The Black Keys have flipped the look and improved the usability of features on their official website: http://theblackkeys.com
The full site has taken on the now ubiquitous new Cooper Black font and colour scheme. I’m thinking we’re all going to get pretty bored of the ‘This is a website/t-shirt/video etc” attitude pretty soon since its so heavy handed explaining everything. Less could may be more.
The new look had been present on the ‘splash page’ before you get to the true Home page for some weeks. Now the site proper has had the transformation.
The Store is much better integrated into the site now. It doesn’t simply link to Music Today anymore. Apparently all merch is now being hosted over at bravado.com for online purchase.
The Mobile Sign Up is a new introduction and reflects the changing needs of fans to stay in touch.
Strangely, the site still doesn’t have an obvious RSS feed to subscribe from. The Black Keys Fan Lounge first noted this in April 2008. So strange since this is the best way for fans to be kept up to date of new Tour Dates in their area.
Hopefully there will also be multiple song options to play ala MySpace. See this feature at the top left of the page
The site is generally looking for a lot more user interaction. Not necessarily new features like comments on Tour dates, but rather it’s just more seamless.
The rating of the Photos is simple but it would be great to be able to buy them as posters or do something more. The bands Manager John Peets is after all a noted photographer.
The Videos are simply a replication of the content on the new band YouTube channel.
The Forum has also re-surfaced after being un-ceremoniouly dumped last August. Strange.
Of course the Facebook page link gets a big push. Who could start a band without it now days? Poor old MySpace no longer gets a look in.
Even though Facebook gets a big push, there is no use of Social Bookmarks where fans can share news to Facebook, MySpace, StumbleUpon and other bookmarking sites. The band’s fan base is tech-savvy enough surely to appreciate these features. Maybe the whole aim is just to get people to do an email sign up and build a customer base that way. Bookmarking though would be complimentary.
Interestingly, the Links page has gone. Where’s the love?
Of all the fan interactions possible, they all seem one way. Not really an interaction. You are asked to do something but not really getting anything back. Except now its just a lot easier to buy all things that you are being encouraged to purchase.
What would be best is if record companies created some widgets that would link to their online stores so fans with blogs could promote people to buy the album. Maybe even give a referral commission on any sales. So easy and every one would be on side.
Artist sites have moved on and everyone should be looking to someone like http://www.djshadow.com/ for inspiration for what is possible whilst keeping things real.
Seems there have been many changes of heart in the last 6 months. Maybe it was all planned. At least everything now just works. No doubt there will be many new features added or improved in coming weeks.
Related posts:
- The Black Keys Fan Lounge on MySpace
- The Black Keys and The Black Keys Fan Lounge on Google Plus
- The Black Keys Facebook
- The Black Keys Forum – New Message Board
- The Black Keys: Blues Rock or Rock and Roll?
Want to discuss The Black Keys with other fans? Check out The Black Keys Fan Lounge Forum here
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[...] ever, you know a new album is soon to be released when The Black Keys flips its website to a new look. Pat’s brother Michael Carney had developed the graphic look which was also used for the [...]
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