Ah…Adorable!
In contrast – here’s my (soon to be patented) Sunday morning hand-wringer, everybody!!!
This came up in the previous thread, and it was something that has crossed my mind over the last couple of weeks: Where is the promotional push to get “Lovebug” to the top of the charts?
Eventually, it comes down to fan activism…getting everyone excited about requesting at radio and such. But in the past, with marching orders coming down from MySpace and SayNow, it seemed to be driven pretty well from the top. By which I am not sure if I mean the Boys’ multi-pronged management team (Papa J & Co) or did it come all the way from the Disney offices, currently rumored to be beleaguered in the publicity department?
The Jonases have done very well, with high-charting albums, without ever having a bonafide chart-topping single…which seems innocuous enough, apart from having that be an annoyance from a place of fan-pride. But I was bothered this week to see that on the chart report I read, that the Jonai didn’t garner a mention…and the charts are not based completely on somewhat irrelevant radio airplay (I don’t listen to music radio, do you guys?) but also sales.
Thanks to the recent death of TRL – the usual next stop after a choir-preaching Disney Channel video debut – I guess radio play could be seen as more significant. Unless they are going back to FNMTV?
I have heard from non-Jonasfans that they felt that “LoveBug” should be, deservedly, a HUGE single for the Boys…but so far…not so much.
So what gives? Is it the economy? The election? The distraction of taping “Jonas” and such?
Or is there something yet up their sleeves…like the Thanksgiving Cowboys game, and will that be effective enough outreach?
Thoughts?
OK, to balance the worrywarting, a couple of my favorite shots of the Boys at last night’s Carousel of Hope Ball last night in Beverly Hills for you to enjoy…after the jump!
Proceeds from the event, also attended by the likes of Jay Leno, Josh Groban, Denzel Washington and Nicole Ritchie, will go to benefit the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.
[Via: WireImage]
cpaig
mememoi
coolmom823
I don’t know what to make of the ‘Lovebug’ under-promoting. Seriously. I think it could be a combo of all the things you’ve mentioned, mememoi.
But THANK YOU for the pics! Us Jonas-starved (but kind of Zac-dazed?!!) folks appreciate them more than you know!
I don’t think the video is available on iTunes, either. What’s up with that? JB posted it (the official video) on their YouTube account, but why not put it up to buy on iTunes?
It’s NOT on iTunes. It’s quite befuddling. I wish there was something I could personally do…
And yes – there’s nothing like fresh pictures!! Especially when they were just last night. here’s some event coverage: http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-10-26-jonas-carousel_N.htm
(So HSM3 was that good? I like the franchise but Zac Efron does not a thing for me…but Corbin Bleu, maybe…LOL.)
I just read another google alert, which said Nick was moved almost to tears performing ALBL last night, and saying how honored he was to be a part of the event. Awwww.
Guess what, mememoi? I did NOT like Zac E at all, before this movie. I still think he’s kind of smug and cocky, but I guarantee you, if you see the movie, you will think differently about him. He just seems different in this one. Not as ‘girly’, or cocky, or emoting, or over-acting.
I never thought he was very cute, either. But in this movie? He’s hot. Really. I know, it’s weird, I can’t explain it. But he’s hot.
In the scenes where Zac dances? I can’t even take my eyes off him long enough to watch Corbin Bleu, lol.
We’re headed off to see it again, for the fourth time this weekend. I’ll try to drag my eyes from Zac to watch Corbin.
BTW, absolutely no disrepect to JB. Just cause I’m on a steady deliciously wonderful diet of JB, doesn’t mean I can’t look at the (Zac) menu. Hehe
Amanda, he was always hot. I am glad you have noticed – LOL! The guy is seriously Beautiful. Totally and Completely Man Beautiful. Yeah, he does not always seem like the best actor or the brightest bulb but that is Zac and it’s A-OK with me. (some people like Keanu Reeves, right? and he is way more moronic in his films than Zac)
Corbin Bleu is also seriously Handsome. His facial structure is impeccable! His smile is incredible, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE his hair.
Mememoi-thanks again. Those pictures are amazing and since someone on Team Jonas started a rumour that they would be in NY today it has greatly calmed my daughter down.
