The Kings Fool

Another Australian first for Jimmy Barnes

Liberation Music today announced that they will partner with New Found Frequency to launch Jimmy Barnes new album using USB technology: Alive Drive - a cutting edge, new technology delivering exclusive audio, video and image content, along with live updates to fans across the country via the web; all through a branded, USB wristband.

Jimmy Barnes is the first Australian solo artist to use the new format for the much anticipated Tour Edition of the ‘Out In The Blue’ album which also features a full blown concert recorded live at the legendary Playroom on the Gold Coast in 1984.

At the forefront of this technology is Melbourne-based music company New Found Frequency, who are bringing the patented USB wristband and software, otherwise known as Alive Drive, to the technologically savvy Australian marketplace. Alive Drive opens a world of opportunities to both recording artists and record labels with the need for new and clever merchandise to keep fans engaged.

Jimmy Barnes and Liberation were keen to embrace this new format for the re-package of the #1 platinum album ‘Out In The Blue’ album as it allows them to converge Jimmy’s recorded music and bonus content with the live concert experience on one very robust and portable device.

Jimmy commented, “When Liberation contacted me about utilising the new format, I thought the idea was perfect. It allows me to include the new album plus unique and archive audio and video content and then the live concert to round it off…I’m glad we have done it.”

Warren Costello, Managing Director of Liberation Music adds, “This new album project has been incredibly successful and we are very grateful that Jimmy has such a passion for music and a really solid understanding of new technology that allows us to present it to his audience on the newest format available”.

The ‘Out In The Blue’ USB Wristband can be purchased from Jimmy Barnes shows or at select retail outlets.

More about Alive Drive:

Different from a traditional USB device, Alive Drive is a flexi-wristband fully customizable by the client – cover it in logos, images, you name it; it can even become a key ring, necklace pendant or any other mouldable silicon item. Rubber aside, it’s the actual technology that makes this USB drive something out of the ordinary. Plug it into your PC and you’ll load into a world created especially for the company or artist – in this case Jimmy Barnes. Once plugged into an online computer – fresh, exclusive content and up-to-the-minute news are delivered directly to the local drive enabling fans to be updated with the very latest developments. For the fans, they’re ‘in the know’ regarding their favourite groups plus they’ll receive exclusive content only available via Alive Drive. And for the artist/company, this personal connection builds fan loyalty.

As technology evolves, artists and brands are looking for creative ways to promote themselves while connecting with their fans and adding additional revenue streams. With advances in digital media storage, file transfer bandwidths and online streaming, USB wristbands have become extremely popular merchandise items in North America and Europe, alongside the traditional array of CDs, t-shirts and posters. Already artists such as Matchbox Twenty, Ringo Starr and George Michael are utilising the technology. Now it’s Australia’s turn to follow suit.

At the same time that Jimmy embraces new technology for the promotion of his recorded material, he commences his Out In The Blue National Theatre Tour supported by daughter Mahalia Barnes who has also just released her debut album ‘Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates Volume 1’ through the Liberation Music label. *****NEW SHOWS ANNOUNCED FOR MELBOURNE & SYDNEY.

JIMMY BARNES – OUT IN THE BLUE NATIONAL TOUR – 2008

Special guest: Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates

Wed 25 June Canberra Theatre – Canberra ****SOLD OUT****

Thu 27June Settlers – Mildura ****SOLD OUT****

Sat 28 June The Barton Theatre – Adelaide ****SOLD OUT****

Fri 4 July Brisbane Concert Hall - Qpac ****SOLD OUT****

Sat 5 July Empire Theatre – Toowoomba ****SOLD OUT****

Mon 7 July Brolga Theatre - Maryborough: ****SOLD OUT****

Tue 8 July Caloundra RSL - Caloundra:

Thurs 10^th, Sat 12^th & Sun 13^th The Palms at Crown – Melbourne: ****SOLD OUT****

Tues 15 July The Palms at Crown – Melbourne ****NEW SHOW ON SALE NOW

Phone Bookings Ticketek 132 849

On Line www.ticketek.com.au

Wed 16 July Regent Theatre - Wollongong

Phone Bookings Ticketmaster 136 100

www.ticketmaster.com.au

Fri 18 July Newcastle Panthers - Newcastle

Phone Bookings 02 4926 2700

Phone bookings Ticketek 132 849

On Line www.ticketek.com.au or www.moshtix.com.au

Sat 19 July Enmore Theatre – Sydney : ****SOLD OUT****

Sat 26 July Enmore Theatre – Sydney ****NEW SHOW ON SALE NOW

Phone Bookings: Enmore Theatre 02 9550 3666

Phone Bookings Ticketek 132 849

On line: www.ticketek.com.au or www.enmoretheatre.com.au