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    Jakob Lusensky @ TEDxTokyo on May 15

    Jakob Lusensky

    Heartbeats International are proud to introduce CEO Jakob Lusensky as one of twenty-three internationally well-known speakers and thinkers invited to speak at TEDxTokyo 2010, on May 15.

    Jakob is invited to talk about music as a medium for branding under session 3, FIVE SENSES + ONE. An English Beta version of the book Sounds like Branding, written by Jakob, will also be released on this date (the full English version of the book is primed for release later this year).

    Not to be missed on May 15:

    • Heartbeats@TEDxTokyo. For more information please visit http://tedxtokyo.com
    • International release of the English Beta version of Sounds like Branding

    The Swedish version of the book Sounds like Branding is available for purchase here: www.bokus.com/slb

    Sign up for an exclusive Beta version of the book via e-mail on the day of release

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    The music stairway (no, not the Led Zeppelin song)

    The most important question for a brand is not whether they should use music, but rather how the music should be used. The four step ‘music stairway’ illustrates the most beneficial way for brands to work strategically with music.

    music_stairway3
     

    Many brands find themselves on Step One. This step is characterised by the unconscious usage of music. Essentially this is an ad hoc, make-it-up-as-you-go approach, often relying on staff or employees to choose music. The end result is a schizophrenic music experience that sends mixed branding signals to customers.

    Step Two is characterised by a conscious usage of music. Brands have developed their own music identity, through a defined sound with defined values. Often they have a sound logo or theme song. On Step Two, music has evolved into a branding element and strategic tool.

    Moving up to Step Three, a brand becomes even more actively involved in music. This commitment often takes form as music-oriented marketing campaigns ( e.g. “buy and get” promotions) and/or artist partnerships. A good example of a Step Three level of music involvement is Heineken’s ‘Green Room Sessions’ - a live club concept, presenting cutting edge artists and DJs.

    The Forth and final step on the music stairway requires ‘owning’ a strategic platform in music culture. In this scenario, brands are not merely associated with music, but also actively champion music through exclusive platforms or programs that can’t be found anywhere else. The Red Bull Music Academy is a good example of this.

    So the million dollar question is…What step is your brand on?

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    Swedish Audio-sample of book

    Hey Sweden!

    Here you can preview the first chapter of the “Sounds like Branding” book in audio. If you like it I recommend you to buy it for the special price here.

    Sounds like Branding (BETA) by Heartbeats

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    Using brands to help your career

    sxswWe will be partaking in a panel discussion at the SXSW® Music and Media Conference in Austin, Texas. Together with other speakers of international stature, Heartbeats CEO Jakob Lusensky will chat about the topic USING BRANDS TO HELP YOUR CAREER.

    The panel discussion is part of the SXSW® Music and Media Conference, March 17-21, in downtown Austin. The panel discussion is scheduled for Friday, March 19 at 03:30 PM. For more info on the panel discussion, visit http://my.sxsw.com/events/eid/8697, and to find out about the rest of the conference, visit http://www.sxsw.com/music.

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    7″ pre-listening party in Stockholm

    Thank you everyone for attending our little pre-listening party of ‘Sounds Like Branding’ yesterday! The 7″ vinyl is a beta version, limited to 250 copies (in audio) of the full book, which is to be released in Swedish at the end of March. The beta version will also be available on Spotify in English.

    Soundslikebranding_7"

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    How to use Social Media in the Music Industry

    Media futurist Gerd Leonhard delivered some great insights at this years Midem. Spend a minute or two looking through this presentation on how to use social media in the music industry.

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    ‘I’m with the brand’ slides from Midem (with audio)

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    How to sell out (without selling out)!

    j_slash3At this year’s Midem we will teach the music industry how to sell out. Or rather how to avoid selling out but still get in bed with a brand. We will go through a five step model of success on how to build a successful strategy to get their interest. It includes the importance of defining vision, goals, values and a unique story. Also, how an artist/record label/festival owner should define their assets (from the perspective of the brands) and present these for potential brand partners. Part of the seminar will be focused on how the music and marketing industry have to start to understand the other’s objectives and culture. We will upload the presentation on Slideshare for you to watch after the seminar. See you on La Croisette?

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