Band Sponsorships that aren't GEAR/clothing

Spinal Tapper · #1 11-25-2009, 10:16 AM

What do you all know about getting sponsored by consumer products instead of gear and equipment?

I've heard bands can get sponsors like Red Bull, Miller (MGD, Miller Lite, High Life, Sparks), Monster energy drinks, etc.

Anyone have a sponsor like this for their band?

Do you just email a company and are like, "Hey, I think you'd dig our music...sponsor us!"?

I'm interested in learning more about these types of sponsorships.

jnuts1 · #2 11-25-2009, 10:20 AM

we have had a few gigs sponsored by goose island but not the band in general. so do you mean like you have their logo on your gear & such?

Quadcam · #3 11-25-2009, 10:00 PM

you can probably find info on their websites, for instance, here is Jager http://www.jagermusic.com/core/about...omsplashpage=1

Implosion · #4 11-26-2009, 01:18 AM

Taco Bell: Feed the Beat

ChrisBowsman · #5 11-26-2009, 08:08 AM

A local cover band I used to work for was sponsored by Budweiser. Budweiser gave them a nice banner with their name and the Bud logo, they got a check for $500 every year, drank free Bud products when they played, and performed at a Bud party w/ other sponsored bands.

All they had to do was hang up the sign at every gig.

A friend's band was sponsored by (I *think*) Killian's. Pretty similar, plus I remember they were given Killian's shirts to give out, and I think they printed up a bunch of guitar picks for them with Killin's on one side and the band logo on the other.

bluewine · #6 11-26-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisBowsman

A local cover band I used to work for was sponsored by Budweiser. Budweiser gave them a nice banner with their name and the Bud logo, they got a check for $500 every year, drank free Bud products when they played, and performed at a Bud party w/ other sponsored bands.

All they had to do was hang up the sign at every gig.

A friend's band was sponsored by (I *think*) Killian's. Pretty similar, plus I remember they were given Killian's shirts to give out, and I think they printed up a bunch of guitar picks for them with Killin's on one side and the band logo on the other.

Not a bad deal. Nice!

Spinal Tapper · #7 11-30-2009, 10:43 AM

Thanks for the replies guys! Very helpful.

ttt

konodl18 · #8 12-01-2009, 06:01 PM

We are sponsored by a local tattoo shop. We put their logos on our myspace/facebook pages and all our promo posters have a little "sponsored by xxxx tattoos"

kalle74 · #9 12-02-2009, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by konodl18

We are sponsored by a local tattoo shop. We put their logos on our myspace/facebook pages and all our promo posters have a little "sponsored by xxxx tattoos"

Free ink in it for you?

troll · #10 12-02-2009, 10:38 AM

I'd like to learn more about this as well.

Having just shared a stage with In This Moment recently, we noticed they were wearing a butt-ton of Monster gear. Hell even if it's just free sweatbands and hats, I'm down. Granted our just recently ex-drummer is the only one that drinks the stuff regularly, it'd still be nice.

konodl18 · #11 12-02-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kalle74

Free ink in it for you?

Yeah, we get tattooed for nothing. I always give them some cash for a tip, but it's still awesome.

It really doesn't cost the shop anything but the time. The overhead on supplies is pretty minimal. We just come in at different off times as to not conflict with time that could be used for paying customers.

Mo'Phat · #12 12-02-2009, 11:49 AM

A band I was in was sponsored by Jagermeister for a bit. No money involved at all...but it went like this:

I called up somebody at Jagermeister that had something to do with marketing. I said I was in a band and could we use Jagermeister as a hook for our shows...ie: Free Jager gear and Jager drink specials all night long. Their first response was to tell me that they already have market saturation where we are (San Diego) and asked what we could do for them. That's when I mentioned our Myspace fanbase, usual draw for shows, and rattled off our upcoming calendar. That got their attention. We got about fifty T-shirts, those blinking reflector buttons, plastic shot glasses, stickers, lanyards...a big box of Jager stuff.

The marketing person just told me to let them know when I needed more and "Good luck." We gave the stuff away and pimped Jager for a couple of shows...but it didn't really affect our draw one way or the other. So we only got one more box of stuff, gave it away, and that was it. We really couldn't see Jager giving us a check...our hearts weren't in it after a few shows of really pushing it.

