Indie Music Chooses WP7: Spotlight on Itchy Metal Entertainment

WindowsPhone 7

"WP7 isn’t only a more affordable solution but also an immediate productivity enhancer. It’s become our primary device for almost all business functions that previously required a laptop,” states Ed Fassio, CEO of Itchy Metal.

Feb 04, 2011 – When independent heavy metal label “Itchy Metal Entertainment” launched in late 2010, the company intended to leverage technology to the fullest. From inception, the strategy was to enable a fully mobile staff through the social media platform.

Initially using a combination of Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Blogger, IME quickly extended the company brand and global footprint. The combined SM providers allowed the label to instantly create and share real-time content from geographically dispersed sources and maintain the critical ability to capture and interact with an ever-increasing fan base.

In addition, IME utilizes cloud services for document and content management needs across its own employees and the artist roster. E-mail is still leveraged, but those communications are increasingly being supplemented and even replaced through FB chats, wall posts, shorter direct messages, text and chat messaging.

Digital distribution is handled through iTunes; Twitter managed through RSS bots and video content is published via YouTube and Vimeo which are simultaneously interlinked with IME’s Social Media accounts. IME also utilizes several analytics and web-charting tools to keep track of site traffic, online buzz and monitor brand growth for both company and artists.To further promote web presence and strengthen search engine results, IME is migrating to WordPress as the web-platform of choice for the company’s official website due to its strong SEO and SM integration.

As the label executives, employees and individual artists are constantly on the move, IME’s mobility vendor had to be reliable, affordable, super-efficient and allow for business-level integration across familiar software applications.

After evaluating competing platforms such as the Apple iPhone and Google’s Android offerings, Itchy Metal came to the conclusion that Windows Phone 7 was a natural choice for the following reasons:

• Strong familiarity with MS Office applications and the need for integrated cloud services
• Faster access to info updates without having to launch applications: via Windows Tiles
• A global development platform for exploring future business-specific applications
• Hardware that supports mobile image, audio and video content creation in HD Formats

“We’re moving at the speed of light while at the same time, having to remain budget conscious within the current economic climate. WP7 isn’t only a more affordable solution but also an immediate productivity enhancer. It’s become our primary device for almost all business functions that previously required a laptop,” states Ed Fassio, CEO of Itchy Metal.

ITCHY METAL ENTERTAINMENT - COMPANY QUICK FACTS:

•   Launched November 2010
•   Grew 1000% in 7 weeks
•   Went international in 10 weeks
•   100% Mobile Workforce
•   Utilizes Social Media for promo, distro, company communications
•   Manages 7 geographically dispersed business partners
•   Creates, owns and maintains 1000+ web profiles across 24 separate brands
•   Total Staff 12. Daily Operations Staff 3.
•   Uses Google Docs, Windows Live & MobileMe Cloud Services for doc & content management
•   Preferred mobile device:  Microsoft Windows Phone 7

www.itchymetal.com
http://about.me/heavymetalworld

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Heavy Metal-World™ is a new media agency HQ’ed in Los Angeles, CA comprised of industry experts and developed in early 2008 as an innovative way to market, manage, promote and distribute new media and independent music by leveraging emerging platforms and partners. Recently acquired by HMW, Itchy Metal Entertainment is a Las Vegas, NV based music production company specializing in artist development, talent scouting, music recording, producing and distribution.

Heavy Metal-World™ is devoted to re-engineering the relationship between artist and label. Through IME Records, HMW's mission is to craft a common vision for success and is dedicated to finding artists that share our passion for creativity.

Born to Rock...

I recently had lunch with a veteran of the music industry, during which he gifted me his latest book. It was autographed with a nice inscription simply stating: "Music makes the world go 'round."

Later that afternoon I got to thinking about this statement a bit more and it wasn't until I broke open the first few pages of the book that I came across two awesome quotes, which I felt compelled to share:

THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT
"I don't think true musicians, actors and artists have any choice." - k.d. lang

THE HEART OF THE MATTER 

"You have to love music for itself. If you get into it because it's cool or want to be like whoever the current person is that year, then it won't last, and you're taking up everybody else's time. - Suzanne Vega

Now, if you're reading this and consider yourself in the artist category, then these statements may deeply resonate. Unfortunately, we must also know the reality that there is a large population famous in their own minds.

And why wouldn't they want to be? After all, we live in a world which honors those on stage as the extraordinary, the gifted, the super-humans. Because of their ability to captivate, entertain and inspire, these folks command admiration and gain wide-spread acceptance throughout an otherwise prejudiced planet. The saying is true: Everybody loves a star.

That's cool. But it's interesting to keep in mind that some of the very best of these individuals are just being themselves.  Let that sink in a bit...

So for all those with similar aspirations, please be aware: You're either a rockstar or you aren't - and us normal folks can usually tell the difference even if you and your mom can't.

Thanks Mr. B for the great book (MUSIC smarts by Mr. Bonzai).

Faith, Focus and Heavy Metal

CONTROL THE CHAOS 2010

**Author note: "Control the Chaos" is one of the most recognizable young metal bands on the west coast indie music scene. I have the privilege of managing the group, guiding their careers and as a parent, helping shape their lives..."

People often ask how a group of teenagers were able to go from playing their high-school talent show to making national buzz, achieving notable online relevance, opening for major acts at premier venues and recording in the same studio as Pink Floyd and Slipknot…all within a little over two years of assembly.

Truth be told, it takes hard work. More than that, it’s a ton of self-discipline, dedication and continues to be the result of a phenomenal support network of amazing people. Okay, so all of those things are commonly stated in any success story right? True, but the band isn’t really a success yet. At least, not by traditional definition. CTC’s got a great foundation, but we always have to aim higher.

The reality is that everything we’ve done to make “Control the Chaos” a recognizable name in metal circles across multiple areas was a calculated risk. At times, a massive wager that requires an unprecedented amount of faith in ourselves, and definitely a Higher power.

In life, you’ll tend to find that most of us are conditioned to routine. We have a mental set of expectations that have been implanted since infancy. Things like school, career, marriage, kids and realizing the American dream (or chasing it). These ideals are nice. In fact, they’re very powerful. They’re also deeply embedded. That’s why whenever anyone decides to pave their own path there’s always the politics to contend with and BS to endure. It’s not so easily done, nor is it widely endorsed. Hence, making it unique, interesting and special. Or in other words, crazy. For most people, that’s just too uncomfortable.

Think about it: Chase your dreams? Get your head out of the clouds!! Quit your job? Have fun being homeless! Start up a heavy metal band? Are you on crack?!?! We’ve heard all of these things, even said them to ourselves at times. Still, the incessant desire for success and the pure joy we get out of doing this far outweighs any of the negative comments or side-effects.

The true key of being successful at anything including our music is that we are fully invested and uncompromising in our efforts to achieve our goals.

Quoting one of our own lyrics “This road is never easy.” (CTC’s “Blackened Sunrise” ©2009) Sacrifice? You bet. But scared? Never.

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