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Post by mapender on Feb 2, 2012 18:06:56 GMT -5
Seems like Cody's people are working on expanding his brand. I'm not surprised by this at all especially considering he signed with Scooter Braun recently. I don't follow the whole Justin Bieber saga very closely, but his people certainly seem to know what they are doing in terms of marketing him and making as much money as possible before he gets too old for teen idol status. I REALLY hope that Greyson and his people don't take this route, but I wouldn't be at all surprised. I'm sure that there are people out there who believe he should have more products out there, so come on and tell me why you think it would be a good thing. It's been a while since we've had a good discussion around here, so at least somebody play Devil's Advocate. finance.yahoo.com/news/cody-simpson-expands-brand-series-214800388.htmlCody Simpson Expands His Brand Through Series of 16 Major Licensing Agreements; The Rising Star Will Be Featured in a Range of Product LinesNEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -01/30/12)- Atlantic recording artist Cody Simpson is staking a claim as one of the year's most iconic new stars, evidenced by a series of newly announced strategic licensing agreements expanding the Cody Simpson brand through a wide array of products and merchandise. Cody Simpson has signed on with such innovative companies as: Accessory Innovations, LLC (bags, socks, and wallets) Accutime Watch Corporation (watches and other timepieces) Added Extras, LLC (cosmetics) Advanced Graphics, Inc. (cardboard stand-ups) C&D Visionary (novelty items) Central Mills, Inc dba Freeze (t-shirts) Concept One Accessories (headwear, cold weather accessories, flip flops, slippers) FAB Starpoint, LLC (stationery and novelty gifts) Fathead, LLC (wall graphics) H.E.R. Accessories, Ltd. (costume jewelry) Kalan LP (novelty items) Lady Sandra Home Fashions, Inc. (home textiles and room decor) Power Play Group, Inc. (lenticular items) Roxo LLC (collectible charms and rubber bracelets) Trends International, LLC (posters and calendars) The Wish Factory, Inc. (toys) Many product lines are available now at retailers such as Claire's, FYE, and Toys "R" Us. More product lines will become available throughout 2012. "We are excited to partner with such fabulous companies on the Cody Simpson collection. Our licensees are pushing the creative dial on products and we are working closely with our retail partners to be sure product is right," says Sara Nemerov, SVP of Consumer Products and Brand Licensing for Warner Music Group. Over 2 million Facebook likes, approaching 2 million Twitter followers and nearly 100 million YouTube views, Simpson is already a genuine phenomenon. The Australian-born star recently made a stunning chart debut with his new EP, "COAST TO COAST," entering the SoundScan/Billboard 200 at #12. In addition, Simpson has ascended to #13 on Billboard's annual "21 Under 21" ranking, which noted that he is "slowly becoming the all-encompassing pop phenom that could make him a household name by this time next year." "COAST TO COAST" is highlighted by Cody's breakthrough U.S. hit, "On My Mind," a top 40 favorite at CHR/Pop radio outlets nationwide, having hit #1 at Radio Disney (his second chart-topper at the network). The "On My Mind" companion video -- directed by Travis Kopach (Panic! At The Disco, 3OH!3, Boys Like Girls) -- is a certified YouTube blockbuster with nearly 10 million views and counting at Cody's official YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/CodySimpsonMusic. Recently featured as MTV's "PUSH Artist of the Week," Simpson celebrated the popularity of "COAST TO COAST" with a number of high profile TV appearances, including visits to the Disney Channel's Prank Stars, QVC's Sunday Best, and the nationally syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show, as well as a performance and mentor role on Radio Disney and the Disney Channel's "N.B.T. (Next Big Thing)" talent contest. An array of further guest shots are slated, including Nickelodeon's Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures, ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, NBC's Progressive Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular and the nationally syndicated Live! with Kelly. Simpson was also among the top stars featured at Australian Nickelodeon's 2011 Kids Choice Awards, where winning trophies in a trio of categories, including "Awesome Aussie," "Aussie Muso," and the prestigious "Super Fresh." Cody has toured nearly non-stop in recent months, including a sold out co-headline tour with Greyson Chance, shows alongside Miranda Cosgrove, and appearances at such events as Arthur Ashe Kids Day festivities at the 2011 U.S. Open. Cody's own "COAST TO COAST Tour" of U.S. malls -- presented by Pastry and co-sponsored by Claire's and Defeat The Label -- drew huge crowds throughout the summer, with more than 3,000 fans turning out at each of its 10 stops to see the rising teen star in action. Simpson -- who recently returned from a blockbuster tour of Japan -- is scheduled to appear at a selection of upcoming holiday events, including tree lighting ceremonies and radio sponsored arena concerts. Full details are always available at www.codysimpson.com/shows/.
