Friday, July 01, 2011

8953: Draftfcb Celebrates Black Music Month.


This Draftfcb Press Release announced a Black Music Month celebration sponsored by the agency’s Black Employee Network. Draftfcb has a Black Employee Network? Where’s the press release on that? Hey, did parent company IPG celebrate Black Music Month by announcing Steve Stoute’s imminent departure?

MEDIA AND MUSIC MAVENS LAURENCE BOSCHETTO AND RYAN LESLIE CELEBRATE BLACK MUSIC MONTH

NEW YORK, Jun 30, 2011

Music producer, songwriter, recording artist and social media trailblazer Ryan Leslie shared the secrets to his grassroots success at a Draftfcb New York-sponsored Black Music Month celebration last night. Leslie, who was the producer and driving force behind “Cassie” who many consider the first internet pop star, told some 200 attendees how MySpace helped him attract a loyal consumer base that has blossomed via additional social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.



“I love the Internet because the metrics are very real,” said Leslie, who graduated from Harvard University at the young age of 19 and worked tirelessly to create content to promote his music. He silenced the naysayers who thought consumers would have no interest in wanting to know mundane details of his daily life. Instead, the connection created via social channels created a tremendously loyal bond with Leslie’s fans.



Draftfcb CEO and President Laurence Boschetto, who introduced Leslie at the event sponsored by the agency’s Black Employee Network, praised Leslie for monetizing social media. “I appreciate how deeply music resonates with consumers and how marketers can leverage those connections to sell their brands,” Boschetto said.



After leading an appreciative audience in a few verses of songs from the past, Boschetto pointed out how deep connections to music make lasting impressions. Musicians, added Boschetto, have long called consumers to action. Leslie, he said, is a strong voice today.



Leslie’s company NextSelection has helped brands including Lexis and Adidas build conversations with consumers.



Both executives urged attendees to find inspiration from those around them and to never give up the pursuit of their dreams. They encouraged the audience to fight for equality in their personal and professional lives, arguing that no one should be discriminated based on their race, religion, sexuality or gender.



“Tonight is really about diversity and inclusion,” said Boschetto. “We are trying to change things up a little. We are trying to create a unified whole because that should be the natural order of things. Perhaps music and social media are the platforms for our unified collective.”



The evening also included an inspired performance by two-time Emmy award winning artists Nuttin' But Stringz.



About Draftfcb

With its foundation based upon the equal principles of creativity and accountability, Draftfcb is the first global, fully integrated marketing communications agency to operate against a single P&L with one unified management team and no silos. The agency is driven by a singular focus on consumer behavior as expressed by its proprietary 6.5 Seconds That MatterSM operating system, which recognizes the brief period of time marketers have to capture consumers’ attention through creative executions that inspire them to act. The Draftfcb network spans 161 offices in 96 countries and employs more than 9,200 people.

No comments: