The GSM Association (GSMA) has launched a competition for mobile app developers, calling for an innovative app to boost engagement and interaction between musicians and their fans, writes Martin Conway.
The Band App Audition, which is being organised in tandem with the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and the Music Managers Forum (MMF), invites developers to consider interactive apps to suit the styles and niche fan markets of four acts; rock band Muse, trance outfit Faithless, and up-and-coming artists Metric, and Eliza Doolittle. Participating developers will submit a three-minute video presentation, explaining how their app would bring performers closer to their audiences across a range of mobile OS platforms.
FAC co-chairman Nick Mason, better known for pounding the skins with Pink Floyd, comments: “Artists need innovative and compelling ways to maintain and grow the relationships that they have with their fans. The Band App Audition is a creative way to achieve this.” 
Entries are open until January 15 2011, after which the artists and their management will select their finalists and winners in time for the App Planet event at the GSMA Mobile World Congress, to be hosted in Barcelona between 14 and 17 February, 2011.
