[Official Message] 『A SUMMER BEST』8. August 2012

[Yumsushi]

Zeke, that's a good point, and many would debate whether Namie's peak is due to a great marketing team that got her all the right tie-ins. Starting with Baby don't cry she had a slew of drama and commercial tie-ins. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the tie-ins were the only reason but they do make a huge impact. What did Ayu have other than ToX? Alot of drama with fans over her collaborations and Timmy.

Here is what I'm saying; Ayu wants sales, but it doesn't seem like anyone is putting any extra effort into marketing her; there were some mediocre videos, laughable covers, half-assed releases (like this one). Should she try to please everyone? No and that is impossible, however, I think her confidence has taken a serious hit and her marketing team should be working harder to help her regain it.

[Zeke.]

Originally Posted by Yumsushi

Zeke, that's a good point, and many would debate whether Namie's peak is due to a great marketing team that got her all the right tie-ins. Starting with Baby don't cry she had a slew of drama and commercial tie-ins. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the tie-ins were the only reason but they do make a huge impact. What did Ayu have other than ToX? Alot of drama with fans over her collaborations and Timmy.

Here is what I'm saying; Ayu wants sales, but it doesn't seem like anyone is putting any extra effort into marketing her; there were some mediocre videos, laughable covers, half-assed releases (like this one). Should she try to please everyone? No and that is impossible, however, I think her confidence has taken a serious hit and her marketing team should be working harder to help her regain it.

Yes I really do think Namie had a killer marketing strategy when she re-invented her self in a way.

[*Petit*]

Originally Posted by Zeke.

Yes I really do think Namie had a killer marketing strategy when she re-invented her self in a way.

I totally agree. Good / modern / catchy songs of course play an essential part of that strategy, but namie has had a great long term strategy for a long time that comprises all the key elements for being successful as a music artist in Japan. Some on jpm even commented on how prior to uncontrolled she tried to appear more cute as to appeal more a to a male demographic since most of her fans a female. Ayu used to have a pretty good and creative marketing team but not anymore (the release of the song RAINBOW on an album instead of as a single is one example).