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Post by greyfanforever on Feb 2, 2012 18:51:19 GMT -5
I think it would be cool to see more Greyson products but at the same time, I like how since there arent many products fans must get creative and make their own stuff. I dont want there to be cheesy Greyson product like most of the Justin Bieber stuff. In the end, I wouldnt want Greyson to go that route either. However, new shirts in the Greyson merch store would be really nice (:
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Post by greyfanforever on Feb 2, 2012 18:52:26 GMT -5
Also, I think Greyson is more about the music, not selling products. No offense to Cody or Justin or anyone(:
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Post by grownups4greyson on Feb 2, 2012 19:06:42 GMT -5
Seems like Cody's people are working on expanding his brand. I'm not surprised by this at all especially considering he signed with Scooter Braun recently. I don't follow the whole Justin Bieber saga very closely, but his people certainly seem to know what they are doing in terms of marketing him and making as much money as possible before he gets too old for teen idol status. I REALLY hope that Greyson and his people don't take this route, but I wouldn't be at all surprised. I'm sure that there are people out there who believe he should have more products out there, so come on and tell me why you think it would be a good thing. It's been a while since we've had a good discussion around here, so at least somebody play Devil's Advocate. finance.yahoo.com/news/cody-simpson-expands-brand-series-214800388.htmlCody Simpson Expands His Brand Through Series of 16 Major Licensing Agreements; The Rising Star Will Be Featured in a Range of Product LinesNEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -01/30/12)- Atlantic recording artist Cody Simpson is staking a claim as one of the year's most iconic new stars, evidenced by a series of newly announced strategic licensing agreements expanding the Cody Simpson brand through a wide array of products and merchandise. Cody Simpson has signed on with such innovative companies as: Accessory Innovations, LLC (bags, socks, and wallets) Accutime Watch Corporation (watches and other timepieces) Added Extras, LLC (cosmetics) Advanced Graphics, Inc. (cardboard stand-ups) C&D Visionary (novelty items) Central Mills, Inc dba Freeze (t-shirts) Concept One Accessories (headwear, cold weather accessories, flip flops, slippers) FAB Starpoint, LLC (stationery and novelty gifts) Fathead, LLC (wall graphics) H.E.R. Accessories, Ltd. (costume jewelry) Kalan LP (novelty items) Lady Sandra Home Fashions, Inc. (home textiles and room decor) Power Play Group, Inc. (lenticular items) Roxo LLC (collectible charms and rubber bracelets) Trends International, LLC (posters and calendars) The Wish Factory, Inc. (toys) Many product lines are available now at retailers such as Claire's, FYE, and Toys "R" Us. More product lines will become available throughout 2012. "We are excited to partner with such fabulous companies on the Cody Simpson collection. Our licensees are pushing the creative dial on products and we are working closely with our retail partners to be sure product is right," says Sara Nemerov, SVP of Consumer Products and Brand Licensing for Warner Music Group. Over 2 million Facebook likes, approaching 2 million Twitter followers and nearly 100 million YouTube views, Simpson is already a genuine phenomenon. The Australian-born star recently made a stunning chart debut with his new EP, "COAST TO COAST," entering the SoundScan/Billboard 200 at #12. In addition, Simpson has ascended to #13 on Billboard's annual "21 Under 21" ranking, which noted that he is "slowly becoming the all-encompassing pop phenom that could make him a household name by this time next year." "COAST TO COAST" is highlighted by Cody's breakthrough U.S. hit, "On My Mind," a top 40 favorite at CHR/Pop radio outlets nationwide, having hit #1 at Radio Disney (his second chart-topper at the network). The "On My Mind" companion video -- directed by Travis Kopach (Panic! At The Disco, 3OH!3, Boys Like Girls) -- is a certified YouTube blockbuster with nearly 10 million views and counting at Cody's official YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/CodySimpsonMusic. Recently featured as MTV's "PUSH Artist of the Week," Simpson celebrated the popularity of "COAST TO COAST" with a number of high profile TV appearances, including visits to the Disney Channel's Prank Stars, QVC's Sunday Best, and the nationally syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show, as well as a performance and mentor role on Radio Disney and the Disney Channel's "N.B.T. (Next Big Thing)" talent contest. An array of further guest shots are slated, including Nickelodeon's Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures, ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, NBC's Progressive Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular and the nationally syndicated Live! with Kelly. Simpson was also among the top stars featured at Australian Nickelodeon's 2011 Kids Choice Awards, where winning trophies in a trio of categories, including "Awesome Aussie," "Aussie Muso," and the prestigious "Super Fresh." Cody has toured nearly non-stop in recent months, including a sold out co-headline tour with Greyson Chance, shows alongside Miranda Cosgrove, and appearances at such events as Arthur Ashe Kids Day festivities at the 2011 U.S. Open. Cody's own "COAST TO COAST Tour" of U.S. malls -- presented by Pastry and co-sponsored by Claire's and Defeat The Label -- drew huge crowds throughout the summer, with more than 3,000 fans turning out at each of its 10 stops to see the rising teen star in action. Simpson -- who recently returned from a blockbuster tour of Japan -- is scheduled to appear at a selection of upcoming holiday events, including tree lighting ceremonies and radio sponsored arena concerts. Full details are always available at www.codysimpson.com/shows/. I believe that the teen demographic is market driven. Teens like to decorate their rooms with items from their heroes. I remember having posters, and my plastic Paul McCartney model that I hand painted. Kids are visually oriented and can stare at images of their heroes for hours (well, they claim its for hours). They doodle their names on anything you can write on. Merchandising is a HUGE part of the marlet and also adds to star exposure. As a loose example, when I used to work at The Omni (The Big Arena in my town), I heard that WWE Wretling would come to town and make $100,000 from the box office. But in the following two weeks they would make over 1 MILLION dollars from merchandising orders. So stuff sells. As for Greyson, they need to bring the UMG Asia people over here to teach them how its done. I've been trying to contact UMG in Atlanta for two days and neither there addresses or phone numbers as listed in the phone book or online are any good. And you know the difficulties of contacting "management". So, I hope it is a good move for Cody, especially since he and Bieber sing similar music styles. Wouldn't be surprised to see him opening for Bieber soon. UMG needs to have Greyson do a tour and open for someone bigger than Miranda. That is the way its done. Open for this years big act to build your audience, Headline the next.
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Post by retiredone on Feb 3, 2012 2:37:14 GMT -5
I can’t decide where I stand on this. I have to agree with g4g that the teen demographic is very market driven. The more “stuff” they see; the more “in” the star becomes. It translates into more music sales and concert tickets sold. I guess the question is, “Does Greyson’s stuff have to include dolls and stickers?” I don’t think that he can ever have too many TV appearances, magazine articles, I-net interviews, etc. to keep him in the spotlight.
I did think the life-size wall decal someone said they had of Cody Simpson was a cool idea -- a lot of young teenage girls would like one of those. Remember, too, that making mucho bucks early would allow an artist to have a lot of freedom later to follow their musical interests.
