(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
The House of Blues has developed a new online program, “Ones To Watch,” that will highlight developing artists and offer free downloads, artist interviews, photos, bios and more of five new artists every quarter.
The site, www.hob.com/onestowatch, will also give music fans a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process undertaken by lesser known artists in an effort to gain recognition for their music.
While this was a grassroots initiative and collaborative effort within the company, it was spearheaded by Jim Cannella, director of Corporate Partnerships (oversees execution of sponsored tour properties and fulfillment of our sponsorship agreements), and Jesse Ervin, music marketing manager (works with labels to obtain content for our HOBTV, online marketing and sweepstakes, strategic partnerships, etc.).
"It's great to finally see a company founded on music putting its money where its mouth is,” said Vonyse, a soul artist from Indianapolis one of the first of the original five currently featured as a “Ones To Watch.”
In addition to Vonyse, the inaugural group of artists includes Willie King, a 63-year-old Alabama bluesman; The Procussions, a Denver-based hip-hop trio; Shurman, a Los Angeles based alt-country act who sold more than 20,000 records from the back of their van and Yerba Buena, an Afro-Cuban dance collective.
In conjunction to accessing the website, music fans will get to know “Ones To Watch” artists through House of Blues’ first foray into podcasting. “The Artist Experience” podcast–available on iTunes and other podcast engines– shares in-depth interviews with the five featured artists.
“We are so excited to be part of House of Blues ‘Ones To Watch’ program,” says Aaron Beavers of Shurman. “This is a great way to find out about new bands and to connect with those folks who are going out to enjoy
Previously, the House of Blues Emerging Artist of the Month program recognized artists still in the early stages of their careers like like Kanye West, Linkin Park, Coldplay, Radiohead, Travis, Gavin DeGraw, Musiq, Hoobastank, O.A.R. and New Found Glory. They started out playing small gigs at House of Blues club venues and in many cases, graduated to achieve amphitheatre and arena status. — Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