I also hope there is some method to the madness with Lovebug. It just seems like such a waste! I think that it would be such a prefect antidote to all the bad news we’ve been having. But they have been so clever about marketing so far that again I feel like there must be a plan. So we’ll see. It’s hard to get excited about requesting it when it sort of feels like the record label doesn’t care. The fact that it still isn’t available to download is also a head scratcher-why not get it on itunes right after the debut?
And Corbin Bleu is a doll and the other great scene in HSM is ZE and CB dancing together and younger versions of them come in. sweet. ZE does have “something” in this movie-he didn’t look great in 2(weird make up) but I am looking forward to seeing if he can pull off other roles.
Mememoi – Thank you for the new pics! They look fabulous, as always.
Regarding Lovebug: I have admitted to trolling some of the fangirl sites and I am a bit pained to admit that the younger set didn’t get Lovebug. At all. Not the song, not the video. The Boys outdid themselves and WDT appreciate this. Their targeted demographic seems to be mostly clueless. And that is sad.
Unfortunately, the same seems to go for ALBL overall. ALBL has been very well-received by critics, who understand that the Boys are growing up and experimenting and truly coming into their own with their musicianship and songwriting skills. The detracting fans miss the “cuteness” of previous albums and wish they would stop writing breakup songs. (They are teenage boys. You can only write what you know.)
I think the Boys may be in a hard spot right now. They are wildly successful (deservedly so) and much of that is due to their gorgeous faces and extremely savvy marketing. Lovebug is about the music. I felt like it was the biggest gift on the album and I was pleasantly surprised when they chose it as their second single. It isn’t bubblegum. And it got trashed on my local major market station. The morning DJs are syndicated, but local, and have kids who love JB. They were so exited about the premiere. Listener response was less than favorable and I haven’t heard it again, although I have requested it.
This last year has been rough for them with the insane fan base. Maybe they are letting things cool off a bit to see how it all settles out? I don’t know. It is worrisome that after the initial album sales, which were phenomenal, that ALBL just seems to be hanging out there. Lonely. I bought two copies. And will continue to buy what comes next. But I am not their targeted demographic …
sharpid you make some great points. I just spent the day with my daughter at a charity event and there were some other fans aged 13-15 there. All had seen them over the summer. They all loved ALBL. But without being able to download Lovebug the video has faded for them. They have HSM and now Twilight to look forward to. Plus they are so busy with school that they no longer have the time to obsess over them the way they did this summer. I think the love has not faded it’s just on the back burner.
!
I think it is possible that it was a deliberate decision to cool things down. And they are still working all the time-it’s just nowhere near me
Still Lovebug on itunes seems like a no brainer!
mememoi – yes, HSM3 is really, really good. Kenny Ortega has pulled off some terrific stuff. Very enjoyable family entertainment, top notch production, good performances, sweet without being nauseating, clever without resorting to trash. Even my 50-year old husband thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course, he can kind of relate to the story – he was an athletic kid who fell in love with theatre in high school, and we met at our college drama department. But hey, if a middle-aged man can have a good time at it, HSM3 must be doing something right!
re the possible extermination of Lovebug, I too, am stumped. Are they simply focusing on other projects right now? Or is there a grand marketing scheme to which we superfans are not privy? All I know is that I miss them, and so am very grateful for the tasty tuxedo shots you’ve posted here. Thanks!
I am a little perplexed by the itunes thing as well. I mean, I would much rather buy it than rip it, and I would love a copy of the video version (which should also be the radio version) too. Why wait for Thanksgiving?
I mean we were forced to listen to “Hey Delilah” for months on Top 40 and “Lovebug” is a better song.
Cpaig- Delilah-soooo funny. You are right, Lovebug is a much better song! I did hear it once on Z100 in NY and it was such a thrill I almost drove off the road.
I think they could write about some other topics for sure. I even sit and think of some for them at times …
I’m not surprised by the lack of push for Lovebug. If they are not touring there seems to be no marketing. Look at Miley. Her album came out in July and I don’t understand what Disney is doing for her either. Why is she not touring to promote her CD? I don’t get the timing Disney does with these type of artists. It’s certainly not typical of other labels.
