In the 1960’s and 70’s, when music festivals began to rise in popularity, they were predominately about rebelling against commercial and corporate gimmicks, and primarily focused on peace, love and, of course, music. Fast forward to 2013 and corporate promotions and branded experiences are as synonymous with music festivals as the music itself. Music festivals […]
Continue ReadingGoogle’s Cover Band
November 17, 2011
Uh oh. Looks like Google Music showed up to the party wearing the same outfit as iTunes. Unfortunately for Google, the outfit looks better on iTunes. Not to mention Google brought the less attractive date (Google+). For anyone who isn’t aware, Google recently launched its much anticipated digital music application, Google Music (original name, […]
Continue ReadingSibling rivalry: iPods vs. iPhones
August 03, 2011
My mother is obsessed with her iPhone. While she taps away on her touchscreen all day, she asks me why I don’t trade in my “clearly less superior” iPod nano (5th generation) for Apple’s newer flagship device. My typical response is that my iPod is my music device and nothing more, and that’s the way […]
Continue ReadingLady Gaga: Branded this Way
May 20, 2011
Though she’s been topping the charts with hits like “Bad Romance” and “Born this Way,” Lady Gaga has claimed the #1 spot on a new list: The Forbes Celebrity 100. The 25-year-old pop sensation pushed Oprah to the #2 spot after earning $90 million in the last year. Oprah has been ranked No. 1 four […]
Continue ReadingJFG Coffee Sign Returns
May 03, 2011
On Saturday, a Charlotte icon returned to the city’s skyline and marked the beginning of Charlotte’s Historic Preservation Month. The JFG Special Coffee shines brightly again, now atop the VBGB Beer Hall & Garden at the North Carolina Music Factory. The NC Music Factory was a natural fit for the 40-year-old sign because the area […]
Continue ReadingIs a Band a Brand?
April 20, 2010
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. According to Black Eyed Peas’ frontman, will.i.am, his most definitely is. In a recent article published by The Wall Street Journal will.i.am defines his approach to corporate sponsors, “I consider us a brand. A brand always has stylized [PowerPoint] decks, from colors to fonts. Here’s our demographic. Here’s the reach. Here’s the potential. Here’s […]
Continue ReadingDid slot miss their shot?
September 22, 2009
Remember mixed tapes? The old school cassettes made for friends containing your favorite songs, with clever titles such as “Road Trip Mix 91″? Fast forward 20+ years and enter slotRadio. From the looks of their advertising, the new music player + music card is targeting moms … busy moms in particular (although really, what mom […]
Continue ReadingBand Brands
December 03, 2008
Take a peek at your music library: you’ll be amazed at how many familiar naming strategies you spot. Here are a few of my favorites: REPETITION Hot Hot Heat Mr. Mister Go-Gos Duran Duran RHYMING Milli Vanilli Lynard Skynard Quiet Riot
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