Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2012/07/03/pop_follows_politicians/

Brummie popstrels crowdsource their visual appearance

You've heard of designed by committee? Next level

By Andrew Orlowski

Posted in Legal, 3rd July 2012 08:14 GMT

A pop group that doesn't know what it should look like has asked the Hive Mind™ for help.

Bella Diem describe themselves as a "Dreamy Pop Rock 5-piece from Birmingham", and have 339 Twitter followers. YouGov specialises in opinion polls and focus groups, and has got tipsy drinking the New Age internet Kool Aid about the "wisdom of crowds". And now, the two have got together for a tragic gimmick innovative marketing exercise.

“We are still unsure of exactly how our audience would expect or prefer to view us visually," the group appealed. "Therefore, we'd really like to know, after sampling our music, what you think we should look like as a band, in terms of artwork, logo and fashion."

Birmingham has spawned Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest, Dexys, Duran Duran and (best of all) Wizzard - artists with a strong visual identity - or at least a decent costume budget.

Alas, the consultation is already over as soon as it has begun, and we eagerly await the results.

Politicians today daren't lift a finger without consulting a focus group - now it seems, independent musicians can't either. ®