https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/56nG2R2ps7YJCDyG76Wjbvf/more-than-merch-why-band-t-shirts-are-so-important
This article discusses the position merchandising holds as a revenue stream in comparison to other major ones in the music industry like live shows and music sales. The numbers are small in comparison, but they are growing exponentially and show a lot of promise. I will use these specific numbers to create a chart for my paper as well as for good evidence.
This article discusses how, in a music industry that is still recovering from the tidal wave that was Napster two decades later, the power of merchandise and direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales has been well established. The amount of creativity taking place within this booming sector is maybe less well known. The way product is made, marketed, distributed, and delivered to consumers has changed dramatically. I will use this information to further my points that touches on the business aspect that makes merchandising so solid.
What do you consider to fall within the realm of “merchandise”?
– “international dot connector in the music industry”
– “brand to producer”
Do you see an era where merchandise may ever become obsolete?
– “Absolutely never.”
What are some pros and cons of merchandising?
Con:
– large initial investment
– trial and error
– creating a team
Pro:
– profit margins
– strengthens fan base
What’s a good example of merchandises impact on the music industry?
“Classic rock era tour tees have been extremely impactful since they first came out.”
What’s your favorite merchandise of all time?
The Weeknd and “The XO camp” (his label)
Can you speak on the conversation regarding the increased value of merchandise over time?
“I think that the value of merchandise will always be in the eye of the beholder.”
Is there a new version of merchandising coming with the virtual generation?
“Sure, NFTs are a great example.”
What is comparable to merchandise as a revenue steam in the music industry?
“Nothing” … mentions that other new streams may arise but that there are no profit margins similar to merchandise
How does merchandising influence the success of a brand or artist?
It adds money to the budget/profit and increases fan base strength
Is it better to drop exclusively or widely?
“Both work, it depends on what type of fan base you have.”
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/04/17/the-new-role-merchandise-plays-when-creating-a-musicians-brand/
McIntyre evaluates how merchandise has stood the test of time through various major changes in the music world. Whether it be the modernization of distribution, touring, marketing, etc., merchandise has still managed to remain in the same or at least a very similar form throughout generations of music.
In Scott’s presentation, the importance of cyber security was something I grasped. It was compelling to see how hackers can track all that we do if we’re not properly protected. I have often heard of the “Carbon Footprint”, but have never payed it much mind. After being properly educated, I now take the topic very seriously. I think it may be far fetched to exclude google from my life, but I will definitely use some of his other tips to help me when I’m using the search engine. If, for any reason, I want to perform a search that doesn’t include my name, I will use one of the recommended search engines in order to ensure my safety.
Alpesh Shah
Owner of TSO Records and founder of LiveMixtapes.com
What do you consider to fall within the realm of “merchandise”?
Do you see an era where merchandise may ever become obsolete?
What are some pros and cons of merchandising?
What’s a good example of merchandises impact on the music industry?
What’s your favorite merchandise of all time?
Can you speak on the conversation regarding the increased value of merchandise over time?
Is there a new version of merchandising coming with the virtual generation?
What is comparable to merchandise as a revenue steam in the music industry?
How does merchandising influence the success of a brand or artist?
Is it better to drop exclusively or widely?
Merchandise is one of the most important and dependable revenue streams in the music/entertainment industry due to its high-profit margins and physical product.
Alpesh Shah
Owner of Livemixtapes.com and TSO Music Group
Quincy “Big Heff” Taylor
Def Jam Records|VP of Nerve Djs| 300 Ent
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/04/17/the-new-role-merchandise-plays-when-creating-a-musicians-brand/
Eamonn Forde, Musically
Essi Hirsimäki, study
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/38126119.pdf
Staff Writer, The Music Network
Martin Grossman, Rockteeshirts.com
https://rockerteeshirts.com/blogs/rockers-blog/a-brief-history-of-the-t-shirt-market
Eamonn Forde, BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/56nG2R2ps7YJCDyG76Wjbvf/more-than-merch-why-band-t-shirts-are-so-important
Jose Jurado, Carbon Magazine (UK)
https://www.carbonmagazine.co.uk/features/music-artists-merchandise-how-are-artists-working-now/
Mitchell Clark, The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/22310188/nft-explainer-what-is-blockchain-crypto-art-faq
Claire Bracken, ABC – Triple J (Australia)
https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/the-latest/why-merch-important-musicians-fans-2020-cub-sport-ruby-fields/12848638
Jake Silbert, Hypebeast
https://hypebeast.com/2020/1/vintage-clothing-expert-advice-shopping-archival-collecting