Capture creativity

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By Bernard Baur
RUBBER SPIDER
Characula
http://characula.com
Characula came up with the idea of rubber spiders
because, she claims, she’s just like a black
widow spider… she kills her lovers after mating.
Additionally, her upcoming record has eight
songs (to correspond with eight legs).
BACK2SCHOOL SET
(Patches, Wristbands, Notebooks)
Black Veil Brides
http://blackveilbrides.net
The Black Veil Brides have it covered for back-
2school items: patches, wristbands and even a
notebook for studious fans.
SHORTS
Mastodon
http://mastodonrocks.com
Mastodon have some very cool merch, from
bikinis and sling bags to belt buckles and
beach towels. But, the shorts––called “Asstodon”––take
the prize.
$%"&3*4.0*3-3./&#
Many companies offer these items
printed with your logo. Or, you can
apply your name and logo with clear
stickers. See MC’s Promo Directory
(p. 56) for suppliers.
BUTTON & PIN
These are so popular, fans will wear them
everywhere.
GUITAR PICK
This item is so cheap you can give it away.
DOG TAGS
Fans love to sport dog tags as a fashion
accessory.
KAZOO
Give them away or sell them cheap––encourage
fans to play along with you.
ENERGY
DRINK I.V. BAG
The Joint
http://thejointlive.com
This fruit punch
flavored energy potion,
enclosed in an
IV bag, is not just for
those who have an
aversion to sunlight.
Several acts, as well as
music venue The Joint in Los
Angeles, CA, offer them. Buyers
often combine the bloody shot of
energy with their favorite libation.
SPICE BLEND
Rick Steffen
http://ricksteffen.com
West Florida singer-songwriter Rick Steffen
spices up his fans’ lives with his own blend of
spices, called “Rick’s Trick.”
TAMBOURINE
The Matthew Davidson Band
http://matthewdavidson.net
The Matthew Davidson Band sells small plastic
tambourines with the group’s logo applied via
clear stickers. Since they often perform at family-friendly
venues
such as restaurants,
festivals and zoos,
children (and adults)
enjoy using them
during the show.
COLORING
BOOK
Ween
http://ween.com
Unusual coloring books are not
only fun to create; they’re also great for
artistic fans. Ween’s coloring book gets a
lot of attention due to its graphic depictions.
LYRIC BOOK
Cisco Adler
http://facebook.com/ciscoadlerpresents
Cisco Adler recently released an EP, Mahalo,
via his indie label Bananabeat Records.
For pre-sale promotions, he offered a digital
download of the EP and a 19-page Lyric Book,
featuring original artwork inspired by the songs
on both his debut album Aloha and his new EP.
Adler did a limited run of 50, which sold out
almost instantly.
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD CARDS
This should be a no-brainer, especially if
you’re selling vinyl.
TAG (for luggage, gear, totes, etc.)
Your fans can personalize everything they
own with colorful tags.
PLASTIC / RUBBER BRACELET,
WRISTBAND & RING
Available a variety of colors, these often
become collectibles.
LANYARD LAMINATE
(with logo, photo, or album cover)
Fans who wear them could get a discount
next time. Make a few with “CREW” too.
KEY CHAIN
Practical… and some even include a bottle
opener.
TOTE BAG
Offered in a range of sizes, you can find a
tote that meets your budget.
TIN & CONTAINER
Tins and containers are not only useful,
there’s also a huge variety to choose from.
USB FLASH DRIVE
Buy them in bulk. Include music, personal
photos, lyrics and even short videos.
HANDMADE ITEM
When money is tight, handmade items can
save the day. Signed photos, old flyers,
original artwork and even locks of hair (in
a ziplock bag or tied with a ribbon) can
make your merch unique.
September 2013 musicconnection.com 41