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Here is a nice example of a Facebook page setup I did for Alphyn Industries while Digital Strategy Manager at First Class Alliance. Notice how we lined up the the black and white image in the cover photo to line up with the profile image. I installed some custom Facebook apps via North Social to create a product feature app, a discount app that requires a share to receive a discount, as well as a shop app. 

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Technology start-ups often have the coolest offices, check out The Next Web's favorite Miami start-up offices.

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What To Look For When Picking A WordPress Theme For Your Band

Today I have been researching the best music artist focused WordPress templates. I ultimately like to build a site from scratch, customizing a versatile WordPress theme, but sometimes the budget to hire a designer and developer is not there. When budgets are tight it is best to find an easy to customize, feature packed, out of the box template. In the end your content and graphics really make the website so I am comfortable using a well designed WordPress template; these are the features I look for: 

Device Responsive: 

The site must automatically adjust to the screen and device that is viewing it. You want to make sure that it has a built in mobile and tablet version to ensure you are prepared for the massive shift to handheld devices.

Example: http://themeforest.net/item/intent-business-portfolio-wordpress-theme/2511967

Image and Color Customization: 

When I am creating a brand I like to start with some photos or artwork. Then I put together a color palette and try to create a general style guide. I only am interested in themes that allow me to upload my artwork and customize the colors of the background, fonts, links, and sections of the site.

Example: http://themeforest.net/item/soundboard-a-premium-music-wordpress-theme-/2558532

Widget and Plugin Integrations: 

Much of my strategy is focused on creative content that is often hosted on other sites like SoundCloud and YouTube. I always make sure I can install an unlimited number of widgets and plugins to properly integrate all of my third party platform services. One of my favorite parts of WordPress are the vast number of third party platforms from BandsInTown to Topspin. These services allow for the artist to aggregate their updates and keep the site fresh without having to sign into WordPress all the time. 

Example: http://foxhoundbandthemes.com/themes/night-music-theme/

Multimedia and Interactive: 

Because my digital strategy is focused on the content itself I am always looking for a theme that displays photos, graphics, video, audio, and written content in an interesting manner. One of my favorite new trends are Parallax effects. Parallax effects create the illusion of depth as different elements are represented in the foreground and background of the website. This creates a really dynamic and interactive feel as you control the elements on the page with the scroll bar.

Example: http://elegantthemes.com/preview/Harmony/

Best Recourse for Music and Band WordPress Themes: http://bestwp.net/best-music-wordpress-themes/

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With Jam Cruise 2013 right around the corner I cannot help but reflect on what a great time I had last year on Jam Cruise! I will not be attending this year but enjoy this time-lapse video I created on Jam Cruise 2012. This video features music from Toubab Krewe, The Heavy Pets, Toots and the Maytals, and Hall & Oats.

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Check out this interesting article from Digital Music News on the current problems with the music industry. They touch on a number of topics including: Recordings, Touring, Startups, Artists, Publishing, Radio, Internet Radio, Streaming, Piracy, Music Conferences, and more...