I guess I don’t care what they do in terms of merchandising as long as they let Greyson be Greyson and not interfere with his actual music choices.
Again, I have to agree with g4g. UMG Asia sure knew how to promote Greyson in Asia, and they had to market him to a population base more than twice that of the USA spread over several countries.
Greyson fans would probably like to see more Greyson “things.” They could certainly be offered for sale in his own store. I thought some of his T’s weren’t very attractive -- actually pretty amateurish, and there aren’t a whole lot items available beyond that. During the years that I traveled around the country with a drum and bugle corps selling souvenirs, we sold about 2 million dollars in T-shirts, sweats, CD’s, coffee mugs, pins, jewelry, etc. That was just a drum corps -- not a popstar. Our products were also a lot less expensive.
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Post by grownups4greyson on Feb 3, 2012 3:47:48 GMT -5
I can’t decide where I stand on this. I have to agree with g4g that the teen demographic is very market driven. The more “stuff” they see; the more “in” the star becomes. It translates into more music sales and concert tickets sold. I guess the question is, “Does Greyson’s stuff have to include dolls and stickers?” I don’t think that he can ever have too many TV appearances, magazine articles, I-net interviews, etc. to keep him in the spotlight. I did think the life-size wall decal someone said they had of Cody Simpson was a cool idea -- a lot of young teenage girls would like one of those. Remember, too, that making mucho bucks early would allow an artist to have a lot of freedom later to follow their musical interests. I guess I don’t care what they do in terms of merchandising as long as they let Greyson be Greyson and not interfere with his actual music choices. Again, I have to agree with g4g. UMG Asia sure knew how to promote Greyson in Asia, and they had to market him to a population base more than twice that of the USA spread over several countries. Greyson fans would probably like to see more Greyson “things.” They could certainly be offered for sale in his own store. I thought some of his T’s weren’t very attractive -- actually pretty amateurish, and there aren’t a whole lot items available beyond that. During the years that I traveled around the country with a drum and bugle corps selling souvenirs, we sold about 2 million dollars in T-shirts, sweats, CD’s, coffee mugs, pins, jewelry, etc. That was just a drum corps -- not a popstar. Our products were also a lot less expensive. I think that Greyson is too tightly controlled. We've discussed in the passt about how they missed the boat on utilizing his Greyson97 Youtube Channel. Though I don't do much with twitter, I get the impression that Greyson does not get to utilize it in the way that Justin Bieber does. And I agree with you about the T-shirts in the official store. The HOTTN shirt is the only really nice one. Perhaps he should do more Mall appearences. What better publicity than shutting down a Mall. As far as the tours, he has been to some cities multiple times, while bypassing others altogether e.g. Nashville Tennessee. Hopefully, as Greyson grows older, he will gain more creative control.
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Post by Greysongal97 on Feb 3, 2012 18:06:11 GMT -5
It would be pretty cool if there was a poster out there with his new haircut, but I'm pretty glad there isn't too much stuff and Greyson can just focus on the music. That's what we really want: his music.
