Artist Website Review: Dr. Dog

First and foremost...Dr. Dog is the bees knees. They make me feel like a modern day flower child when I through em on my turntable at home. That being said, their website could use some of that major hippie love.

Dr. Dog in all their glory

Main Page
The main graphic is cute/clever but I feel like the designer needed to take the idea to the next level. I am all for Venn Diagrams but when they're not interactive it's a total buzz kill! It would be brilliant if visitors could click on the individual circles in order to navigate further into the site. Maybe this graphic is some "hip" joke I don't understand...but to me it seems like an unnecessary step visitors have to take to get to the core information.

Venn Diagram Main Page

Overall Layout
The site is easy to navigate with simple tabs on the top right hand corner. The individual pages stream the verbage down the left hand side and feature "cutsie" pictures of the band off to the right side. The bright, "goldenrod" notebook paper background help the words pop out of the page however, the lines on the paper run into the paragraphs causing visual traffic jams. The social media buttons and contact information can be found at the very bottom left of the page appearing as an after thought to the site. The layout is overall very boring and could use some rearranging based on the way people tend to scroll through websites, because let's face it...visitors aren't going to sift through the content word for word.

Tabs, cute pix, notebook paper, traffic jam

 which brings me to the next evaluation of.....

Content: 
For a band that's had a great deal of success...you wouldn't know it by visiting their site. I understand that they want to keep their indie-cred by being concise and to the point but it comes off as unprofessional. There is no music player which is nice because it doesn't blast your ears off when you initially open the page but there is no central location to have a listen. Under the "Music" tab are super old Mp3s that open as a Quicktime page, navigating visitors away from the site. The only plus is that the Mp3 files are also free downloads (better than nothing, right?).

Surprisingly, the "Mailing List" tab is solid and the newsletters featured are up to date but then I click the "Media" tab and become sad. There is one video among a few links but nothing impressive, not even their latest music video, "Shame, Shame." I do dig the section that states, "Videos We Didn't Make" featuring links to things the band finds funny/interesting...it's a nice touch. The "Merch" store is just fine along with the Tour page,  but the "About" could use major work. Paragraph after paragraph goes on and on about the band and is written more like a Wikipedia page than a breathtaking biography that makes me want to give them a listen. To end on a good note, the "Home" tab is a lovely gesture where the band drops by and writes a quick blurb to the fans about the latest Dr. Dog news. The content is overall very inconsistent and could use someone hitting the refresh button and to update everything.

Aesthetic

Dr. Dog defiantly has major indie swagga and it peaks out of the design of their site but, like the main page's Venn Diagram, it needs amped up. The handwritten font, earthy warm tones, and notebook paper background are all great ideas that uphold the band's image of "modern hip meets vintage hippie mountain men" but I feel like I'm looking at a rough draft. I wish the text would align on the notebook paper background and really run with the idea that everything was handwritten in a moving car. Instead, the notebook lines are wavy and the words are completely straight across like they were typed in a Word document. The words even feed over into the margin of the notebook paper which, if I remember correctly, was a BIG no-no in elementary school. Also, the lines of the paper are just as bold as the typography causing for more concentration than needed to decipher the text. Overall, the look of the site needs a good spring cleaning and some serious Windex to make it sparkle like I know it can.

KGC

Google Goggles: Seeing the world through a search engine's eyes

In 2009, Google released a ground breaking application, Google Goggles, for what is now only available on the Android (1.6+) and iPhone iOS  4.0. Google Goggles (say that ten times fast) allows users to search Google by simply uploading an image.

Google Goggles In Every Day Life:

Have you ever been walking down the street and come across a really neat building and want to know what's inside without going in? Google Goggles. 

Have you ever been out to dinner with your wine-snob friend and want to impress them with jargon about that particular bottle you're sipping on? Google Goggles.

Have you ever received a business card and just wish all that person's information could become digital rather than loosing the card three days later? Google Goggles. 

Snap a photo of an object, text, or photograph that you want more information on and Goggle will pull it up for you...no keyboard necessary.

Of course with all new technology, there are glitches and improvements that need to be made. Currently, Google Goggles does not recognize animals, food, plants, or cars.

So how does this apply to 2011? Marketers are just starting to take notice on how Google Goggles can be used as a tool to connect consumers with  their products. This week, Mashable reported that HTC is using the application in their latest advertising campaign for the release of the Sensation 4G phone.