Unfortunately the boys can’t currently go on FNMTV because, since it’s a Pete Wentz show, it runs in seasons and they had their season finale a week or two before the VMA’s and will probably pick back up in the Spring or summer after Wentz promotes his new album and does that whole baby thing. I know way too much about this show being a huge Fall Out Boy/Wentz fan…but I miss the show (it was fantastic and funny) and hope it comes back soon.
I too adored HSM 3 way more than 2 and ZE is insanely hot in this (I agree 100% Amanda, but are you even surprised?) and Corbin is also mighty fine. I love Kenny Ortega and am pretty much obsessed with anything he ever came near (he choreographed Dirty Dancing and a personal fave of mine, Shag, if you didn’t know). I loved how huge this production got to be as well.
I’m also surprised by the lack of Lovebug promotion, maybe they are busy but when ALBL and the Burnin Up single came out they were on tour and much more busy (I would think) since they were traveling all over the place and we all know how well that went…so I’m not really sure what’s going on.
My cousin, who is 11, loves Lovebug and the video so there are definitely some ‘younger ones’ that, while they may not completely get it, enjoy it and appreciate it and will (hopefully) stick around.
Oh I’ve missed you guys! I’ve been so busy with Halloween festivities (we are majorly into it – we decorate BIG, have a couple hundred trick-or-treaters….quite wild!) I’m in need of a Jonas fix and these new pics sure do help!
Interesting topic… Now, I don’t use itunes so I never would have known about that one, but that sure seems strange. But my daughter and I were just talking about Lovebug and wondered if they would actually do that at the football game. I can’t imagine that being a Lovebug sort of crowd, and we tossed around the idea they might do Burnin’ Up instead.
I’ve also noticed on fansites that some were like “Huh?” regarding the video, and yes, that is SO sad. It moves me everytime I watch it and I would like to smack anyone (with the back of my hand
) who dares to say a bad thing about it!
We actually haven’t seen HSM3 yet even though we are huge fans of the franchise. We’re going on my daughter’s birthday (Nov 4)
We won a contest to meet the whole cast a few months after HSM1 came out and I have to say Corbin is one of the nicest people on this earth! He is charming and sincere and so appreciative of his fans. Just delightful to talk to! And he let us touch his hair – it is like the softest yarn imaginable! LOL!! Lucas and Monique were really nice too, happy to chat and pose for pics. Zac actually came across as slightly stuck up (sorry!) as did Ashley. Vanessa was just alright.
Wow Trish that is cool about meeting the cast of HSM. Especially way back then.
I wondered about Miley touring buy it seemed to me that there were so many problems with fans who couldn’t get tickets for the first one that Disney might not want to go there again so quickly.
And it looks like the JBS were actually in NY for a private concert. Although I never take my daughter to hang around their hotel hoping for random sightings/meetings we do like to know where they are and feel their aura or whatever. It may be a bit of a blue Monday here.
Is anyone else a bit nervous about their Thanksgiving Day performance? I mean, the crowd isn’t exactly their target audience. I’m assuming they will sing more than just one song, and I don’t think Lovebug would go over well with a bunch of mostly grown men who may have had a bit too much to drink (sorry, that’s kind of sexist, but you know true!).
Did anyone else see the piece written on TravelGolf.com (or something like that) where the guy writes about how JB is a terrible role model? He says they haven’t donated enough of their money and compares them to Justin Timberlake in the charity/talent department. The article was so full of inaccuracies that I literally started laughing out loud as I was reading it, along with getting angry about it. There are over 200 comments just ripping the guy a new one, and deservedly so. BTW, Golf Digest just named Kevin and Nick 2 of the top 100 “musician golfers”. Idiot…….
My girls both love the Lovebug video, but I don’t think they love it as much as I do. Is it safe to say that JB is outgrowing Disney? Didn’t this happen to Hillary Duff? I think, if they want older fans, they just might need to manage themselves and exit the Mouse House. I’m sure they, along with the rest of their management team, have the savvy and experience to venture out there, but maybe they are tied into certain agreements. Who knows, but I hope that Disney isn’t controlling every move they make as if they are robots.