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Post by mapender on Feb 3, 2012 23:03:58 GMT -5
I'm not going to quote people because that is too much work... One of the reasons that I have a problem with the excessive merchandising is that I was never into that kind of stuff even when I was in my Backstreet Boys / NSYNC phase as a young teenager. I had a major crush on Brian Littrell (from BSB), but I was never one to go out and buy everything w/ their picture on it, etc. I listened to the albums ad nauseum, but it never went much past that. Hence, even though I was a teen girl at one point in time, I have a hard time understanding that kind of desire for all types of products with my favorite musicians on them. I understand the argument that the more fans you have, the more people that hear your music so get them anyway you can. However, I just see those that go over the top with all the merchandising and product licensing as desperate and in a way trying to compensate for their lack of musical talent and it just turns me off. I don't like to criticize either JB or Cody b/c they are young, very successful, good guys, and more talented that I could ever hope to be. However, looking at it from a person with no stake in their success or failure, I just don't see it - musically. I certainly see the "IT" factor in both of them and even a measurable amount of musical talent, but nothing special. Maybe, I just haven't seen the right video of them yet that would win me over, but I don't really get it. I am not naive enough to think that at 14/15/16 Greyson is going to appeal to a diverse demographic, but I hope that he doesn't fall into the typical teen idol model. Greyson isn't the most talented young singer to ever exist, he is far from the most talented 14 year old pianist, etc. but, all-in-all, he is the total package and I firmly believe he could be really special if he doesn't succumb to the typical child star syndrome. No matter how dumb of a reason it is for not liking somebody, the fact that somebody's face is plastered over every item a teen girl owns is more than enough to turn that person into a joke for anybody that is male or over the age of 18 or so. I guess what it all comes down to is that I don't want Greyson to become a joke to anybody who didn't grow up a fan before he even has a chance to really find himself as he grows up. It is one thing to win over fans who have never heard of you, it is a lot harder to win over fans who already "hate" you. I mean, how many teen idols and considered relevant musicians 20 years after they heyday? I am not such a snob as to be totally against merchandising. I know it makes a lot of money and it is the music BUSINESS after all, but I do hope that Greyson and his people continue to focus on his talents as a musician and artist who has something to say to the world rather than on how cute/handsome/hot he is. Though, like retiredone says, if he wants to cash in now, let's hope that he uses that money in the future to really take his own path and do what he wants and not what will sell. I was going to go on, but I think that is long enough for now
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Post by grownups4greyson on Feb 4, 2012 1:50:53 GMT -5
I'm not going to quote people because that is too much work... One of the reasons that I have a problem with the excessive merchandising is that I was never into that kind of stuff even when I was in my Backstreet Boys / NSYNC phase as a young teenager. I had a major crush on Brian Littrell (from BSB), but I was never one to go out and buy everything w/ their picture on it, etc. I listened to the albums ad nauseum, but it never went much past that. Hence, even though I was a teen girl at one point in time, I have a hard time understanding that kind of desire for all types of products with my favorite musicians on them. I understand the argument that the more fans you have, the more people that hear your music so get them anyway you can. However, I just see those that go over the top with all the merchandising and product licensing as desperate and in a way trying to compensate for their lack of musical talent and it just turns me off. I don't like to criticize either JB or Cody b/c they are young, very successful, good guys, and more talented that I could ever hope to be. However, looking at it from a person with no stake in their success or failure, I just don't see it - musically. I certainly see the "IT" factor in both of them and even a measurable amount of musical talent, but nothing special. Maybe, I just haven't seen the right video of them yet that would win me over, but I don't really get it. I am not naive enough to think that at 14/15/16 Greyson is going to appeal to a diverse demographic, but I hope that he doesn't fall into the typical teen idol model. Greyson isn't the most talented young singer to ever exist, he is far from the most talented 14 year old pianist, etc. but, all-in-all, he is the total package and I firmly believe he could be really special if he doesn't succumb to the typical child star syndrome. No matter how dumb of a reason it is for not liking somebody, the fact that somebody's face is plastered over every item a teen girl owns is more than enough to turn that person into a joke for anybody that is male or over the age of 18 or so. I guess what it all comes down to is that I don't want Greyson to become a joke to anybody who didn't grow up a fan before he even has a chance to really find himself as he grows up. It is one thing to win over fans who have never heard of you, it is a lot harder to win over fans who already "hate" you. I mean, how many teen idols and considered relevant musicians 20 years after they heyday? I am not such a snob as to be totally against merchandising. I know it makes a lot of money and it is the music BUSINESS after all, but I do hope that Greyson and his people continue to focus on his talents as a musician and artist who has something to say to the world rather than on how cute/handsome/hot he is. Though, like retiredone says, if he wants to cash in now, let's hope that he uses that money in the future to really take his own path and do what he wants and not what will sell. I was going to go on, but I think that is long enough for now I think Greyson will be all right in the long run. If he was going to succumb to the pressure to become a teeny bop star, he would have done so already. We will know for sure when the next album comes out. He has said in the past something to the effect that he is more interested in slowly building a long lasting career than in becoming a flash with a quick burnout.
