Fergie product placement angers fans
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie has signed a deal to promote clothing brands in her next solo album, but has angered fans in the process.
The 32-year-old, whose real name is Stacy Ann Ferguson, has agreed to write tracks endorsing Topshop-like fashion firm Candie's, appear on its TV adverts and allow the company's 'style advisors' to turn up to her shows and dress up fans.
An executive at Fergie's record label Interscope told the Times: "With record sales in decline, you must find novel ways to make money out of the music. The trick is to make the brand part of the song so that it slips down easily rather than chokes the fan."
But fans of both Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas suggested the deal harms their integrity and standing in the music scene.
Rickie Durtado, who runs a Los Angeles rap website, told the newspaper: "Since 1988 the Black Eyed Peas have been a socially responsible band who stood against the bling-bling materialism of rap.
"But since Fergie joined the group four years ago they have become more like a boy band.
"Fans are used to advertising banners at festivals, but making them part of the song is not cool. There is no escape."
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