(CelebrityAccess News Service) — Verizon Wireless and Warner Music Group announced over the holidays an agreement that will give Verizon Wireless customers access to Alejandro Sanz’s music and images. Verizon Wireless customers get exclusive rights to download music and images from Sanz’s latest album No Es Lo Mismo through the Get It NowSM virtual store and MobileWebSM. Verizon Wireless will also be the title sponsor for Sanz’s U.S. tour in 2004.
A Madrid native, Sanz is the top selling artist in Spain’s history with over 19 million albums sold worldwide. No Es Lo Mismo, nominated for Best Latin Pop Album for the 2004 Grammy awards, debuted in September in the number two spot on the Latin Pop Chart with 1 million sold worldwide in the first week. Verizon Wireless customers will be able to download five different ring tones of Alejandro’s greatest hits and his latest single “No Es Lo Mismo” on a pay-per-download basis for a one-time charge of $1.99 plus airtime. Customers need a Get It Now-enabled handset and Verizon Wireless digital service to access the Get It Now virtual store.
Closer to the tour date, Verizon Wireless will offer additional data applications including games, animated ring tones and concert information alerts. These wireless service applications will continually be updated to offer a variety of features that link Sanz, via music and images, to his fans.
“Verizon Wireless is proud to offer this unique blend of talent and technology to customers,” said Marvin Davis, vice president of advertising for Verizon Wireless. “Offering Alejandro’s music, wallpaper and tour information will allow fans to use their phone for more than just voice while customizing their handset with the very latest in Latin pop.”
"I am very proud to be part of this agreement with Verizon Wireless, the best wireless network in the U.S. and to use this technology to reach fans,” said Alejandro Sanz on this new partnership. “I trust this will help bring the American people closer to Latin music and make them want to attend concerts.”
Gabriela Martinez VP of Marketing at Warner Music Latin America said, “This is an extended campaign which creates synergy between the leader in wireless technology and the most successful singer / songwriter in the Latin world. This is truly a historic partnership. In a rapidly changing music business, it is becoming increasingly important to find partners such as Verizon Wireless with whom we create mutually beneficial marketing opportunities.”
“This is a major opportunity to bring Alejandro Sanz, the top selling Spanish artist of all time, closer to the American audience,” said Rosa Lagarrigue, Sanz’s manager.
"Alejandro's tour is certain to be one of the top grossing Spanish language tours of next year," said Allison Winkler, agent at Creative Artists Agency, which represents Sanz. "We are excited about the integrated marketing opportunities with Verizon Wireless.” –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
