Ban.jo Takes Social Discovery Mobile. New Blondie Campaign Showcases Platform.

After a trial run with Blondie, Ban.jo is launching a beta program with a group of bands who will utilize the mobile "social discovery service" to connect with fans. Ban.jo's app allows fans to find old and new friends across social networks with a focus on real time discovery at specific locations.

Ban.jo App Description

Ban.jo provides a native mobile app for the iPhone and Android that gathers location updates from multiple social networks, such as Foursquare and Facebook, for what they call "social discovery" at specific locations in real time. Users are able to find new friends, discover what's happening at a particular spot and connect across social networks.

Ban.jo has been working with Blondie to connect with fans as they tour in support of their recent album release, "Panic of Girls". Uses included:

Announcing Marc Jacobs pop-up store where they signed albums during NY Fashion Week;

Giving away VIP tickets including backstage passes for Highland Ballroom show in Manhattan; and,

Connecting with fans in LA at Club Nokia show and Tonight Show appearance.

Now Ban.jo is rolling out a Beta Entertainment Partnership Program beginning with acts managed by Aaron Ray of the Collective including Counting Crows, Linkin Park, Staind and Slash. Whether or not this program will lead to opportunities for indie artists remains to be seen but it's certainly a great way to publicize Ban.jo's mobile app.

Hypebot contributor Clyde Smith is a freelance writer and blogger. He maintains a business writing hub at Flux Research and also blogs at This Business of Blogging. To suggest music services and related topics for review at Hypebot, please contact: clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com.