Trish, that is so cool that you met the cast of HSM! Wow. That’s the feeling I got from the beginning, that ZE and AT and perhaps even VH were the ’stuck up’ ones. Hmm.
Corbin Bleu played the Western Idaho Fair this year, right here in Boise. We were going to go, but it turned out to be the first week of school and it was a school night, so we didn’t. I wish we would have.
Monica, I read about the first sentence or two of the travel golf thing and gave up. I hate to read such negativity about the boys. Some people (press) are so jealous. lol
That’s really interesting that younger fans are not getting the new video or album as much…I am glad I don’t read that stuff…it would be freaking me out, LOL. How can you not think that video is beautiful and evocative?! &#$^$ kids.
It’s funny because I think of ALBL as a good baby step towards maturity…not an alienating leap at all. And while I agree the fanbase does have a lot of other stuff going on…I too still see a lot of love.
Even so, I am not sure if some attrition in the base would be good or bad. The buzz of hysterical girls is really important, but they are also a drag on a band’s reputation. Losing that element a little isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
I’m mystified by some of the lack of attention for Lovebug because it seems like it must be purposeful. If they wanted fans to call radio stations, all they’d need to do is post a MySpace blog with station phone numbers, like they used to, or send a SayNow message telling everyone to do it. There seems to be something behind it. I don’t know if it’s good or bad.
I don’t think Hollywood Records as a label deserves all THAT much credit for their climb to fame, either. I mean, they harnessed it a bit…but in terms of marketing, their biggest asset seems to be their connection to the Disney Channel and film production arm. At Disney…you can do that in your sleep…and most artists don’t have the appeal to catch on from it. So to me they seem as clueless as any other label as to what to do to promote in this climate. Look at their roster of acts…none of them are really enjoying great success the way the Boys have been.
At the end of the day, maybe it’s not worth it to the label to put out money to promote a single. You get to gloat about hits…but singles, and even overall album sales, don’t make companies that much money. Touring is where all the money is right now, selling out big venues…and for now, the Jonases are having NO problem getting people to want to share airspace with them. (Why Miley isn’t touring…idk…she doesn’t strike me as a strong touring artist, despite the success of the last tour…I am not sure she personally enjoys that.)
But it would be nice for the Jonases to be able to reach beyond the Disney basics…and I don’t know if that is a problem with Disney or not. I think their career and talent is just different than what anyone expected so maybe the people in charge are re-strategizing. And I have to wonder how the TV show is going…
And count me in the camp of hose who are a little nervous about the Thanksgiving performance. I am sure it will be fine…it is a ballsy move for the guys, though. And worst case scenario……they have been hassled at shows before before – they would get over it!
Woops, that was an essay. I’m a dork.
That golf guy was just irrational. I thought about blogging it in our haterade category (like we used to), but it didn’t even seem worth.
Oh wow….I would love to meet Corbin!!! He really is our favorite HSMer.
Monica – I was actually one of the 200+ commenter on that Travelgolf.com jerk’s blog. Here is what I said:
Very clever Chris. You have managed to create buzz simply by slamming someone about whom you clearly know nothing. If you knew anything about the Jonas Brothers you would know that they have never tried to tell anyone how to live their lives and have tried, in vain incidently, to avoid ever talking about their personal or religious beliefs. They are humble, decent young men who have worked hard to achieve success and are never anything but gracious and generous to those around them. Even Justin Timberlake, whom you have held up as such a steller example, thinks enough of them to invite them to be a part of his show which made so much money for charity. As for them having no talent, that’s your opinion and you’re welcome to it, but it would seem that millions of people the world over would disagree. And let me assure you that many of us are neither teenagers, or without actual music credentials.
My girls (8 and 5) also love the “Lovebug” video, but only after I explained the history behind it and what the whole thing meant. I suspect that many tweens are woefully ignorant about the 1940’s, WWII and what people wore/did/acted like during that time. But I think JB is trying to “bring along” their audience as they mature and stretch as the artists they are. I just hope the audience will stick with them.
Mandi – I LOVE “Shag!” It’s a little gem that was woefully underappreciated.
