Front Row Seats for All: The First-known Pro-level Google+ Hangout Virtual Concert Circles the Globe

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn., July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pushing the limits of Google's new technology, singer/songwriter Daria Musk performed a 6.5 hour Google+ Hangout concert that became a worldwide phenomenon, ultimately reaching thousands of viewers around the globe, from Norway to Australia to Argentina. With the support of Google, whose Director of Engineering, Chee Chew, attended the Hangout and provided technical assistance throughout the concert, Daria performed all night for fans who created an etiquette of staying for a few songs before leaving the Hangout so that fans-in-waiting could jump in.

Overcome by the response from fans around the world and the media (the story has been picked up by CNN, Reuters and other international information outlets), Daria now prepares for round two, scheduling a second performance that she has described to her fans as a "Gl+bal G+thering of G+niuses" for this Saturday, July 23, at 7 p.m. ET, under the direction of Google's top engineers. Her innovative idea to give live concerts to online viewers has Google updating their newly launched Google+ Hangout technology, so that the young artist's performances circle the globe many times over.

"Google's new Hangout technology is a real game-changer for the music industry," said Sean Wolfington, owner of Tier 10 Marketing, which pioneered the digital marketing strategy for Grammy Award-winning musician Shakira. Since the concert, Wolfington's marketing and public relations agency now also represents Musk (www.Tier10Marketing.com). "Traditionally the record labels dictated which artists get exposure; however, this cutting edge technology introduces a whole new platform that talented artists like Daria can leverage to take control of their exposure."

As a result of her virtual concert, +DariaMusk has landed on the list of "Interesting People to Circle on Google+" on BusinessInsider.com, which writes: "Musk is growing a grassroots following on Google+, and gives free concerts via Hangouts (Google+'s cool mass video chat feature). Add her if you like music."

From a technology perspective, Daria's concert changed how Google+ Hangouts are used and perceived. Post concert, Chew posted, "just had the privilege of attending the first known pro level Hangout jam session."

"We, at Google+, are passionate about bringing people together," said Chew to his Google+ network earlier this month. "For us on hangouts it's about really connecting small groups together face to face (to face to face), bringing people together from around the world in a new way. We all have a human need to connect and communicate." 

To accommodate Daria's ever-increasing global audience, members of the Google+ fan community created www.HangoutParty.com, which will stream Saturday's concert to an unlimited number of fans around the globe. As a result, Daria's performance and interaction with those in the "Hangout" will remain as intimate as ever, while thousands in the overflow crowd watch the broadcast live.

About Daria Musk

With a set list of powerfully catchy songs, crafted with artistry, spunk and modern flair, soulful indie pop/rock artist Daria Musk is quickly becoming a fan favorite online and in person, receiving rave reviews for her recordings and live shows. Raised in a musical family, with a rebellious heart, an honest innocence, and a passion for playing, Daria developed a distinctive guitar and songwriting style that catches fire on stage and in the studio. Together with producer/composer/bass player R.A.M., Daria has gone from playing cafes to showcasing at festivals and major music industry events like SXSW, CMJ and Gathering of the Vibes. Daria has played to sold-out crowds at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston, New York City's Mercury Lounge, and Connecticut's beautiful Stage One. In just a few years, Daria's songwriting and talent have been recognized and awarded by the We Are Listening Singer/Songwriter Awards, the Starbucks Emerging Artist Competition, the International Songwriting Competition, the Gap's Born-To-Play Competition (voted #9 over-all out of 800+ artists), the Musician's Atlas Spotlight Artist, and she has been sponsored by the Taylor Guitars at SXSW 2009. 

About Chee Chew

Chee Chew is Director of Engineering for Google, Inc., overseeing applications and client efforts at the company's Seattle and Kirkland offices. Prior to Google, Chee spent 14 years at Microsoft Corporation where he started as a code engineer on Windows 95 and Internet Explorer 3, 4 and 5, before transitioning to engineering leadership and filling the position of General Manager for Windows Mobile. Most recently, Chew has taken the lead on Google's new Google+ platform, which has generated 18 million followers since it was launched earlier this month.

About Tier 10 Marketing

Tier 10 delivers a holistic marketing system that integrates all 10 tiers of marketing under one roof, a system that is the antithesis of the traditional ad agency. Tier 10 specializes in helping media companies, global brands, automotive groups, films and international musicians implement results-oriented marketing strategies to increase their market share and profitability by building the brand, attracting more hi-quality opportunities, improving revenues and loyalty while reducing advertising costs. The company has successfully marketed feature films Bella, Blind Side, The Mighty Macs, and architected the entire digital marketing strategy for Grammy Award-winning musician Shakira, the most successful mainstream Latino artist in the world, and the producer of one of the most viewed YouTube videos in history with 365 million views. For more information, please visit www.Tier10Marketing.com.

Related Links:

Media Coverage

• http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/gigaom/articles/video_making_live_streaming_social.html
• http://www.businessinsider.com/interesting-people-to-followcircle-on-google-2011-7
• http://gigaom.com/video/making-live-streaming-social/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=gigaom

Google+: http://tiny.cc/gplusdaria

Videos: www.youtube.com/dariamusk

Facebook: www.listn.to/dariamusk

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dariamusk

SOURCE Tier 10