These guys are fresh. Maybe it’s because I still draw on my days in a hip-hop-rock band and still love the genre (Gym Class Heroes, Atmosphere rocking with a live band, etc). Today I got wind that Shinobi Ninja, a hip-hop hybrid from Brooklyn New York has released an iPhone app / game that takes fans right into the action of the group.
I just copped the app for $.99, a sale that is going on this week for the release. Once you download you can play as any of the ninjas, Maniac Mike, Baby Girl, Da, DJ Axis, Adriano Morez or Terminator Dave and battle through the crowd on your way to Club Babalyon in jam packed 8-bit action. Along the way players beat up evil hipsters, knock down douchebags from the Jersey Shore, and subdue angry subway riders, as they earn points and treasure (love that you can kick some Jersey Shore ass).
Some kickers – when you download the app you also get some 4 tracks and 2 videos from the group.
One of the features that can really be a big player is the GPS Navigation. According to the press release:
“Shinobi Ninja Attacks†also rewards fans for making the real world journey to a Shinobi Ninja show. The app uses smartphone GPS capability to locate concertgoers who have installed the app, so they can be further rewarded over-the-air (OTA) with more free music and other promotions.
This is a great way to add value to your music and create a new income stream. When looking at marketing your music, having an app like this connects with the fans on so many levels that goes beyond songs on a disc. You really do create an emotional band with the fans and bring them into your world for a few minutes.
There is going to be a stripped down free version of the app and after this week, you will need to shell out $3.99 for the app. With developers taking a 70% cut of the sale, that works out better than an a full length album on a major label.
For those wondering, the app was developed by Shinobi Ninja Video Game, Llc., a partnership of Shinobi Ninja and Heard Games, “Shinobi Ninja Attacks†was designed and animated by Interabang Entertainment, with software programming by Cerulean Games.
For more on Shinobi Ninja
-Greg
