Download a FREE Copy of My Book KISS School of Marketing: 11 Lessons I Learned While Working With KISS

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Michael Brandvold

I am excited to announce the release of my first ebook, “KISS School of Marketing: 11 Lessons I Learned While Working With KISS.” The book is available in both English and Japanese. This book expands on the 2011 article I wrote that outlined 10 lessons I learned from working with KISS. The original article was even re-posted by Gene Simmons on his official website. This expanded book includes one additional lesson and a special encore chapter contributed by Steve Jones, author of the book rand Like A Rock Star: Lessons from Rock ‘n Roll to Make Your Business Rich and Famous. In addition I have added some of my favorite photos that I have taken of KISS over the years and some interview quotes by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley provided by the original interviewer.

“It’s a valuable primer for artists who are looking to break into the music business and crack the code as to how to make it work for them. You offer a lively mix of truisms and business wisdom, succinctly presented and artfully packaged.” - Chris Lendt, Vice President Glickman/Marks KISS’ former business manager had this to say about KISS School of Marketing

“Michael Brandvold takes you behind the make-up to reveal the brilliant marketing and business strategies that made KISS the most well-branded band in history. You’ll love this ebook.” — Steve Jones, Brand Like A Rock Star: Lessons from Rock ‘n Roll to Make Your Business Rich and Famous

To get your free copy submit your email address below, confirm your subscription and you will receive a link for the download. Of course you are free at any time to unsubscribe, and still keep your copy of “KISS School of Marketing: 11 Lessons I Learned While Working With KISS.”

Join the Michael Brandvold Marketing email list OR send a tweet to get your free copy!

Download your copy, in English or Japanese, of KISS School of Marketing: 11 Lessons I Learned While Working With KISS now!

OR, send a tweet and get a free download of KISS School of Marketing: 11 Lessons I Learned While Working with KISS. Just click the Tweet2Download button.

kiss-school-of-marketing. ..

KISS School of Marketing: 11 Lessons I Learned While Working With KISS

Lesson 1: All Press Is Good Press
Lesson 2: Love Me or Hate Me, Just Spell My Name Right
Lesson 3: Wait For The Right Time
Lesson 4: It’s All Branding
Lesson 5: Not Everything You Do Will Succeed
Lesson 6: Treat The Media With Respect
Lesson 7: Listen To Your Fans, You Work For Them
Lesson 8: “The Secret To Success Is To Offend The Greatest Number of People”
Lesson 9: If You Don’t Ask For It, You Won’t Get It
Lesson 10: Separate Business And Pleasure
Lesson 11: They Aren’t Afraid To Change Their Minds
The Encore: Create And Name Your Tribe

Thank you to Kenji Maeda for the translation.

Content Marketing 360 Talks with Michael Brandvold: 7 Marketing Lessons From KISS

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Michael Brandvold

Listen to
internet radio with Next Stage Media Group on Blog Talk Radio

They are undeniably one of the most recognizable bands in rock ‘n roll. They have a loyal following rivaled by many and have sustained their image over four decades. KISS is a branding and marketing powerhouse and our guest on this episode of Content Marketing 360, has had the opportunity to work first hand with this amazing band. Michael Brandvold, Michael Brandvold Marketing, joins host Pamela Muldoon to share the seven marketing lessons we can all learn from the rock band, KISS. Gene Simmons first tapped Michael’s skills as a pioneering online marketing strategist to launch and manage all aspects of Kissonline.com’s multi-million dollar enterprise, including their ground-breaking VIP ticket program. Michael has also managed the online efforts for Motley Crüe, Rod Stewart, Madonna, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna and Britney Spears among others. What can you learn about marketing for your business from the rock band KISS? Plenty. Tune in to find out more! Content Marketing 360 Radio Show is only on Next Stage Online Radio, part of Next Stage Media Group.

10 Lessons I Learned from KISS at their School of Marketing

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Michael Brandvold

Gene Simmons and the KISS Coffin

Update: Download a free copy of my ebook KISS School of Marketing: 11 Lessons I Learned While Working with KISS.

I am a KISS fan, going back to 1976 when my mom first bought me Rock N’ Roll Over. I remember taking heat in the late 70s at school for liking the band, I heard the phrase “KISS sucks” more than a few times. It also took a lot of courage to wear a KISS t-shirt to school at the time… you became a instant target. I grew up with KISS and their marketing has clearly been a influence on me and business growth. I often tell people I went to the Gene Simmons School of Marketing.

In 1998 I landed a dream job for a KISS fan, I was personally recruited by Gene Simmons to build and manage the band’s new website, www.Kissonline.com. I spent the next seven years working inside the KISS world. I was associated with much of their merchandising, including helping guide and develop items such as Kissoploy and the $1000 a ticket Platinum VIP Meet and Greet packages. I was there during the 3D Psycho Circus Tour, the Farewell Tour, the rotating replacement of Peter Criss and Ace Frehley. I received RIAA Gold album plaques for my involvement in the release of the Psycho Circus album, The Box Set album and the DVD release of KISS Symphony.

Love them or hate them, there is absolutely no denying the influence that KISS has had on the music industry. KISS in the course of their 36 year career have sold over 100 million albums, has over 2,500 product licenses (coffins, condoms and credit cards), Gene reportedly earns $100,000 for a speaking engagement and don’t forget the longest celebrity reality series on TV, Gene Simmons Family Jewels. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley get it when it comes to business.

Here are 10 Lessons I Learned from KISS at their School of Marketing:

1. All press is good press. – Going back to the very beginnings of the band they were trashed by the press. Check out this quote, “I HOPE THE FOUR GUYS WHO MAKE UP THE GROUP, WHOSE NAMES DON’T MATTER, ARE PUTTING MONEY FOR THE FUTURE, BECAUSE KISS WON’T BE AROUND LONG.” – SEATTLE DAILY TIMES, MAY 27, 1974. If you believe in what you are doing, in your music… don’t worry about the press. Everybody is a critic, everybody has a opinion.

2. Love me or hate me just spell my name right. – This lesson is closely associated to lesson #1. Make sure they spell your name right, even in bad press. Today you want to make sure they have your URL correct. Continue reading →

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley on 93X KXXR Minnesota – Vintage Audio

Posted on February 6, 2011 by Michael Brandvold

Digging through my collection of audio clips here is a file to enjoy. I will be posting many of the files I have gathered over the last 15 years. Please leave comments and let me know what you think.

Exact date of this interview is not know, but it would be after the reunion tour sometime in 1997. Gene and Paul are live in the studio promoting the release of the soon to be released album Carnival of Souls. Listen to Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley read traffic reports for Minneapolis and St. Paul, tell jokes and much more.

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS live in the studio at 93X KXXR Minnesota. – 41 Minutes

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Paul Stanley Performing with Chris Isaak on The Chris Issak Show

Posted on January 3, 2011 by Michael Brandvold

The Chris Isaak Show Season 2 Episode 15, Just Us Kids

Chris throws his first party, and Yola’s dog compromises her love life. Meanwhile, Anson’s dad reluctantly lets him teach a music class at college. Guest starring Paul Stanley from Kiss.

Audio of Paul Stanley from KISS performing I Want Your Love with Chris Isaak.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed