Grammys' best new artists push products

With declining CD sales, and all this talk about new business models, be it 360 deals or ad-driven services, today's new artists seem to understand the music biz is about much more than music. Just take a virtual stroll around the Web sites of those up for a best new artist Grammy this year.

Taylor Swift

Among the items available in the Web store for country upstart Taylor Swift are $25 t-shirts and $12 Christmas ornaments. But more subtle is this $10 leather bracelet, with a "love love love" script that's apparently so popular, it's currently on backorder.

Paramore

Like pals Fall Out Boy, punky pop band Paramore knows its merch. Check its massive Web store, where you can find everything from $18 American Apparel undies to an $18 T-shirt dress. Or you can buy these $15 sandals. Just don't wear them to Warped Tour.

Ledisi

Not much other than music in the store for R&B singer Ledisi, although her first two albums are out of print. Wait, first two albums? What category is this? Best contemporary R&B or best new artist? (Yes, I know the category's fine print--you don't have to write in.)

Feist

If any of the best new artist crop are going to be down with commerce, it's surely going to be Canadian singer/songwriter Feist, whose "1234" was the soundtrack to an iPod commercial that ran every 30 seconds during the summer 2007. But why end there? Turn your iPod into a permanent Feist billboard with these cute little hoodie things.

Amy Winehouse

No products in the Web store for Amy Winehouse. It's all about the music for 2007's most talked-about artist. You'll have to head to her retro tunes to find the gimmicks.

So that's what this year's crop has for sale. Now who will win?

Comments

[Frankie R.]

Amy Winehouse will probably win BNA and deserves to...but her personal problems may do her in...so that leaves Feist or a safer bet Taylor Swift with a possible win. Paramore and Ledisi will be upsets...as their music is hardly getting any radio or no radio airplay...