a movie blockbuster with Bradley Cooper named, “A Star Is Born,” in which she received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and won the “Original Song” category for the song, “Shallow.” In 2019, Lady Gaga also ventured into the beauty industry and launched her makeup line Haus Laboratories, which was later rebranded as Haus Labs by Lady Gaga. Without a doubt, Lady Gaga continues to redefine boundaries, influence pop culture, and push herself to new heights by marketing herself and her brand. Here are some of Lady Gaga’s marketing strategies that helped her become one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry: Staying true to herself. If there’s one thing Lady Gaga is known for, it is her unyielding commitment to being true to herself and her values. Throughout the years, she has used her platform to promote self-expression, individuality, and self-acceptance. For some, Lady Gaga may appear odd or “too much,” but she doesn’t care! She fearlessly challenges conventional norms, amplifies the voice of the marginalized and unheard, and is unapologetic with her stance on social issues. She is living proof that embracing one's true self is not only essential but also instrumental in creating a genuine and deep connection with audiences. Making her brand bold and unique. Since starting her musical career, Lady Gaga has created a distinct and memorable brand image through her out-of-the-world style, theatrical performances, and provocative fashion choices. Her bold branding has helped her stand out in the glamorous world of Hollywood. This marketing strategy enables her to create buzz and generate attention. As a result, she is able to leave a lasting impression on her audience. Empowering her audience. Not only does Lady Gaga use her voice to hit the right notes, but she also uses it as a tool to empower her supporters. Through her engagement and empowerment efforts, she has cultivated a loyal fan base. She actively interacts with her fans, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Her constant support of the LGBTQ+ community made her queer fans love her even more. Taking advantage of word-of-mouth marketing. When does Lady Gaga ever fail to make headlines with her outfits, songs, and performances? Never! With her 2017 Super Bowl halftime performance, 2019 Met Gala arrival, and 2019 Oscars astounding performance with Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga makes sure all eyes are on her. These instances show Lady Gaga is a queen of word-of-mouth marketing. She gives people things to talk about with her headline-worthy moments, and with this strategy, she skillfully engages her fans across the globe while also expanding her reach to new audiences. There you have it—some of Lady Gaga’s marketing strategies that helped her reach the “edge of glory!” According to her: “They said I was just weird, but really, I was just Born This Way.” In a short span of time, Lady Gaga marked her place in the music industry. Who knew that the 4-year-old girl who plays the piano would someday become a phenomenal pop legend? A key takeaway from Lady Gaga’s story is this: You shouldn’t let anyone and anything stop you from reaching your dreams! As long as you stay true to yourself and embrace your strengths and weaknesses, you’ll reap the rewards and become successful. Remember: In an increasingly competitive and global world, individuals in the business industry must develop a keen understanding of their field and consumers, like what Lady Gaga has done. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration and proof of the power of creative marketing. By applying her marketing tactics, you can also succeed in your own venture. Hope you’ve found this week’s topic interesting and helpful.     Hunger affects people from all walks of life. Learn more about Jennifer Polk and Feeding America in next week’s article!