Are you struggling to get your brand noticed? In today’s competitive landscape, unique, innovative merch is key to standing out. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, the right merch can not only promote your brand but also connect you with fans on a deeper level. At pointblank Music School, we understand the importance of branding and creativity in the music industry, and if you’d like to learn more about promoting your brand, check out our industry-leading music business programs!
Alright, here are 8 unique merch ideas you need for your brand right now:
1. Custom USB Drives: Gone are the days of CDs and cassette tapes. Custom USB drives containing your latest tracks, remixes, or exclusive content are not only practical but also serve as a stylish accessory for your fans. You can get even more creative with this by putting an easter egg on some or all of the USB drives. For example, electronic artist Deadmau5 has released USB drives featuring his iconic mouse head logo, loaded with exclusive tracks, remixes, and behind-the-scenes footage. Similarly, pop star Katy Perry offered USB drives containing special editions of her albums along with unique bonus content during her album releases. To make your USB drives stand out, you can create drives with unique shapes or designs that align with your branding, such as a guitar-shaped drive for a rock band or a retro cassette tape design for an artist with an ’80s influence. Additionally, including exclusive or interactive content, such as virtual meet-and-greets or personalized messages, demos, and music video snippets can further enhance the fan experience.
2. Interactive Merch: Imagine merchandise that goes beyond just clothing or accessories. Interactive merch items like QR code-enabled t-shirts that link to your music or AR-enabled posters can create a truly immersive experience for your fans. For example, The 1975 released a limited-edition box set for their album “Music for Cars” that included a “smart” T-shirt. The shirt had an embedded NFC chip that, when tapped with a smartphone, unlocked exclusive digital content and behind-the-scenes material from the band. To create unique interactive merch, you could incorporate features like NFC chips embedded in clothing that link to exclusive tracks or concert footage when scanned with a smartphone. Also, you could develop interactive posters or art prints with embedded QR codes that unlock special messages or behind-the-scenes content. By combining creativity with technology, you can offer fans not just products, but immersive experiences that extend beyond traditional merchandise.
3. Custom Scratch Loop Packs: Custom scratch loop packs are an innovative and engaging merch item for DJs, offering fans a unique way to interact with the art of DJing. Scratch loops are short, repetitive sound samples designed for DJs to manipulate and scratch during their sets, often forming the basis of dynamic, rhythmic performances. By creating custom scratch loop packs, you can provide your audience with exclusive, personalized content that can be used for practice, remixing, or just enjoying a piece of your signature sound. For example, DJ Qbert has released various scratch loop packs, giving fans access to his distinctive cuts and techniques. Similarly, DJ Shadow and The Scratch Perverts have also offered exclusive scratch loops in their merchandise lines. To make these packs even more special, you can include loops inspired by your most popular tracks, incorporate fans’ names or personal shout-outs, or create themed loops tied to special events or releases. By doing so, you not only offer a product but also create an interactive experience that enhances their fans’ connection to their craft.
4. Collaboration Merch: Partnering with other artists or brands to create collaborative merch can expand your reach and introduce your music to new audiences. Think outside the box and collaborate on items like custom sneakers, watches, or even skateboards. A notable example is Travis Scott’s partnership with McDonald’s, which produced a special “Travis Scott Meal” packaging and branded merchandise, including apparel and accessories that played off the fast-food theme. Try linking with a local artist who shares the same values and style as you. This will expose your brand to a whole new audience and visa-versa. Everybody wins!
5. DIY Merch Kits: Empower your fans to get creative with DIY merch kits. Include materials like iron-on patches, stickers, or fabric markers so they can personalize their own merchandise and show their support for your brand in a unique way. Take rapper Mac Miller, who offered a DIY kit with blank caps and custom patches for fans to design their own hats. To make DIY kits truly unique, artists can include exclusive elements like limited-edition stickers, themed templates, or special instructions from the artist themselves. Not only will your fans be able to express their individuality and relationship with your music, but this also opens up a lane for UGC (user generated content) and contests. Fans can create content about them making their DIY merch which you could then also use to create a digital contest for your fans to participate in, which is just free promotion for you. Be intentful with your merch.
6. Lighters: What’s one thing people are always asking others for at parties, concerts, festivals, etc? Lighters! Lighters are a distinctive and practical item that virtually anyone can use. They often feature custom designs that reflect the artist’s brand or iconic imagery. For instance, rapper Snoop Dogg has released lighters branded with his signature style and logos, while rock legends AC/DC have offered lighters adorned with their classic album artwork. Unique ways to elevate lighters as merch include incorporating LED lights or built-in mini speakers that play snippets of the artist’s music. Another approach is to create lighters with customizable elements, such as engraving fans’ names or significant dates related to the artist’s career. Offering limited-edition lighters featuring exclusive artwork or messages tied to specific tours or album releases can also make them coveted collector’s items. By adding these personal touches, you can turn a simple accessory into a memorable piece for your fan, enhancing the connection and making the merch experience more interactive.
7. Sustainable Merchandise: Show your commitment to the environment by offering sustainable merchandise made from recycled materials or eco-friendly products. From organic cotton t-shirts to biodegradable phone cases, eco-conscious merch can resonate with environmentally-conscious fans. For example, Billie Eilish has led the charge in sustainable merch with her line of clothing made from organic cotton and recycled materials, and the band Metallica has offered T-shirts and tote bags made from recycled fabrics as part of their commitment to environmental causes. To create truly distinctive sustainable merch, you can explore options like biodegradable phone cases, reusable water bottles, or apparel made from up-cycled materials. Try integrating designs that promote environmental awareness or collaborating with eco-conscious brands can enhance the appeal of these items. By focusing on sustainable practices, you not only offer your fans stylish and functional products but also contribute to a greater cause, aligning your brand with positive environmental impact and encouraging your audience to make eco-friendly choices.
8. Merch Bundles: Create enticing merch bundles that offer a mix of items like apparel, accessories, and music downloads at a discounted rate. Bundling products together not only increases the perceived value but also encourages fans to purchase multiple items in one go. For instance, Taylor Swift frequently releases elaborate merch bundles with her album releases, including exclusive vinyl, apparel, and digital content like bonus tracks or early access to concert tickets. Another example is Post Malone’s bundles, which have included items like custom-designed clothing, special edition vinyl, and even unique collectible items tied to his album themes. To create distinctive merch bundles, you can curate items that reflect different aspects of your brand or recent projects, such as combining a new album with themed apparel, exclusive art prints, and personalized messages. Additionally, including interactive elements like digital download codes for behind-the-scenes content or virtual meet-and-greet passes can make the bundles even more engaging and valuable for fans. By offering these thoughtfully designed bundles, you can create memorable and immersive experiences that deepen fan loyalty and drive excitement around their releases.
Elevate your brand as an artist, music producer, or DJ with innovative and trendsetting merchandise that resonates with your audience. By embracing unique merch ideas like custom USB drives, interactive merch, and custom scratch loop packs, you can create memorable experiences for your fans and stand out in a crowded market. At pointblank Music School, we believe in the power of creativity and branding to help music producers and DJs succeed in the industry. Explore our range of courses and programs, from music production to DJing, and everything in between, our programs are designed to enhance your skills and unlock your full potential in the world of music.
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