At an event held at the virtual worlds conference Engage!Expo today in New York, DMC explained that he is launching this cyberworld to connect with his fans on a more personal level.
He gave a personal preview of his interactive media world. To navigate, one creates an avatar like one would in a video game, and then walks around in his world, which includes a stage, a backstage, a VIP room, and a rooftop with a swimming pool. In this virtual world, fans can listen to music, watch his videos, buy merchandise, talk with each other, and play games. The site will go live to the public on March 31.
Represented Through the Internet
DMC is not represented by any record label-- he now represents himself through this virtual world. "Music is free. A lot of artists don't want to say that and record companies don't want to say that, but in this world, I can put up music that is not available anywhere else and fans feel that they're a part of something special," he said. "I just want access to people-- all my friends and people who I can motivate and touch with my music."
With virtual worlds on the forefront of social media and entertainment, DMC's World is a perfect forum for DMC and his fans to interact with one another and his music and just have fun in an innovative way. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for DMC to raise awareness and support The Felix Organization, a charity that he co-founded to provide positive life experiences for foster kids, including opportunities to go to summer camp. A portion of DMC World's subscriptions are being donated to The Felix Organization.
DMC says that the virtual platform can be used to host spoken word parties and rap contests. "It's like what I used to do. Now you can hang with me. I hope for a community of fans and musicians that can interact [online]," he said. "Internet is so accessible for kids. I tell new artists to play by the rules. It used to be 'get a good lawyer' or 'get good management' but now artists can do it themselves. This is a way for musicians to promote ourselves. I tell everyone, embrace technology, because it's going to make things better for all parties involved."
About DMC
DMC was responsible for igniting the hip hop/rock revolution in 1986 with the Run-DMC/Aerosmith collaboration on "Walk This Way" and now he is the first hip hop artist to lead the charge into the virtual worlds arena. He is to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this April.
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