>__> Ohai. I just noticed that daigong mentioned me in the JPHiP newsletter.
I skimmed through this thread... Great ideas everyone! \
/
I'm really not sure how much time I can devote to "spearheading" this, but I'll help out however I can. Here's some thoughts:
The thing is, while trying to convert as many fans where you are is fine, I'm just thinking that still won't give the US fanbase the oomph it needs to bring h&A back to the states. I feel that US h&A fans are spread thin across the country. There needs to be at least a central, strong fanbase in the states on which h&A can consistently rely for a good concert turnout.
How do we build this fanbase? We have to figure out which target markets to focus our efforts.
Japanophiles? J-fashion fans? Pop fans? Rock fans? Asians? The lesbian community? ^_^;; Which of these groups would pay to see h&A? (and who has the most disposable income?
)
Off the top of my head, some angles to use to market h&A to these different target markets:
Japanophiles, Asians, anime fans - use the hangry and angry cartoon mascots to pull people in. I personally thought Gashicon's characters are strange and fascinating to begin with... why not go with it? Go guerrilla and spread h&A comics around in postcard or sticker format. Include a URL for a site (a US h&A fansite?) that will give curious visitors more info about the homicidal kitties and and then introduce them to h&A, the band.
Places to distribute promo materials: all relevant conventions (anime, gaming, cosplay), Japanese or other international festivals, Asian gift/toy shops you would most likely find in areas with a high concentration of Asians.
Music fans - h&A has a relatively small repertoire, and this might be a bit of a hindrance. Still, we can still push their popular singles like KMKM and Sadistic Dance. Try to get your local radio stations to play a single! Request request request! Spam their websites! Make them curious enough to look up h&A. College radio stations might be more easily accessible. Some bigger stations might have a show that showcases local/indie talent; push h&A onto that show. Be persistent. Get a lot of people to help you.
Places to distribute promo materials: Local college radio stations. You'll often find them at local street festivals, or at involvement fairs on their own campus. You can even try local concert venues. Slap h&A stickers wherever permissible. Put up h&A comics in the bathroom stalls at the venues!
The Lesbian Community - LOL Just a thought.
We could push the image of two sexy female Japanese artists who have sapphic tendencies. :B Instead of using the cartoon mascots, show off the lovely ladies of h&A. Sure, it'll be like going the t.A.t.u route, but so what? It will get attention.
Places to distribute promo materials: lesbian bars/dance clubs, GLBT bookstores/giftshops, GLBT specialty shops, sex shops? (LOL), Pride festivals...
So there you go. Any feedback is appreciated.