Google Goggles friendly advertisements for the Sensation 4G were placed in bus shelters and other public places around New York, Los Angelos, Chicago, San Fransisco, and Seattle. By snapping a picture of the ad, users are linked to a free song or YouTube video exclusive to HTC.

Example HTC Ad

Google ran a "pilot program" with Buick, Disney, Diageo, Delta Airlines and T-Mobile using the application in the company's integrated marketing plans that inspired the HTC marketing department to give it a try.  Google is still evaluating the results of the pilot campaigns and how they make improvements on the next beta of the application.

In my opinion, Google Goggles has great market potential in the music industry because of it's ability to force information upon its users. Whether a campaign is built strictly around a particular artist or is used to bridge a partnership between a product and an artist, this application could build awareness for just about anything: new band, new album, tour, new music video etc.

For example, let's say Ke$sha joins forces with Absolute Vodka (shocking) and features the drink in her latest music video. Ads are then placed around major cities featuring Absolute Vodka and can be searched with Google Goggles. A subway rider snaps a photo of the ad and Google brings up search results for Absolute Vodka plus a free download of Ke$ha's music video. It's a win, win for everyone.

Another campaign idea could feature an up-and-coming band such as Mick's very own, Walk the Moon. Simple ads that quote song lyrics or depict fun art can be placed in strategic areas that will hit certain markets. When uploaded to Google Goggles, the user is directed to search results with the band's website and various press mentions along with an exclusive track or video for download. By building in a "share" feature, new fans can help pass the content around to their networks gaining a reach beyond the application itself.

As exciting as this new tool is, companies need to jump on the opportunity to take advantage of the new technology before it becomes the next "pop up" ad...haha remember the days when you actually read that ish instead of furiously x-ing them out...can I get an "old school" ?

Old School...like the movie.

KGC

Why art and technology are the "Louis and Clark" of bringing cites to life

How do "scenes" begin? How do certain cities become the mecca of blues or grunge-rock? How in the hell did Ohmaha Nebraska become the "indiest" city in the United States?

A recent NPR article called "The Indie-Rock Club Behind Omaha's $100 Million Creative Boom" explored these very questions, particularly the last one, and found that it all begins with one or two people that feel strongly about making their community count (and proving that you don't have to live on a coast to be important).

The Cog Factory, a notoriously sketchy club that built the foundation for Omaha indie-rock artists Bright Eyes and Cursive, got shut down in the late 90s leaving the city with a massive void. College pals Robb Nannsel and Jason Kulbel decided that the void was unacceptable and made plans to open a new venue along with an independent movie theatre. It took 8 years for the city to agree to the project due to the fear that punk rock kids would run down the neighborhoods (hooligans!). Today the Slowdown has been named "the best indie-rock club in the country" by Esquire magazine and helped bring in $100 million for the city. As soon as Nannsel and Kullbel launched the venue and theatre, professionals began moving back to Ohmaha and offices, apartment complexes, and extensive retail providers moved into the city.

Nannsel and Kullbell in front of The Slowdown

So what's this have to do with technology?

With the prosperous art scene in Omaha, naturally, the technology scene has been at a boom with events such as Big Omaha roping in the brightest tech stars and speakers around. Now, artists and technology developers have begun to collaborate for online projects and promotional tactics creating new jobs and building a strong force to be reckoned within the community. 

Travel 527 miles (thanks, Google Maps) to Indianapolis, IN, the saving grace of the state, and witness the up-and-coming Omaha, NE. Big name blogs such as My Old Kentucky Blog have brought the "cool" to Indiana, promoting around 50 indie-rock shows a year. The best part is, these bands leave the city, and tell everyone elsewhere about their great time in Indianapolis thus growing the reputation of the city. Suddenly, music is coming out of Indiana as well as coming in like band We Are Hex who caught the eye of Jack White (he produced a 7" for them...can you say RAD?).

