The marketing challenges faced by Stanley Simmons, the singer-songwriter duo consisting of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s sons, Evan and Nick

Episode 689: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast discussed the marketing challenges faced by Stanley Simmons, the singer-songwriter duo consisting of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s sons, Evan and Nick. Michael and Blasko explored how the band’s decision to use their famous parents’ last names creates preconceived notions among KISS fans who expect heavy metal music, while Stanley Simmons actually produces acoustic folk-style songs more similar to Simon and Garfunkel. They debated whether they should have used a different band name to avoid these expectations and potential haters, or whether they should embrace their heritage while acknowledging the marketing difficulties it presents. The conversation also touched on how the band has handled their career independently without financial support from their famous fathers, releasing their album on vinyl and CD first before making it available on digital platforms, and performing small club tours while auctioning off personal KISS memorabilia to fund their own production.

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Michael Brandvold is a freelance music industry consultant based in Northern California. Having launched Michael Brandvold Marketing to leverage his years of experience to provide direction to large and small clients in the areas of online & social marketing as well as e-commerce and customer acquisition and retention.

Gene Simmons of KISS 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 KISS, ACCEPT, SOiL, Tantric, Killer Dwarfs, Dream Theater, Little Caesar, Narada Michael Walden, Motley Crüe, Rod Stewart, Madonna, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna and Britney Spears to name only a few.

If you are interested in speaking with Michael about what he can do to assist with your marketing needs contact him online at

email: me (at) mikebrandvold.com

website: www.MichaelBrandvold.com