What do Rock and Roll and Business Communication Have in Common?

What Do Rock and Roll and Communication Have in Common?

Virtual Communicator Extraordinaire Andy Bergin recently asked:

“As one of your biggest fans, Andrew, I'd love to hear you opine on the connections between rock and roll and communication… I’d also love to hear who your role models have been in music and communication.”

Here’s my 1-2-minute reply/post:

Andy, thank you! (No surprise that you’re one of my communication role models—you once led a session I attended from 1–4 AM JST, and your wisdom has stuck with me.)

To me, the connection between music and communication is like a thousand fragile silk threads woven into one strong, unbreakable bond. Whether I’m on stage delivering a talk or performing a song, the throughline is connection with the audience. Each thread might be more “rock” or more “communication,” but they’re truly interwoven now for me.

In music, Mehrabian’s 7-38-55 breakdown of communication (7% verbal, 38% vocal, 55% visual) applies more than ever—most people don’t even notice the lyrics I sing. They respond to the feel. When speaking, I can pivot mid-thought, but performing a song—especially with a band—requires playing together. One false move can throw everyone off. Deliberate practice is key, but I try not to overdo it. Otherwise, as a friend from another band once said:

“It feels like we’re playing covers of our own original songs.”

In speaking, I try to “KISS”: Keep It Short and Simple. I aim for a clear message, but give myself room for tangents, pauses, and spontaneous engagement. During a rock song, I can’t “check in” the same way. Between songs, sure—but mid-performance, it’s all rhythm, cues, and staying in sync.

Ironically, playing music has always rattled my nerves more than public speaking. If a presentation misses the mark, I can adapt in real time. With a song? Not so much. That said, I find it easier to accept someone disliking a musical performance than rejecting an idea I care about. I want to win them over. With communication, we can create more chances to do so. If someone doesn’t like Torn and Frayed, it doesn’t matter how well we perform it.

In business communication, clarity is king. But in music—especially in our original songs (22 of them on Pieces Falling and Ten Year Testimonial)—we often aim to be intentionally vague, weaving in double or even triple entendres. Not to confuse, but to leave space for the listener to find their own meaning. Clear sound, yes—but not always clear content.

As for influences? Musically: the Rolling Stones, the Kinks (Ray Davies!), Santana, several Spanish rockers, and bands with a modern reggae vibe like Stick Figure, Collie Buddz, and Iration. Communication heroes: the Dalai Lama, Billy Kenoi (check out his 2014 Hawaii Pacific U. commencement), and comics like Gary Gulman and Josh Johnson.

In fact, maybe comedy is where music and communication overlap most. The best stand-up sets—like great songs—invite repeat listening. You catch new nuances, laugh again, feel again. The best business talk? Once is usually enough. I’ve rarely replayed a keynote (with some notable exceptions including Mayor Kenoi’s), and while I cherish hearing the Dalai Lama speak, I don’t need to rewatch the same words over and over, or even review the video I took of him when I saw him live.

Music and comedy stay with us—not just for the message, but for how they make us feel. And to me, that’s the true intersection of rock and communication: a relentless pursuit of genuine connection.