Band merchandise is never omitted from a local gig. If anything, gig-hoppers consider it a vital part of the music environment. Chuck and Pap of Nashville-based rock band “Shirock” recognized this and got inspired to take their band merchandise to another level. Joining the current social wave of Hope and Anything is Possible, Chuck and Pap are presenting Irock Clothing with a selection of cool digs and humanity in mind.
More than just band merch
Wanting their band merchandise to be more than just the typical collection of tees, Chuck and Pap took to the board to draw up designs that reinforced the band’s brand. According to Chuck, not only did they want Irock to be made up of pieces that they themselves would wear on a daily basis, they also wanted it to be an extension to what the band as a whole represents. “Things like helping those less fortunate, living lightly on earth and questioning whether what we’re doing as human beings has the potential to change the world are the concepts that inspired the line,” explains Chuck. And their Golden City Unisex v-neck t-shirt is a direct example of those concepts. Although the band assures us that each design is subject to each person’s interpretation, this specific design composed by the silhouette of a New York-like city with sprouting roots and glorious beams coming from behind it can be interpreted as one of hope, change and growth as an united community.
Consisting of shirts, armbands, hats and gloves, Irock Clothing offers something uncommon amongst the loads of band merch. Their clothing comes with a token of philanthropy to tie in with the concept of the line. Part of the proceeds of each purchase goes to a non-profit organization founded by Shirock called “Everything Burns” whose main focus is helping those less fortunate. “We’re living in a time when people are hopeful for change and want to do something to help,” states Chuck. “Many times people don’t know how to help, so we’d like to think that by presenting this avenue with something of their interest like fashion, it’d be easier to have people contribute to a better cause.”
Selling-out: the good kind
Since its launch in ’08, Irock Clothing has managed to sell out in many of the boutiques that host the line. Although the merch can be purchased on-line for delivery across the nation and soon overseas, Nashville boutiques have been running out of the merchandise faster than the band anticipated. As for distribution, the band currently sells most of their digs at local Nashville boutiques, at their gigs and through their online site. But wanting to up their game and meet the demand for their clothing line, the plan for ’09 is for Irock Clothing to soon be physically distributed in West Coast boutiques as well. “Through our lyrics as a band, and with the proceeds from our merchandise as well as the non-profit organization, we raise awareness of social issues like homelessness and poverty in hopes of social change. We feel strongly about people creating change and through our fashion line’s proceeds, we can contribute to things that really matter.”
Until Irock physically reaches boutiques in your area check out the latest add-ons to the Irock Clothing collection here. And if you feel the need to splurge, no worries! Rest assured that your purchase is going to a nifty cause.
