Hadouken and Gallows Comparison

How does the band's typography and visual appearance differ?

As you can from both of the logos, the colour theme of both bands are the same, but Hadouken does this to allow fans to create their own colour schemes. The typography of Gallows logo looks like a font that would be used for tattoo's, whereas Hadouken's logo has a sharp bubble around it with an exclamation mark, which is used in comics.

How does the band's merchandising differ?

On the Gallows website you can see that they are selling t-shirts, hats, hoodies and jeans. The majority of these items are only available on the US website which could mean they are aiming more towards an American audience. On the Hadouken website you can see that they are selling t-shirts, badges, bags, and also mp3's. Also they are selling bundles, where most of these items are available in one package. It is clear that Hadouken are more passionate about the merchandise their fans have, as there is so much available.

How do these differences increase their appeal to their differing niche audiences?

Looking at the Gallows logo, it is obvious to see that there is an aspect of tattoos involved in their target audience. To appeal even more to their audience, the lead singer of the group creates all the artwork for the merchandise which is available to fans. This will make the fans feel more involved with the band as they are wearing the lead singer's artwork. Hadouken allow their fans to buy white merchandise along with pens, this allows them to make the merchandise any colour they want. This appeals to their target audience because it allows them to be creative and have a range of bright colours.

Considering the range of ancillary products available for both brands identify three other products you would develop to help each band's brand.

Looking at the merchandise that is available for Gallows fans, one product I would develop is a guitar. The design on the guitar will be made by the lead singer of Gallows which will keep in the brand idea. I would also develop a Biography of each member of the band so that the fan's can become more involved with their lives. I would also do a competition where 5 lucky fans will get the chance to spend a week with Gallows. Looking at the merchandise that is available for Hadouken fans, one product I would develop are fully white trainers with the Hadouken logo on. This goes with the brand idea of allowing the fans to create their own colour scheme for the band's merchandise. Another product I would develop is cups and mugs with pictures of the band with the logo on them. I would also develop a tour DVD where each member of the band carries around a camera when the band are on tour and the fans can see the life of the band.

Audience Profile For Hadouken And Gallows

Hadouken

Age: I think that the age of the target audience is 12-20. I believe this is the age because they have a young band.

Gender: I think due to the fact that all of the members of Hadouken are males, the target audience will also be males.

Ethnicity: White because the members of the band are white.

Fashion: Skinny jeans

Hobbies and Interests: I think people that are into partying and skating.

Current Media Consumption: Music genres such as Indie and Rock. Also TV programmes such as Skins.

Location: London, due to slang being used.

Gallows

Age: I think that the age of the target audience is 18-25. I believe this is the age because the type of music which the band creates is very upbeat and has high energy dancing involved.

Gender: I think due to the fact that all of the members of Gallows are males, the target audience will also be males.

Ethnicity: I think although Gallows are originally a British band, I believe they are aiming at an American audience. This is because the US version of their website is in much more detail than the UK site.

Fashion: Leather, usual rock band clothes.

Hobbies and Interests: I think people that are into tattoo's and also guitar playing are who Gallows are aiming their music at.

Current Media Consumption: This could be other bands within the same genre, also watching music channels who play the same music.

Location: Northern cities, such as Newcastle and Manchester.

Reflection Of Year 12

Reflection Grid

Uses And Gratifications With Gallows

Target Audience

Age: I think that the age of the target audience is 18-25. I believe this is the age because the type of music which the band creates is very upbeat and has high energy dancing involved.

Gender: I think due to the fact that all of the members of Gallows are males, the target audience will also be males.

Ethnicity: I think although Gallows are originally a British band, I believe they are aiming at an American audience. This is because the US version of their website is in much more detail than the UK site.

Hobbies and Interests: I think people that are into tattoo's and also guitar playing are who Gallows are aiming their music at.

Current Media Consumption: This could be other bands within the same genre, also watching music channels who play the same music.

Uses And Gratifications

Entertainment: For entertainment I believe that the band like to interact with the audience which would make them more likeable. Information/Surveillance: I think the Gallows website allows fans to find out about events, and with the band being on Twitter this helps the band to get more fans as they can feel closer to the band.

Personal Identity: I think the involvement in tattoos within the band and audience allows them to have their own identity, also with the branded merchandise that is also available.

Social Relationships: I think the involvement with tattoos allow the fans to have social relationships that other fans may not have when supported their band.

Task 2

Why are music videos increasingly important when promoting an artist?
Music videos are important because they give the audience of the music video an idea of the band. This could be the type of music they play, their hobbies and interests and what they believe in. This is vital because this could influence any type of potential audience to listen to more of their music. All of this combined would then also increase their sales and fan base.

What are the three types of music video?
Conceptual music videos are music videos that have visuals that are appropriate to the tempo of the song which is being played. For example this could dance moves that in time with the beat of the music.
Narrative music videos are music videos that tell a story. This could be through the actions of the actors involved in the music video.
Performance music videos are music videos that capture a live performance of a band or an artist. For exmaple this is widely used with metal, punk and country genres.

Why is branding a band or artist especially important when marketing towards niche subcultures?
Branding a band or artist is especially important because it allows the fans to become distinguished from other bands or artists. The fans know that they are supporting a band or artist who doesn't appeal to everyone but the bands know that with branding they may be able to market towards people who are not already fans. Also the unique style of the band or artist can be very influencial for the potential fans which helps to gain more fans. Without branding and it will be virtually impossible for people to find out about the band so it is essential.

How does branding 'from within the band' increase the appeal to a niche, subculture based audience?
Branding 'from within the band' increases the appeal because the fans will feel much closer to the band. This is good for the fans because the close interaction will make them feel like the band or artist actually care about them. This helps the band to form their identity and to be unique. Most fans are very passionate about the band they support being closer to them helps that much more. For example the lead singer of Gallows creates all art work etc. for the merchandise that is sold to fans.