An unlikely relationship has been formed as rock band Down, recently signed on for a two-year partnership with hosting and e-commerce service provider, Paid, Inc. According to the agreement, Paid will provide brand building services that include web presence, implementation and management of the band’s official fan club and online merchandise sales. This relationship will allow Down to expand all aspects of its presence from website and VIP ticketing to mobile promotions and new merchandise designs.
Thanks to the integration of the band’s creative input, Paid’s leadership and IT infrastructure, fans will soon have the chance to further immerse themselves in Down’s musical talents. With a new and improved website, down-nola.com, fans already have access to a wide variety of features including blogs, tour news, webcasts, exclusive audio and video content, photos and an extensive online store decorated with Down paraphernalia. Among other activities, Paid will be handling a lively registered fan community consisting of the group’s massive 15,000 plus fan mailing list, as well as special events and promotions.
Two of the leading technologies that will be implemented into the new Down website are SyncLive and PRODEGE. The SyncLive application facilitates the broadcasting of live video feeds and archives them for later viewing. It also has the ability to deliver live conferences where fans ask the band questions and watch them get answered in real time. PRODEGE, a custom branded search engine, will also be incorporated into the site, allowing fans to search the web using search engines powered by Google and Ask. The major difference is that fans will be offered special incentives for using the integrated search engine rather than directly using Google’s. Each time a fan utilizes Down’s custom search engine, they automatically qualify for the chance to win merchandise and vouchers that can be redeemed at the band’s online store.
Snake Sabo, manager of Down and other acts such as KISS and Ted Nugent, states that all parties involved are extremely excited about the new partnership, inspired by the excellent work Paid has already demonstrated with Aerosmith’s initiatives online and on tour. He says this move will give Down the opportunity further connect with their fan base and pull them deeper into the music experience
About Down
Based in New Orleans, Down was formed in 1992 by five well established rock artists. The group is comprised of lead vocalist and songwriter Philip Anselmo of Pantera, guitarist Kirk Windstein and bassist Todd Strange of Crowbar, guitarist Pepper Keenan of Corrosion of Conformity, and drummer Jimmy Bower of Eeyhategod. While the band has been on and off over the years, they regrouped following Hurricane Katrina and have been dedicated to making new music every since.
About Paid, Inc.
Paid specializes in a wide array of areas with many of its e-commerce solutions and others services catering to celebrity and sports clientele. The company provides entertainers and organizations with official websites as well as a variety of fan club services. AuctionInc, its e-commerce technology business, handles processes that streamline online transactions, website development and hosting.
