Thursday, February 19, 2009

''Designer PR'

Public Relations clearly has a chance to set new trends and industry standards.

Marcus Brewster a trend-setter and leader in the PR industry stated in an article featured in the Weekend Argus on December 13,2008,that Public Relations is giving itself a bad name because industry professionals are losing their originality and creativity by following the norms of industry. Maybe this new era of ‘Designer PR’ will breathe new life into PR practitioners and the industry because we now have the opportunity to be trend setters and be leaders of the pack. The obligation of taking this phenomena of ‘Designer PR’ to new frontiers now lies with us, the industry professionals. Our inter-personal relationship and communication skills will know be put to the test. PR belongs in the innovation culture!

South African bands suck?

Home-grown South African bands are emerging on international markets. Bands such as Prime Circle, Seether, Just Jinjer, and Parlotones have acquired local and international fame and is household names in numerous foreign counties. Their music is featured on radio stations and music- televisions internationally. These bands have performed on foreign soil, all with great success!

Seether, formerly known as Saron Gas, has sold over 5 million albums worldwide. Their music was featured as the soundtrack of the film “The Punisher” .Their album “Karma and Effect” debuted at number 8 of the US Billboard 200 album charts and was certified gold in the US and Canada. The biggest selling rock act in South Africa has been Prime Circle in 2003, 2004, and 2005.The band has shared the stage with international greats such as Live, Metallica, The Rasmus, Simple Plan, Collective Soul and Paul Rogers (Bad Company).The Parlatones had tremendous success locally by winning the SAMA award and is touring the UK regularly.
Just Jinger is the best selling SA rock band in history and have toured with U2, Counting Crows and Def Leppard. The band recorded their international debut album with Grammy award winning producer David Bianco.


Having seen two of these bands in action, I can definitely say that their live performances justifies their international status. Local performances of these bands are mostly sold out and our local flavour is all over South African radio stations. With all this said, it is evident that South African bands is definitely a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. Local is most definitely “lekker”.