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Post by mapender on Feb 4, 2012 23:38:41 GMT -5
Yeah, I don't know if I am really worried about it. I just find it an interesting discussion as to how the rest of his teen years will play out. Cody is just now jumping into it all and I'm just curios to see if Greyson will follow.
Trust me, I am not going to be one of those people that says "To hell with him, he sold out. I'm no longer a fan." At this point, I can't imagine ever not supporting Greyson, but that doesn't mean that I think some ideas are better than others.
I agree with you, GU4G that they are under utilizing his YouTube channel. What I think would be great is to release live performances, or at least parts of them, once he tours again. Release a different song every couple of weeks. I think it would be great and I can't see what it could hurt. Greyson is much better live than he is in the studio and I think that would be an easy way to showcase him at his best at what I assume is little to no cost.
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Post by retiredone on Feb 5, 2012 1:27:37 GMT -5
I guess I share a little of the same concern that Mapender expressed about over merchandising causing Greyson to be labeled as just another manufactured popstar, especially with older folks. That thought did cross my mind as I wrote my previous post; and as Mapender points out, it’s very difficult to overcome that label once it’s been applied.
When it comes to young male popstars, the media always seems to bring up Justin Bieber, Cody Simpson, and Greyson Chance; so one can’t help but think that Greyson’s management has probably already been approached about such business dealings and has turned them down. I guess we’ll know soon enough.
I have to ask myself what it is about Greyson that sparked my interest in the first place and contiunues to hold my attention. Initially, it had to be the fact that he was so much better than any of the hundreds of elementary/middle school (could add high school to that) performers I had watched in my 35 years of teaching. Also, he seemed to have just a great personality and advanced level of maturity to go along with the talent.
I've heard lots of “pretty” voices and skilled piano players in my life, but it takes more than that to become a "real entertainer." I guess it’s the passion/feeling that he puts into his performances and his ability to improvise and connect with his audience that I find intriguing in a 14 year old. Just the the wide variety of music he likes to listen to says this kid is different from the rest. It’s just fun to watch his growth as as entertainer --piano and song writing skills, confidence level, etc. If managed correctly, Greyson will be around a long, long time. He does have the "it" factor.
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beckychance
Super Fan
I'll Hold On To The Night <3
Posts: 90
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Post by beckychance on Feb 5, 2012 12:35:06 GMT -5
I think Greyson is more into the music not the products!
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Post by lightupthedark on Feb 5, 2012 21:50:12 GMT -5
Posters are one thing... but A DOLL. come on. But I think greyson will be fine, he's always been more about recording and playing piano and giving a soulful performance over fitting into the usual pop bracket. he proved that with his album. hopefully his managers act the same
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Post by grownups4greyson on Feb 6, 2012 10:40:47 GMT -5
I think it would be cool to see more Greyson products but at the same time, I like how since there arent many products fans must get creative and make their own stuff. I dont want there to be cheesy Greyson product like most of the Justin Bieber stuff. In the end, I wouldnt want Greyson to go that route either. However, new shirts in the Greyson merch store would be really nice (: RE: T-shirts, why can't they have something like this ? It glows in the dark. But you can't buy it here? My question is...Why not?
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Post by greyfanforever on Feb 7, 2012 0:37:44 GMT -5
I think it would be cool to see more Greyson products but at the same time, I like how since there arent many products fans must get creative and make their own stuff. I dont want there to be cheesy Greyson product like most of the Justin Bieber stuff. In the end, I wouldnt want Greyson to go that route either. However, new shirts in the Greyson merch store would be really nice (: RE: T-shirts, why can't they have something like this ? It glows in the dark. But you can't buy it here? My question is...Why not? I can't see the photo you posted...but a glow in the dark shirt sounds cool!(:
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