Bacardi’s Groove Armada Mixes Sounds and Tasty Drinks

As numerous liquor companies look to capitalize on the all-important 21-30 age demographic, it appears Bacardi is upping the ante with its recent signing of a one-year deal with dance music sensations Groove Aramada.

 

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, as part of the deal, Groove Armada (Andy Cato and Tom Findlay) will be the main at several Bacardi-sponsored events in exotic locations such as Miami and Athens, Greece. The pair will also produce records and songs that Bacardi can use as music for its television ad campaigns.

 

This seems to be a shrewd move on the part of Bacardi. Groove Armada has sold over three million records over the last decade and this gives Bacardi access to the group’s legions of adoring fans. The deal also works for the group as they get to keep 100% of the copyrights for the music they create, they get substantial royalties for the songs they produce, and Bacardi covers the studio and recording costs. In addition, the group’s new level of exposure should help to further develop their listening base globally.

 

In a world of tightening competition in the global liquor marketplace, it is quite possible that we may see more of these kinds of deals in the near future. Some may say this is selling out, but I’m of the belief that as long as you are making good music, it shouldn’t matter who puts it out.

I’m Thinking of Converting to the Rock Band Church

Rock Band is making my life difficult. IAt the moment I only have Guitar Hero II and  I’m starting to become really jealous of Rock Band’s music catalog. I may have to finally purchase the game and a new video game system when Rock Band 2 comes out.

 

As it turns out, the Rock Band online store is set to release two new Rush tracks and several new songs from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Two of my favorite all-time bands, the latest additions may force my hand and I’m close to giving in.

 

Rush had previously released tracks such as “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight,” “Working Man,” and they continue to build their Rock Band repertoire with their latest additions “Closer to the Heart” and “Working Man (Vault Edition).”

 

I’m also extremely interested in having a go at playing the Chili’s “Snow ((Hey Oh))” and “Tell Me Baby.” Two of the group’s more popular anthems, these hits from their Grammy-winning album Stadium Arcadium are a welcome addition to any Rock Band’s song list. I saw these songs live and I can’t wait to take my turn jamming with the group.

The Virgin Festival in Toronto

Toronto might arguably be considered the music capital of Canada and it adds another musical feather in its cap with when the Virgin Festival kicks off Saturday, September 6, 2008. Running through Sunday the 7^th, this all-day concert bonanza brings some of industry’s biggest names to this music hotspot.

 

Leading the way are headliners Foo Fighters and Oasis. Joining them will be The Fratellis, Moby, Switch, Bloc Party, Deadmau5, MGMT, The Kooks, Constantines, Paul Weller, Stereophonics, and Swedish sensation Robyn.

 

Although it is a bit to far for me to travel, this line-up sounds intriguing. Featuring a mixture of big-name talents and up-and-coming musical journeymen (and women), this festival should give my viewers up north something to smile about. 

 

The Toronto Virgin Festival will be held at Toronto Island Park. Tickets are on sale now at futureshop.ca, participating Future Shop locations and ticketmaster.ca. A two-day pass will run you $159, while single day tickets are $87.