So this music thing is happening and now, just like in Omaha, this technology thing is happening as well...magic! According to Jeb Banner's (owner of Small Box digital marketing company in Indy) personal blog, Indianapolis has become a leader in hosting Startup Weekends, a program for people with ideas seeking other people to help them carry out their ideas. Simple, yet affective. 36% of entrepreneurs that attend these weekends actually end up with a successful business.  Along with Startup Weekends, tech companies are rapidly emerging and seeking ways to give back to the local scene because as Banner says, "many of these tech startups are populated with 20 something kids that have grown up on Indie Rock. MGMT, Sufjan Stevens, My Morning Jacket, Wilco, Arcade Fire, etc. These tech "kids" love music almost as much as code."

So what did we learn here today? 


city-->music scene-->people talk-->people want to live there-->people live there-->companies emerge-->technology and innovation increases-->jobs are created-->grows economy-->city becomes "hip" and prosperous

Word. 

Rep that 317!

KGC 

Review: Hyfn.com

Digital Marketing companies are becoming a dime in a dozen these days therefore it takes a fresh perspective on the market in order to gain recognition on the web. Hyfn.com is a young, west coast company rooting from building mircosites for punk rock labels. Their rebellious and off-the-wall ideas captured the attention of corporate giants because like their punk predecessors, they didn’t follow suit with their digital marketing peers. Now, they build social applications for well-known brands by striving to connect with consumers in innovative ways. They use ambient advertising techniques online to cut through the clutter and spread the word about a product or company. They have worked with Nokia, Wendy's, the Grammys, and Warner Brothers.

My favorite project they’ve completed has been a microsite for Warner Brothers hip-hop group New Boyz centered on the release of their album Too Cool To Care. The microsite allows visitors to type in the URL of their favorite website and graffiti on top of it using a paint toolbar. The user then has the option to post it to facebook, twitter, etc. The band's emblem appears at the bottom right corner in order to promote the album. See my creation below:

"Pretty Google Swag"

So how does this apply to our artist roster? Using this company to help promote our artists’ album releases, special concert DVDs, or even tours could capture the attention of an audience not in our normal reach...especially if these sites get circulated into social bookmarking sites such as StumbleUpon or Diigo. I think there are especially possibilities in a tour microsite in order to create a hub for all the buzz around live shows and to keep fans engaged beyond their one night experience with an artist.

Hyfn.com does a great job of capturing the "brand" of the artist and using that to cultivate an interactive center for new/existing fans. Even though Hyfn is no longer a company driven solely by music, it’s evident in their work that they are still Rock-n-Roll.

(This week in music)

What's good New York. Got nothing to do this week? Take a chance on me...and my live music recommendations (do it).


MONDAY

Artist: Company of Thieves

Supporting Act: Locksley, Eytan and the Embassy

Venue: Bowery Ballroom

Why should you attend?  Company of Thieves was largely supported by my favorite independent radio station back home and became one of my favorite new bands of 2009 with their single, "Oscar Wilde." Since then, they've become known for  their live show full of true muscianship and crazy dance moves/extreme tambourine playing by the enchanting lead singer, Genevieve. As for the opening acts, Locksley has made a few appearances on mix CDs I've made for friends because of their Arctic Monkeys meets The Streets sound...despite their being from Madison, WI (Go Cheeseheads!). Eytan and the Embassy is a local act from Brooklyn featuring a bass saxophone...watch our Rob Lowe. 

Company of Thieves

TUESDAY

Artist: "Motown Meets NYC" 

Supporting Act: none

Venue: Rosland Ballroom

Why should you attend? This incredible event features established Motown-ers such as Dennis Edwards of The Temptations and Martha Reeves of Martha and The Vandellas along with up and coming singers that will have a chance to showcase their talent. All of Motown's greatest hits will be performed as a charity event for the City Parks Foundation. Tickets are pricey at $49 a pop but proceeds go towards a worthy cause! 

Add caption

WEDNESDAY

Artist: The Hood Internet

Supporting Act: Justin Miller 

Venue: Brooklyn Bowl

Why should you attend? The Grizzly Bear and Dead Prez mashup, "Two Weeks of Hip Hop," caused me to have a white-girl freak out: No! No! SHUT UP! OMGawwwwwwwwd. So when I found out this jam came from two white guys named ABX and STV SLV...I laughed my ass off...and then thought about how damn hip (without the hop) they must be. The duo has made over 400 mixes and all of them have been FREE. They have finally tackled creating original material and are ready to share it. I have so much George Michael (faith) in them and sure it will be great...guess there is only one way to find out!

