Great Idea for Superbowl Sunday

One of our bands, Priory, just posted this:

“Who do you think will win the Super Bowl Bowl? Predict and post the score before kick off and WIN a FREE PRIORY download! Closest wins!”

How are you taking advantage of Super Bowl fervor to create engagement?

More Points for “Unique” Marketing Tactics

American Express OPEN Forum profiled my work with The Slants today on their most recent article for Guerilla Business Marketing. Some good tips on inexpensive, creative, strategies: http://www.openforum.com/articles/does-guerrilla-marketing-still-work

What are some tactics that you’ve had success with?

Artist Spotlight: An Interview with Jet Phynx

“The ‘Jet Phynx’ live performance can only be described as an experience.  With attire that’s so left-field, it’s a sight to be seen, not just heard. A set from Phynx (pronounced fee-nix) is a special one, with his left-field attitude shining through with each song.  While the attendees stood in awe, trying to make sense of his outfit (and whether or not he can actually see out of those shades), he brought the energy and performed for a crowd of people looking for something new and cutting edge.” -Fashion Art Toronto

Jet Phynx is the epitome of the future star. Regarded as one of the most dynamic performers in the industry, he embodies the concept of a complete brand: carving his own niche in the world of music, fashion, socialites, and even starring in his own graphic novel.  His debut release sold over 12,000 units. DJ Slice (of 2 Live Crew) dropped his name leading to collaborations with Flo Rider and Gym Class Heroes. Jet Phynx’s future is bright and glamorous and he is taking you with him in to the shining world that is his.

Last Stop: One of the things that jumped out about me was your branding. Not only do you “get it” on a level few artists do, you have a complete story to your art that few businesses have established so well! What was the inspiration behind Jet Phynx and how did you learn about branding yourself as an artist so well?

Jet: I learned my branding from when I interned over at Interscope Records. We worked on 50 cents album “Get Rich Or Die Trying” and I got to see from the inside where the labels put the money and attention in branding that artist successfully. I also learned from Mr.Wright of Color of Life about attention to details and that less can be more. Todays world provides every flavor in music artists that you could possibly have a taste for, so when branding yourself don’t mold it after someone else. Like McDonalds, I stand behind my product, even if some people do not have the taste for it. However, people will find the taste for your music if you create and stick to a true brand of who you are.

Last Stop: Another area that I think makes you stand apart from other artists is your image. It’s bold and works with the overall brand of Jet Phynx. How has your dynamic fashion impacted your music career? What advice do you have for other artists who haven’t embraced  the power of a focused fashion/image?

Jet: I like to believe I have built a universal image with my fashion core that can feed an otherwise mis-match variety of people. The fashion people like me because I wear (at-times) outrageous numbers that are relevant in the couture and avant-garde world.  The anime kids love the spikes and action figure I look (and perform) like on stage. Hip-hoppers hear my lyrics and relate to my sneaks , and pop just wants to fuck me all together. The advice I have to other artists is to be who you are but on a celebrated scale. I stand for celebrating culture and individuality in the world and in yourself.

Last Stop: You’ve had some pretty incredible relationships from other hip-hop artists from DJ Slice to collaborations with Flo Rida. What were some of the main concepts you learned from them about the industry that helped shape your career path?

Jet: Patience and Persistence. The music gods are  going to test you, because the life you reap is  indescribable. Stay humble, always do honest  business, because the underdog of yesterday is  tomorrow’s Record Exec. I live by a belief that I am a  Warrior that has to fight everyday for the goals and  dreams I want to achieve, and thats why I call my  fans warriors because I want them to believe it as  much as I do and see that they can have anything. Half the battle is being unique & memorable the other half is getting heard by people. The industry is like life, it has valleys and peaks, but as long as you are your own Warrior and believe in yourself, the world will too.

Last Stop: FashionIndie says that you are the “futuristic front runner of great avant-garde artists,” implying that you are leading the way for many artists on the cutting edge. What are you doing to constantly stay ahead of the pack? What can others do to keep up?

Jet: I come from the fashion world and in that world everything is forecasted a year ahead. The blueprint to being cutting edge is to always stay 2-steps ahead of yourself, so when i put out something we probably did it almost a year ago. I have a team of creative souls called The Gallery. We work together very closely to come up with cool ideas that have never been done. I may have an idea for a new jacket and we get together, sketch it up, and we all toss ideas around about what can take it to the next level. We do this with everything. I suggest other artists find friends or people that are personally pursuing careers in the areas their brand needs help with because if your young they are all probably starting up and will be more open to spend all of the hard and long hours discussing a music video or a lightning bolt.

Last Stop: Music advice sites are constantly touting the importance of building the artist-fan relationship. What are some things you do to build relationships with your fans to make them avid supporters of your music?

Jet: I talk to them on face book personally. I respond to their tweets, I even get on my websites email and respond to my fans. In todays industry there is so much competition that the least you can do is to build a human connection, and let them know you are not the latest technology in pop robotics. Don’t be too shady.

Last Stop: People say you achieve “indie gold” if you sell over 5,000 copies of a release. You hit that long ago with your debut, all with your own efforts in securing distribution and promoting. What kind of advice can you give to other artists struggling to sell even just 500 copies of their album?

Jet: Just because your album didn’t explode with sales in the first go-round does not mean the games over for that album. You can always re-release your album with a higher incentive for fans to buy it such as personally autographing it.  Re-market, even burn a cd of a demo or a free song you will personally mail them if they buy your CD from your website. The upper-hand you have on lower traffic is the opportunity to get to know your fans individually. Most major artists can not guarantee such personalized materials, so take advantage of it while you can.

