Music Diary Notes: Sting Releases ’25’ iPad App for FREE – But it Cost More Than $1 Million to Make!

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If you look at the legendary figures in pop and rock music in the post-Beatle era, The Police and their frontman Sting have to be on your shortlist. After an amazing but short career with The Police, Sting struck out on his own with an ensemble populated by young jazz musicians playing a new kind of jazz-tinged pop-rock. Through the 25 years since, Sting has had some amazing highs and lows, but always worked to put his best music out to the people.

Now we get a new app from the music legend – ‘Sting 25’ is the companion to his recently released music box set, and is free on the iTunes App Store. Here is the description:

Sting 25 explores the life, music and activism of one of the world’s most influential musicians. With unparalleled access to seminal performances, rare photos, and personal stories, this comprehensive appumentary depicts the past 25 years of Sting’s career as a renowned musician and humanitarian.

Discover the evolution of Sting’s solo career, the influences that have shaped his music, and his ongoing efforts as a global citizen and activist. The many facets of his career come to life in this appumentary through handwritten lyrics and journal entries, rare and intimate photos, in-depth interviews, and a variety of live concert footage, including EXCLUSIVE, all-star performances from his Sixtieth Birthday Celebration at the Beacon Theatre.

But it certainly wasn’t free to make, with estimates putting the cost at over a million dollars. The press release hints at how it was paid:

The STING 25 App is brought to users for free through the generous support of American Express. American Express is a proud, longtime partner of Sting, including its support of his Sixtieth Birthday Celebration to benefit the Robin Hood Foundation and his current tour, Back to Bass. Initiatives such as this dynamic, first-of-its-kind app are examples of the company’s strong commitment to bringing its Cardmembers and all fans unique music content and experiences.

But it isn’t just American Express – Sting himself is investing heavily in this new model of bring people TO the music through the App:

“There is a story, so whatever helps me to tell it, I will use,” Sting said. “This is the future, in my opinion. I’m putting my money on the app.”

Head to the iTunes App Store and grab Sting 25 for FREE!

Here is the full press release:
An In-Depth, Digital Rendering of Sting’s Solo Career Featuring Exclusive All-Star Performances From His 60th Birthday Concert at New York City’s Beacon Theatre

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sting, in partnership with global transmedia company @radical.media, has launched STING 25. The expansive, dynamic app for iPad explores the life, music and activism of one of the world’s most influential musicians. With unparalleled access to seminal performances, rare photos and personal stories, the comprehensive app depicts the past 25 years of Sting’s career as a renowned musician and humanitarian.

“This ‘appumentary’ harnesses the display and Multi-Touch capabilities of iPad to tell a much richer story than you could using a single medium,” said Justin Wilkes, the app’s Executive Producer. “The narrative behind Sting’s journey as a songwriter and a solo artist is as layered as this app, which is why he was the perfect subject to collaborate with for this new approach to storytelling.”

The ‘appumentary’ explores Sting’s solo career, guiding users through the influences that have shaped his music, as well as his ongoing efforts as a global citizen and activist. The many facets of his career come to life through handwritten lyrics and journal entries, rare and intimate photos, in-depth interviews, and a variety of live concert footage, including exclusive all-star performances from his Sixtieth Birthday Celebration to benefit the Robin Hood Foundation at New York City’s Beacon Theatre.

The idea for the app emerged as Sting compiled material from his diverse 25 year solo career for the recently released box set collection, Sting: 25 Years. The concept evolved while exploring innovative ways to celebrate both the anniversary of his solo career and his 60th birthday, while simultaneously integrating emerging technology.

“I felt like an archaeologist in a way, going through years and years of material, excavating these pieces of history, to put together the box set. We initially considered some sort of documentary, but the idea developed into something much more compelling and dynamic,” said Sting. “This app encompasses my entire solo career. It’s a scrapbook for the digital age.”

Featured content in the app includes:

Exclusive concert footage and behind-the-scenes access from Sting’s Sixtieth Birthday Celebration to benefit the Robin Hood Foundation, at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, featuring performances by: Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Rufus Wainwright, Herbie Hancock and Branford Marsalis.
Hours of concert footage, exclusive interviews, photos, music videos, and more in ten chronological chapters.
The inspirations, collaborations, and charitable endeavors that have shaped Sting’s 25 year solo career.
Sting’s signature instruments, through 360-degree views and high definition zoom images.

The STING 25 App offers a truly integrated experience. Using AirPlay, users can stream all of the performances wirelessly on their HD TV using Apple TV while exploring additional content on their iPad. Additionally, the app offers Sting’s music catalog so users can preview music with the option to purchase directly from the iTunes Store or listen to the tracks they already own.

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About the Author

Michael Anderson
I have loved technology for as long as I can remember - and have been a computer gamer since the PDP-10! Mobile Technology has played a major role in my life - I have used an electronic companion since the HP95LX more than 20 years ago, and have been a 'Laptop First' person since my Compaq LTE Lite 3/20 and Powerbook 170 back in 1991! As an avid gamer and gadget-junkie I was constantly asked for my opinions on new technology, which led to writing small blurbs ... and eventually becoming a reviewer many years ago. My family is my biggest priority in life, and they alternate between loving and tolerating my gaming and gadget hobbies ... but ultimately benefits from the addition of technology to our lives!