Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:36
Ever since the 1970s, musicians and bands have been using screen printed clothes as a primary place for promotion. Printed sweatshirts and embroidered fleeces bearing a musicians' branding not only enables fans to show their devotion to the music of their choice, but also provides an important income stream for the band or record label. This is because printed t-shirts and printed polo shirts can provide the perfect platform for a range of designs and slogans, which makes them ideal for the job.
During October, record label EMI Music Publishing announced a new partnership with Sainbury's Tu Clothing. This involves lyrics from some of the most popular songs ever created being emblazoned on printed ladies t-shirts and printed sweatshirts. Music lovers can therefore bear lyrics from pop songs such as Wild Thing by the Troggs and My Girl by the Temptations on their chests. The collection is also part of a wider initiative by the record label to produce products bearing song lyrics, which has so far included board games, posters and greeting cards.
However, music-based screen printed clothes can also be used to generate money for good causes. The Yellow Bird Project is based in Montreal, Canada, and is devoted to recruiting musicians to design their own printed t-shirts. All proceeds from the sale of these printed clothes will go to charities which the musicians have personally selected. This means that fans get a limited edition item of printed clothing which has been designed by their favourite group, while also helping a worthwhile cause at the same time.
Recent bands to participate in the scheme include indie rock group Broken Social Scene, who have created a navy ladies digitally printed t-shirt with Hope for Truth written on it. The group also selected environmental justice organisation Lake Ontario Waterfront as their chosen charity. The Shins opted for Nature Conservancy to benefit from their grey shirt with the image of a man, while British band the Magic Numbers chose the Aids Society to receive the sale proceeds from their embroidered rugby and drill shirts.
A total of 19 bands have designed printed sweatshirts for the project. New acts to get involved in the scheme include Justin Vernon's folk group Bon Iver, who opted for a grey printed t-shirt with an unusual red motif which has been designed by UK artist Eleanor Rudge. All proceeds from the sale of these embroidered polo shirts will go to the women's shelter Interval House. Finally, Canadian rapper K-OS has designed a mint green digitally printed shirt bearing an image of an African woman in support of children's charity ONEXONE.
Whether it is for a good cause or just for promotion, branded screen printed clothing is an important part of musical entertainment. This is because it offers the perfect place for fans of the band or artist to show their allegiance to the music. It can also generate an important income for both established and aspiring musicians, as well as potentially provide funds for good causes too. Overall, the partnership of music and printed clothing always strikes the right note.
