I can’t dance
We pulled up to the Subway outside of `Bryce Canyon on our way to Sedona to grab lunch before the 8 hour drive. I couldn’t get my turn signal to stay engaged because the road started shaking. I was worried I was experiencing my first earthquake. But no...it was the base coming from the Subway speaker system. This was the loudest and worst dance music I’d heard outside since my last trip to the Portuguese Picnic.
I got my bearings and started to walk inside. The music was the type of southern sounding rap music the kids listen to now-a-days with pretty basic, slowed down beats, one or two guys kind of rhyming the same words over and over, and one guy who sounds like he might be crying in the booth laying down the hook. This did not at all jive with the two teenaged eastern Europeans taking orders (and assumedly, names) behind the counter.
This is when I usually go on my rant that starts something like this “Who is this for? What is the audience you are trying to cater to with this auditory insult? How is this enhancing my 5 dollar footlong experience?” But I just rolled with it and enjoyed the sick beats.
We had a little impromptu dance party in the parking lot. As noted above, I can’t dance. Never forget. These are actually some of my better moves (though I couldn’t do the Screen Door while holding my phone, so I give myself a pass...)
There were a couple of German guys walking in as we were leaving and I said “I hope you aren’t just hear for a sandwich because its popping off in there” They were very confused, but I heard them laughing when they figured out what I was talking about 5 to 7 seconds later.
Thought: Most brands are not working with creators to make custom videos and series that incorporate their product and messaging into entertaining or informative content. My marketing mind kicked in and I wondered how far are we from the day (if we aren’t there yet) when brands actually produce music that’s specific to their retail locations, that you can only hear and buy by stopping in and making a purchase. Like a happy meal for your ears. I started laying the groundwork for Subways first album.
Lil’ Hoagie Presents...Subway: Eat Fresh (to DEATH)
Hot Sauce
Stay Fresh/Eat Fresh
Toast that Sh*t
From Subway University to the School of the Hard Knocks
Double the meat
Banana Peppers/Banana Clips
Shake those buns
Keep it Kosher (feat The LOX)
F--K Mayonaise (feat. My Mom)
Pickles
Snackin and Stackin
Gimme that lettuce (remix)