Last Stop: Any last words or information you’d like to share about your career or brand?

Jet: Fashion Music & Art….these things are Major when it comes to a Warrior.

Check out Jet Phynx here:

http://jetphynx.com/ (official website)

http://www.facebook.com/jetphynx (Facebook)

http://www.myspace.com/JetPhynx (Myspace page)

http://twitter.com/JetPhynx (Twitter)

Artist Spotlight: An Interview with Ray Tarantino

Hailing from England, Ray Tarantino is a man with a “million dollar voice” (Into the Hill). Kick-starting his career with a #1 placement on the Myspace UK charts, Ray has performed over 600 shows in the last three years in Europe and the United States. His soulful blend of folk, rock, and pop landed an invitation to open for Tori Amos during her sold-out European tour. His tv appearances have topped over 4 million viewers.

We are currently booking for Ray Tarantino’s 2010 U.S Tour and wanted to take some time to get Ray’s take on the industry for his fans and other aspiring artists to enjoy.

Last Stop: In a day in age where it is common for artists are giving up their passion and looking to find a steady day job, you’ve taken the opposite route by leaving security and jumping head first into quite an unstable industry. What would your advice be to other aspiring artists who are unsure if it is worth the cost to pursue music as a career? Looking back, do you have any regrets?

Ray: Bob Dylan who once said “A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do”. I believe in that phrase and all that comes with it. We’re not talking about being rich or being famous, and doing music doesn’t involve cash or fame, that’s for hot-looking LA girls that want to be on MTV, and besides I’m sure most of them would be happy to swallow some weird stuff on their way there. Pursuing music as a career isn’t hard: how much does a mechanic earn? How many hours does he dedicate to his job? Get a little less cash with a little more dedication and you’ve got yourself a music career. You shouldn’t need more cash, you breathe beat and sweat music. Why need more cash? There’s nothing steady in a steady job.

If I have to think of an advice it would be to only have one plan. Music needs all you have, there’s no room for plan B. Any regrets? I wasted my time with steady day jobs to find myself right where it all started

Last Stop: As an internationally touring artist, what would you say are the biggest differences between touring the different countries that you perform in? Any tips on what to expect for U.S bands who wish to play in Europe?

Ray: The biggest difference is how much of a priority music happens to be for the people that live in the various territories. Germany loves music and you might even get paid double the deal if they like your set. The UK is a hard place to break but it’s fun and vibrant, France is forward thinking and cares for new sounds, Italy sucks and all they care about is TV shows, Ireland lives for music and Spain is great fun! Switzerland is great if your act is really boring or extremely sophisticated. I have a pending speeding fine there and I can pull it off with a month in prison, I’m trying not to tour the area. US bands are loved everywhere in Europe. There’s that modern mythology that relates to US music that will help all the time and everywhere: American music is better than European music anyway, there’s no problem. A solo acoustic act will do just fine everywhere, on the other hand life on the road in Europe can be a little expensive for a full band. I’ve heard Norway is big on songwriters, but I’ve never even been there so I couldn’t say.

Last Stop: What memories or live shows standout to you since you’ve begun your career?

Ray: I was fortunate enough to meet some outstanding people along the way and they’ve conquered the sweet spots of my memory. It’s all about the people right? Some legends and some unknown heroes. It’s amazing how much humanity you get to know when on the road, it seems people look for a rapid-relief-listener at times and a touring musician happens to be the best option available. As far as live shows go, opening for Tori Amos was definitely among the most intense experiences I’ve had, but I have to say every show I play with the band is a memorable one.

Last Stop: You often tour in different configurations: sometimes doing solo acoustic, sometimes you’ve got a full band behind you. What aspects do you enjoy about each type of live show?

Ray: Solo acoustic is exciting because you feel the pressure of having to give birth to your music all over again, and you’re both the father and the mother. You have to give it strength and you have to give it love. Playing with a band is amazing because you’ve placed your trust in a bunch of guys and you know they’ll do their best to help you. And it always works out to be just as you wanted it. What I love about playing with the band is obviously related to the dynamic shifts you can develop and undertake, it’s four people saying the same thing and many one-listener hearing it. It works.

Last Stop: Speaking of live shows, what can fans expect of you on your upcoming U.S tour? Any particular favorite places you enjoy here in the U.S?

Ray: What could they expect? Just a guy with a bunch of songs and a guitar. I’ll be playing what I’ll feel like playing. I’m out there learning, learning about the world and I love doing it by playing my music. I love most of the U.S. if I don’t get pulled over for speeding. They should have dedicated speed limits for touring musicians who have to get to their next gig. One song I’ll try to sing every night is Townes Van Zandt’s Pancho And Lefty, I’m addicted to that song now. I might even play it ten times in a row, who knows.

Last Stop: Can you describe what it’s been like working with Last Stop Booking on this tour?

Ray: I’ve worked with many people and booking agents seem to be all about talking most of the time, but very little doing. Last Stop Booking is way different, I had a plan to tour a specific route and the real thing became a better version of my plan. It’s great, safe, fast. It’s important for a touring musician to feel that the booking agent is proactive and not just dropping pins on a map. I found Last Stop Booking via some musician-friends and I’ll be happy to have musician-friends find Last Stop Booking via myself. Very inspiring, makes you want to keep touring all year long. I’d be happy to suggest this contact to anyone willing to get out there to play music and keep away from issues.

Last Stop: Any final words to other musicians or fans?

Ray: “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” (Bob Marley)

For more information or to hear some of Ray Tarantino’s music, visit www.myspace.com/raytarantino