I’m testing something… sorry… it’s “harlequinn” … changed my name for this gravatar thing…
Anyhoo. When I saw Love Bug I thought it would be a big hit. I still think it probably will be. But it’s kind of weird that they’re not asking fans to request the song on the radio.
I think the Thanksgiving performance is a good idea. The game is watched by families, not just the sports fans who watch every week. It’s a completely different atmosphere for a game, and IMO the Jonas Brothers will fit with it.
Yay! Thanks for the vote of band-support confidence, sis.
Go coolmom! I love your response to the jerk’s blog. I read the article, but didn’t respond. I am trying to follow the “don’t engage” rule.
I tend to be a hand-wringer, too, and get upset when I see negative sentiments about the Boys. Thank you SR, for helping me understand that taking a step back and little time to process makes a huge difference. It will all be okay. The Boys have proved their tenacity and their talent isn’t going anywhere but up.
In all fairness, the folks (press and fans alike) who have negative things to say tend to be the loudest. I am sure for every negative fan comment I read, there were four more fans that just said “get over yourself” and cranked ALBL a little louder on their iPods.
I certainly hope so, anyway.
Sincerely,
Sharpld – SR Jonas 12-Step Member
Sharpld – you are right! This blog has helped me with my anger issues after reading snarky things about JB. I can come here and revel in the level-headedness and incredibly intelligent opinions. The negativity in the media irritates me – my how people can prove their ignorance and stupidity with just one swoop of the pen (or keyboard).
You all may have already posted this, but did you know ALBL went platinum? Good for them…..
I’m going to go with Hollyq (or super-sis to us SRevelers) on her assessment of the Thanksgiving Football game. Those games are “event” family programming, and as such will be right up JB’s alley. Beer-soaked die-hard footballers tend to use half-time to potty and refresh their drinks anyway – they won’t even see JB, but their spouses/kids may find them refreshing!
sharpld, and monica – haven’t we all felt like you have, and aren’t we all glad we have landed here in our grounded, balanced salon!
I would like to submit another motto for SR:
Sibling Revelry Blog: Working Tirelessly for a Saner, Happier Jonas Brothers Fandom!
Coolmom – that was an excellent response; intelligent and well written. I know the fangirls mean well but sometimes their comments don’t exactly get the proper point across, you know? And Shag is brilliant and has a wonderful cult following, and I’m glad you too are a member
I watch the Cowboys game every Thanksgiving and I hate football. haha. The Cowboys are considered ‘America’s Team’ and it’s tradition for them to play every Thanksgiving. They used to always play the Redskins on Thanksgiving (you know Cowboys and Indians, it really just wasn’t right…) but the tradition of The Cowboys on Thanksgiving is almost as common as the Macy’s parade so I think the boys will be fine. the musical artists are often those that appeal to a ‘younger’ and/or slightly more feminine crowd
I think they should do Shelf, I think it’s the next single as it was on the sticker to the CD. and I just really like it. But it will probably be Burnin’ up to keep energy up. or maybe some sort of medley like nsync always did for that sort of stuff.
does anyone know if there is a video of the boys performance at the charity event?
coolmom – I LOVE the slogan…it reminds meI need to get crackin’ on some new t-shirts.
Mandi – That’s some good sleuthing on Shelf! I think that’s a marvelous song and I think nonfans will agree. It would be rad if they could do a 3 song set of all the (probable) singles…Burnin’ Up, Lovebug and Shelf…but maybe that’s asking too much?
Oh,and count Cpaig and I among those who have appreciated Shag! it was a staple of our early HBO days, for sure.
keco – Nothing I’ve seen yet, but we’ll post an update if we find anything!
try youtube : Jonas Brothers in NYC October 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggIaQExHXR8
to see a cute fan video of them from the private show Sunday. not great quality but still something…
It looks like a great venue and they look like they are having a great time.
Thumbs up for the new slogan!
No no…asking for a 3 song set, complete in its entirety is not too much to ask! LOL….oh well, one can dream can’t she?!
Thanks for the link, Merry! They do look like they are having fun. Joe is taking pics with fan cameras . How awesome is that? What a sweetie!
I think they need to perform BB Good and Pushing Me Away. Those are rocking songs. And Live to Party – which might be my favorite song of all. I don’t know why it’s a bonus track …