For the band, consumer products endorsements could possibly be a benefit to your draw and ticket sales, but has nothing to do with your music or CD sales...so doesn't really help YOU out at all. For the company, it's cheap advertising with guerilla marketing by some super-enthusiastic band guys. It's a can't lose situation.

Mo'Phat · #13 12-02-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troll

I'd like to learn more about this as well.

Having just shared a stage with In This Moment recently, we noticed they were wearing a butt-ton of Monster gear. Hell even if it's just free sweatbands and hats, I'm down. Granted our just recently ex-drummer is the only one that drinks the stuff regularly, it'd still be nice.

Monster plainly states on their website that they don't do normal advertising...commercial, radio or billboards (although I remember seeing some at some point)...but they support and advertise the lifestyle.

I would think a band with a decent draw in a market they don't really get to might have an excellent chance to get a sponsorship by Monster.

EDIT: If you're really looking for the left-of-center sponsorships, check out some Ultimate Fighter shorts sometime. They'll pimp anything. I've seen some fighters with CondomDepot.com and stuff like that. It would be YOUR job to convince the company you're trying to get sponsorships from that YOU can sell their stuff. High profile shows or being able to put a widget or link to their company on your website and email distribution lists can go a long way.

DeluxeRed · #14 12-02-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisBowsman

A local cover band I used to work for was sponsored by Budweiser. Budweiser gave them a nice banner with their name and the Bud logo, they got a check for $500 every year, drank free Bud products when they played, and performed at a Bud party w/ other sponsored bands.

All they had to do was hang up the sign at every gig...

Betcha a dollar they weren't sponsored by Budweiser, but by the local Budweiser distrubutor. That's who you want to talk to. Around here, they provide posters and swag for a few bands.

Howzabout anyone the band members work for? (Presuming any of you have day jobs.)

Bongolation · #15 12-02-2009, 02:43 PM

I love this stuff.

Keep the stories coming. Rather amazed at the "free beer at gigs" thing, though. I can think of a lot of musicians I know who would probably have that fail to work out very well for them and their bands.

billhilly66 · #16 12-02-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeluxeRed

Betcha a dollar they weren't sponsored by Budweiser, but by the local Budweiser distrubutor. That's who you want to talk to. Around here, they provide posters and swag for a few bands.

Howzabout anyone the band members work for? (Presuming any of you have day jobs.)

Bingo! That's how we got the deal with Coors. The singer got in with one of the wheels from the distributor/plant down in Ft. Collins. We got banners, jackets, promo, and free beer!!!

Sartori · #17 12-03-2009, 08:00 AM

I don't think I'd want a sponsorship deal with budweiser or coors. Then I'd actually have to drink it.

I would, however, like to be sponsored by Bailey's. Or something like that. Or T-shirt Orgy.

For weirder ones, perhaps by Planned Parenthood, because I have no taste.

djembe · #18 12-03-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mo'Phat

Monster plainly states on their website that

EDIT: If you're really looking for the left-of-center sponsorships, check out some Ultimate Fighter shorts sometime. They'll pimp anything. I've seen some fighters with CondomDepot.com and stuff like that.

I think it's hilarious that the fighters have Condom Depot plastered across their butts. My sense of humor stopped maturing in fifth grade...

busmandan · #19 12-03-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sartori

I don't think I'd want a sponsorship deal with budweiser or coors. Then I'd actually have to drink it.

I would, however, like to be sponsored by Bailey's. Or something like that. Or T-shirt Orgy.

For weirder ones, perhaps by Planned Parenthood, because I have no taste.

I'd like to be sponsored by Dickens' Cider. There's nothing I enjoy more than having a hot Dickens' Cider.

troll · #20 12-03-2009, 11:45 PM

The talk of being sponsored by local distros and getting free beer. I should look into getting a nod from a couple of local brewers. Small craft brewers are what I'm into and who I frequent more when funds allow. I'm a big beer geek. Hmm...

I have talked to several of the local brewers on occasion anyways.

Local bands, local beer. Match made in heaven.