PW Blog 6 - Branding (Gorillaz/Kanye West)

Gorillaz

Gorillaz are an animated band which has 4 animated members but actually only 2 real members this style already makes the band unique and reflects their unique electronica style of music. They were made as a parody of Simon Cowell's musical creations and supply it with a edgy, dark  image and sub plot and so their music appeal to an audience who enjoy music that is not 'mainstream'. To maintain their ideology and the ideology that their fans have of them they turned down a nomination for the prestigious Mercury Prize award. They have also collaborated with big names such as Madonna, Bruce Willis, Snoop Dog, Sean Ryder and Lou Reed.

Lastly to increase support for their fan base they created a sense of exclusivity if you do not have membership to the Gorillaz club (£26 fee), or an 02 mobile contract or a Glastonbury ticket – then the chances are you won’t be even be getting a look in at tickets to any live performances. Also their unique brand and style makes it seem as though you either “get” Gorillaz, their eclectic collaborations and musical style or you do not.

Kanye West

Kanye West is a very controversial figure, making headlines constantly by doing stuff such as feuding with Taylor Swift, begging Mark Zuckerberg for a billion dollars and having a backstage meltdown at SNL. However his confident and arrogant personality is all marketing and he creates controversy at all the right times. In the midst of all the Kanye drama he released his new album, The Life of Pablo, in the form of a listening party, which happened to take place at his fashion show for his new line of clothing based on his brand and nickname 'Yeezy' in Yeezy Season 3. Just as everyone is talking about the ridiculous things he is saying on Twitter, he released both the album and fashion line at Madison Square Garden in front of thousands of people. Everything Kanye does seems calculated, and each thing is promoting something else. 

Kanye West also knows how to create buzz by changing the title of his album multiple times and getting people excited for the albums release. He also creates buzz by having a sense of exclusivity much like the Gorillaz. He announced his album would only be available on Tidal, which happens to be his pal Jay Z’s music streaming service. The newest pair of Yeezy Boost sneakers has a demand really so incredibly high that they can’t produce enough, or do they want it to seem that way because they understand people always want what they can’t have? Making a limited number of these shoes makes them seem exclusive, which only makes people want them more.