FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Farstar Designs New Website for National Recording Artist Brian Vander Ark

FRISCO – June 25, 2008 – When Brian Vander Ark (former lead singer and chief songwriter for The Verve Pipe) needed a new Web site that captured his independent spirit and penchant for performing at off-the-beaten path venues, he turned to his friends at Farstar, a technology-based interactive marketing firm in Frisco, Texas. Led by Kevin Lofgren, founder and CEO, Farstar set out to create a dynamic site for Brian’s fans, but also one that Brian could easily update while on the road.

The result was www.brianvanderark.com. Incorporating technologies such as Adobe Flash and Adobe Flex, and using Farstar's proprietary platform consisting of XML, PHP and MySQL, fans are immersed in everything Brian Vander Ark. In addition to the rich user experience for both Brian and his fans, Farstar implemented its unique behavior analytics engine – The Lead Machine – so Brian can quickly and easily learn about each user’s action – from time spent on each part of the site to analyzing buying patterns that would allow personalized, fan-specific marketing in the future. Not even the “big boys” are doing that.

Using Farstar’s custom-developed content management system, Brian can make updates from the road, adding new shows, the latest news, blog entries, and even uploading newly recorded songs on the fly – all showing up in a rich Flash website in real time. This is a far cry from most independent artists’ option of using MySpace.

Independent artists like Brian depend on grassroots efforts to grow their fan base, so they are constantly seeking out unique and interesting ways of reaching people. Brian now has a professionally designed Web site that rivals those of today’s top recording artists. He can reach out with a stronger internet presence that surpasses social networking sites; and with the ability to make updates so easily, Brian’s site can constantly change and stay fresh while maintaining the look and feel throughout.

Farstar has a real interest in enabling independent artists to compete with major labels and maintaining growth during the continued diversification of the music industry. The game is changing, and with a domain name like WeDontPlayFair.com, you can bet Farstar enjoys changing the game – and the rules.

About Farstar

Farstar is a technology-based creative marketing firm that focuses on producing overwhelming customer acquisition, retention, and loyalty results for its clients through a variety of services. Based in Frisco, Texas and led by founder and CEO Kevin Lofgren, Farstar was founded in 2001 to build a team of creative and technology-driven professionals. As a strategic partner, Farstar acts as a one-stop-shop for its clients and routinely develops large-scale or specialty advertising programs to help achieve overall sales and marketing goals. For more information, visit www.wedontplayfair.com.

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Ginger Greenberg or Emily Bruce
972-716-0500 x32 or x21
Ginger.Greenberg@hck2.com or Emily.Bruce@hck2.com

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