Hood Internet

THURSDAY

Artist: Best Coast

Supporting Act: Those Darlins

Venue: Le Poisson Rouge

Why should you attend? First off, this show is a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood and let me step onto my soap box for one, brief sentence real fast. Planned Parenthood cannot be shut down by old, shrively men who think it is their right to make decisions for the bodies of the women in this country. That being said...PP is putting on a kickass benefit show full of girl power  that would make the Spice Girls proud. Best Coast swept me away with her easy, surfer-vibe tunes about being a girl and wanting a boyfriend to hang out with in the summer. Their live show is light-hearted and will make you forget about your problems for an hour or so. Those Darlins have been compared to the female version of the Black Keys and have definitely owned up to it. They are the kind of girls you wanted to be in high school but knew your mother would have a heart attack if you came down the stairs in that outfit (Katherine Grace! You march right back up there and change immediately!) 

Best Coast

FRIDAY

Artist: Peter Frampton

Supporting Act: N/A

Venue: Madison Square Garden

Why should you attend? I feel like I don't have to explain myself on this one. But seriously folks, Peter is a classic and he's STILL got it! His comeback on the Orpah show earlier this year was a catalyst for his tour "Frampton Comes Alive". Enjoy 3 hours of Frampton's complete catalogue including all the hits...minus those gold locks and tight touche. Sorry ladies!

Peter Frampton

SATURDAY

**Northside Festival!

Artist: Twin Sister

Supporting Act: N/A

Venue: Music Hall of Williamsburg 

Why should you attend? There are so many amazing bands playing this festival all weekend but I chose Twin Sister (not to be confused with Twin Shadow) because of their single, "Lady Daydream," that was brought to my attention and played on repeat via My Old Kentucky Blog last summer. Their bass-n-beats remind me of Fleetwood Mac while the lead vocals possess dream like qualities that of adult contemporary singer, Enya. Sprinkle some rhythmic pop on top all that and you have the afternoon delight that is Twin Sister. 

Twin Sister

SUNDAY

Artist: Philip Glass

Supporting Act: Bang on a Can All-stars, Bryce Dessner (The National), and many more

Venue: World Financial Winter Garden

Why should you attend? 1. It's Free. 2. It's in a park. 3. PHILIP EFFING GLASS WHAAA!? For those of you have studied music, music theory, or are a music enthusiast understand the weight of this situation. Philip Glass brought "art music" to the public eye and is one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. His works such as the opera "Einstein on a Beach" explored new ways for how an audience interacts with performance music by allowing members to come and go as they please. Glass will be one of the performers for the Bang On a Can 12 hour marathon and should not be missed; to watch Glass perform is to watch an artist at work. 

Philip Glass

She got out of town....

We've all heard the story before, not to mention listened to Matchbox 20's "Bright Lights," a few times on the radio...and by a few times I mean on repeat in my discman (Rob Thomas be my sensitive, too-old-for-me boyfriend?).

Remember that one time he collabed with Santana and won a Grammy? That was cool. 

A small town girl (queue Journey) leaves for the Big Apple in hopes of becoming successful in some sort of profession all while trying to replicate the life of Carrie Bradshaw (including chain smoking). It seems daunting, yet so many of us do it. Why you might ask? I can't speak for the others but personally, New York represents a city of possibilities, the good and the bad. Every night the ever-changing lights of the Empire State Building tuck me in as a reminder that tomorrow is a blank slate ready for me to doodle all over...in Sharpie of course (that shit be permanent).  

So here I be...just some chick from Ohio putting on her "big girl" pants every morning, taking the subway to work, and coming  fully prepared, with a Sharpie, to doodle all over her day. Oh, and did I mention learning things? As an intern, only living in the city for a short period of time, I want to stuff my brain with as much information I can gather about the music industry and try to figure out where I fit in... if at all. This kind of opportunity doesn't come along often for Mid-western kids like me therefore, this summer isn't just for class credit...it's a once in a lifetime chance my parents are bending over backwards to help me fulfill (shout out to Mom and Dad!).

View from my bedroom window

In conclusion, I'll be sad when the Empire State Building says it's final "goodnight" but I'm excited to see who that gal sleeping in the XL Twin Bed is, what kind of doodles she's created, and what she intends to do next.

Stay tuned for updates on my internship, cool shit I find, and other happenings in my life.

Here's to an unforgettable summer,  New York!

KGC