Finnish company Steam Republic has launched a service/app called Mobile Backstage, which enables record labels and musicians to build communities around their fans’ smartphones.
The main idea is to provide fans with a dedicated mobile application from where they [fans] can access the latest news, as well as communicate directly with the artist and other fans. Using this platform, users can share their experiences by uploading content and “checking in” to gigs using GPS. The service also integrates with major social networks and digital music stores.
Mobile Backstage is priced at around 1,000 Euros, and has already completed successful trials with several major acts — including international hip hop star Dizzee Rascal, power pop outfit You Me At Six and post-hardcore rockers Enter Shikari — all of which praised the service.
As far as I’ve understood, Mobile Backstage compiles an iPhone app. During this year, the plan is to also include Android and BlackBerry apps to the mix. I haven’t found a single word in the press release about Symbian. That’s kinda strange because we’re talking about a Finnish company. Is it a sign of times, or what?