A music website that I have always adored is http://gorillaz.com/ - promoting British virtual band/supergroup, Gorillaz. The fabulous fictional universe of Gorillaz is not only explored through their CGI-based music videos, but also through the website; a place where fans can really indulge in the fascinating and intriguing world of the animated band. Unlike any other I have come across, this website could keep me informed and entertained for hours on end.
The web banner reads 'Gorillaz.com' and beneath is an interactive banner promoting the band's latest 12 minute track and music video 'DoYaThing'. This banner features the Gorillaz logo from the 'Plastic Beach' album and an animated picture of 2D, Murdoc and guest contributors LCD Soundystem's James Murphy and Outkast's André 3000. Although Murphy is animalised and quite unidentifiable, André is still recognisable (depsite his masked face) due to his signature top hat (an element that constructs his regular star-image). The fact that the Outkast rapper possesses a wide fanbase and is more of a worldwide star, means that fans from around the globe that visit the Gorillaz website will most likely acknowledge his guest contribution and become persuaded to listen to the new track...all at the click of a button.
The web banner reads 'Gorillaz.com' and beneath is an interactive banner promoting the band's latest 12 minute track and music video 'DoYaThing'. This banner features the Gorillaz logo from the 'Plastic Beach' album and an animated picture of 2D, Murdoc and guest contributors LCD Soundystem's James Murphy and Outkast's André 3000. Although Murphy is animalised and quite unidentifiable, André is still recognisable (depsite his masked face) due to his signature top hat (an element that constructs his regular star-image). The fact that the Outkast rapper possesses a wide fanbase and is more of a worldwide star, means that fans from around the globe that visit the Gorillaz website will most likely acknowledge his guest contribution and become persuaded to listen to the new track...all at the click of a button.
To the top-right, fans can view broadcasts from Murdoc, Big Rick or 2D as they advertise merchandise, provide comedic band updates and cite links to various portals within the website (e.g. Murdoc's The Fall Pirate Radio Station.) These mini-broadcasts can be perceived as 'sample tweets' since below each broadcast are links to the member's twitter accounts; fans become enticed by the broadcasts and can easily access the band's twitter accounts in order to follow them 24/7. Furthermore, small icons linking fans to the Gorillaz MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and iTunes pages provide an array of online platforms through which the band can market themselves and gain mass exposure (e.g. someone may share a Gorillaz music video on their Facebook page, spreading the band's brand-identity/image). These highly accessible links appeal to a young, tech-savvy demographic/early adopters and allow them to connect with the band even further. On the navigation bar situated at the header of the website, there is an opportunity to register/login as a Gorillaz website member and gain an 'exclusive' status which allows fans to enter special competitions and receive newsletters, thus creating a close, intimate connection between the audience and the band. Moreover, the navigation bar presents various tabs which unveil different portals within the site. For example, G-Player (access to storyboards, games, discography), Mailing List (fans feel 'exclusive') and the Plastic Beach portal which is also advertised on the main body of the homepage; http://gorillaz.com/plasticbeach. The Kong studios-esque interactive "Beachsite" enables fans to escape to the fictional world of Plastic Beach, a concept on which the Gorillaz based their third studio album 'Plastic Beach' (2010) upon. Whenever I listen to this album, I often buy into this 'alternate world' the band aim to create and therefore, the idea of visually portraying this 'alternate world' in which fans can completely immerse themselves in, is ingenious. The 'beachsite' allows you to interact with almost everything, revealing band artwork, an entertaining online Plastic Beach adventure game, a chatbox to engage in virtual conversation with band members, song downloads and overall, allowing visitors to thoroughly explore the island.
Back on the homepage, there a various links to more Gorillaz-themed games, comedy sketches and the band's discography. Additionally, there is a news banner which keeps fans updated on all-things Gorillaz as well as promoting Damon Albarn's new musical project 'Dr Dee'. This is an opportunity for Albarn to attract attention to his other work and enables Gorillaz fans to gain a broader outlook on Albarn's various talents and incredible versatility as he is undoubtedly becoming one of the most influential and powerful musicians of his generation.
At the footer of the website, there are links to tour dates, mailing list registration and legal information such as terms and conditions, privacy and safety. Lastly, the iconic Gorillaz logo is illustrated in the bottom right-hand corner - an essential component which features on most band websites in order to create a recurring visual 'motif' and to increase brand awareness.
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