Merchandise and the Pursuit of Idolatry

I play in a southern hardcore punk band called Help Me Kill My Ex.

Often lumped into the metal genre, we share the stage with bands ranging from cover groups to death metal so sticking out in the sea of music is essential. We not only write music that stands out both technically and visually, but we also have to tackle the one main money maker in the music business: merchandising.

Some bands can survive off of their logo alone (ex. The Rolling Stones with their tongue logo or anything Gene Simmons can brand with KISS), but others have to work hard to sell even one shirt at a show. In a tough scene to garner respect, we have been able to push merch and make a profit by choosing to cut down colors used in the design, where on the shirt the text is based and even the color of the shirt itself. We shopped around multiple sources both local and distant until we found the one dealer who can make our shirts for a cost beyond reasonable enabling us to sell our shirts for prices lower than other bands sharing the booths around us. This leads to more attention and sales for us as well as more free advertising when customers wear our label in public.

What is the most clever advertising you have seen?




Full set from Saturday's show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhFC12y4EK0&feature=player_embedded