-‘Ones to Watch with Skype’ to Connect Fans with Artists, Such As Walk Off the Earth –
Palo Alto, CA – February 6, 2014 – Today, Skype announced a new collaboration with House of Blues Entertainment, a division of Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) to enhance the Ones to Watch platform. “Ones to Watch with Skype” is a unique integration that offers music fans direct access to musicians on the verge of becoming household names. As part of this, Skype will enhance the artist-fan relationship in ways never before seen by offering fans the ability to stay connected with the next wave of top bands. While on the road, participating artists will share stories, tips and exclusive backstage photos directly with their fans over Skype features such as IM chats, Skype Video Calls and Video Messages.
“Working with artists on the cusp of stardom gives Skype’s users up close access as these musicians reach the next level,” said Jaclyn Lee-Joe, Director of Audience, Marketing & Broadcast Media, Skype. “Ones to Watch with Skype is transforming the fan and artist relationship by allowing fans to play a part in the process by shaping, recreating and sharing their music experience in new ways.”
“Live Nation continues to innovate ways to help fans discover new artists,” Russell Wallach, President Live Nation Media and sponsorship. “Designed to find up and coming acts, House of Blues’ Ones to Watch with Skype enables young bands to create deeper connections with their fans and share their collective love of music and exclusive content through this exciting partnership.”
Skype’s involvement in Ones to Watch is part of the brand’s long-standing support of music and its commitment to reach passionate music fans. Building on previous collaborations with Live Nation, like the 2013 Budweiser Made in America Festival and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Ball, Skype is once again connecting fans with what matters most to them – family, friends and with the musicians they love. The collaboration will kick off with a special Skype video call that allows one of Ones To Watch’s most prominent bands, Walk Off The Earth, to interact with influential musical act, Stockholm-based The Hives. The Skype video call between the two bands, which recently took place, removed the physical borders while Walk off the Earth learned about The Hives’ experience as they went from the next-big thing to rock royalty in the US.
Offering direct, intimate involvement and fan participation
“It’s amazing that through a Skype video call, we can have a killer opportunity to connect with and talk to The Hives about their experience as a once-emerging band who has made it big,” said Gianni Luminati, Walk Off The Earth. “We’re thrilled to be a part of the House of Blues’ Ones to Watch program and we’re looking forward to using Skype to connect with our fans.”
During “Ones To Watch with Skype,” House of Blues and Skype will grant fans unparalleled access to “must see” musicians in the following ways:
Sharing the experience
o Skype will use video calls and Group Video Calls to interview artists during Ones to Watch
o Skype will use Group IM to distribute exclusive information and photos throughout the concert series
Offering direct, intimate involvement and fan participation
o Skype will allow fans to submit their favorite artists question, via Skype Video Message, that may be asked during an exclusive interview
o Selected fans will participate in a Group IM chat with their favorite Ones to Watch artists, as well as other fans during Artist Group Chats.
A video highlighting the video call between Walk Off The Earth and The Hives will be featured on www.OnesToWatch.com/Skype. Skype and Live Nation will develop additional programs with Ones to Watch artists throughout the concert series, further enabling fans’engagement and participation, which will be announced throughout the year. To learn more about Skype’s involvement in Ones to Watch, visit www.OnesToWatch.com/Skype.
About Skype
Skype is communications software whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they’re apart. Founded in 2003, Skype is a division of Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT). Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free at www.skype.com.
About Live Nation
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of four market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Artist Nation Management and Live Nation Media/Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.LiveNationEntertainment.com.
Editorial Contacts:
Bob Friedland, Kaplow for Skype, 212-221-1713, [email protected]
Demetra Airaudi, Skype PR, 650-799-9358, [email protected]
Demetra Airaudi, Skype PR, 650-799-9358, [email protected]
Jacqueline Peterson, Live Nation Entertainment, 310-360-3051 [email protected]
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