Debut CD's Fate In The Hand's Of Fans

Miami, FL. (Top40 Charts/ BinaryStar Music) - Latin Pop/Rock band ArenAzul have taken an interesting approach for their first CD release. They are calling on their fans to help raise funds for the manufacturing of the 'Mas Que Tu Amigo' ('More Than A Friend') CD by pre-ordering a copy.
In just six months, the band has built a steady following of global fans that are not just wild about the band's music, but feel genuinely connected to the band members. Each musician takes his time to comment on a fan's personal page at the band's official site. They schedule group chats, have band MSN Messenger & AIM accounts, connect with fans by micro-blogging via Twitter, and even offer mobile trivia contests and polls.

'We are in a new age for artists, and I am not just talking about downloads, blogs, email lists. Web2.0 is allowing artists to be accessible to people from all over the world like never before', says bass player Daniel Restrepo. 'The first time someone came up to ask to take their picture with us at a restaurant was insane. I mean the website had been up less than a month', explains drummer Angelo Garrido. This very personable approach to nurturing a fanbase is quickly paying off, as fans promote the band online using widgets, banners and an official email account provided by the band.
'We keep hearing that the CD is dead', says singer Robert Hernandez, 'but our fans are going to prove that statement incorrect.' 'Hey, if the fans want this CD to happen, all they have to do is put up less than the cost of a movie ticket or a value meal at a fast-food restaurant, and it will happen for them', says guitarist Camilo Velandia.

Needless to say, this young, hip band has the right idea as far as marketing themselves. 'If you think about it, in reality, it's all about the fans' says Robert. 'We make music for people to enjoy and to entertain them. Perhaps it's the business model the big record labels created that's dying, not the CD'.

ArenAzul has just kick-started this fundraising campaign and people have already begun to put down their $5. They can keep track of the campaign's progress via a little Goal Thermometer widget posted at the order page. It remains to be seen if the band is successful, but they have a good feeling this CD will be printed in time for the holidays!
For more information on the fundraising effort and for event information, please visit: www.arenazul.com