Band websites serve several purposes: to generate new fans, engage existing fans, promote the artist, and construct a brand identity. Key elements that should be included are latest news, tour dates, behind-the-scenes content, social networks, merchandise store, media like photos and videos, band biography, community forums, and a mailing list. Effective band websites use design elements like colors, images, and layouts to convey the genre of music and brand identity. They also prominently feature social media connections to engage fans.

1. Band Websites

2. What’s the
purpose?• Generate new fans.
• Keep existing fans engaged.
• Promote the artist
• Construct and consolidate a brand identity

3. What should be included?
• Latest news
• Shows, events and tour dates
• Behind the scene stuff and social networks
• Merchandise: online store
• Media: pictures, videos and podcasts
• Story and bio: about the band and members
• Community Forum
• Mailing list/Newsletter system

4. The textured background make the content stand out on
this website for a dueling piano bar. Dates of upcoming
shows are clearly shown and the genre is fully apparent.

5. The mise-en-scene here helps suggest what type of music the artist produces and also
signifies the brand identity. The watercolor effect, along with a neutral color palette, creates
a warm, inviting feeling for this artists website, and gives you an indication of their style of
music.
Social media is prevalent on this website with the ability to connect with the artist on
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

6. TASK 1
In your blogs make notes on the following
websites.
http://www.brunomars.com/uk/
http://www.onedirectionmusic.com/gb/home/
http://www.youmeatsix.co.uk/
What features do they include?
How are they interactive?
Do they signify the genre of music? How?

7. TASK 2
Using the website www.wix.com have a go at
creating your own band website. This is only a
mock up for skills development purposes.
Embed your website mock-up into your blog and
create a mini analysis of it – how successful is it?
How could you improve it? What skills have you
developed?