These four disparate artists came together to produce a new track for Converse in their Brooklyn studio, “Rubber Tracks,” which offers open recording sessions to those who sign up.

Sounds crazy, but it’s REALLY catchy and…

it’s BRANDED entertainment!

http://play.converse.com/blog/2011/08/16/im-a-goner/

Last interesting mash-up from Converse was in November last year,…

This week’s video premiere for Pit Bull’s “Give Me Everything” (featuring Ne-Yo, DJ Afrojack, and Nayer) reveals that, not only does the artist give a verbal shout out to Kodak but a visual, too-himself, on the brand’s Times Square billboard.

“Give Me Everything,” the latest release from Pit’s sixth album (Planet Pit), opens with a strong plug for the brand-to which he is no stranger:

“Me not working hard / Yeah right, picture that with a Kodak / And better yet, go to Times Square / Take a picture of me with a Kodak”

As the camera pans out at the close of the song, we see the video within a frame on Kodak’s Times Square Billboard (prominently showcasing Pit, of course, to make good on his lyrical promise)…

What happens when a hooked-up online film community, innovative production studio, and trendy New York hotel join forces to produce branded content? Enter cheap, interesting, evocative entertainment.

Last October, Massify partnered with Killer Films to announce a joint-venture contest wherein independent filmmakers, actors, and crew could vie for the opportunity to produce short form content with the Ace Hotel in Manhattan (a boutique hotel with a nostalgic New York City vibe) as the story backdrop.

Nearly a year later, three winning scripts have been transformed into quirky short form films-”Charley” “Lulu,” and “Shave“-all within a budget of (according to the NYT) $30,000…

Last night (in its latest attempt at world domination), Facebook announced the launch of its highly anticipated geo-mobile application, “Places.” The application-which, with Facebook’s user base of 500 million, is basically Foursquare on steroids-allows users to share their whereabouts, see if any friends are nearby, and “experience connecting with people on Facebook in a completely new way.”

While the platform has yet to be monetized, the business applications of “Places” are surely in sight for Facebook and its projected $1.2 Billion in ad sales…

Absolut released its “creative visionaries” video series, featuring artists like Lenny Kravitz and Jay-Z. Mountain Dew hosts Green Label Sound, a digital outlet showcasing free singles from indie, hip-hop and electronic musicians. Vans, after 15 years, continues to sponsor the Warped Tour.

In so many words, brands are no strangers to emerging artists and music subcultures. It’s a symbiotic relationship: branded platforms provide musicians the exposure they’re looking for to break-out (or expand), while sponsors reap the benefits of any success the artists achieve (and look hip by association).

It comes as no surprise, then, that Grey Goose has reinvested in its Rising Icons series, announcing a second season of the TV show and concurrent concert tour in partnership with BET…