Do fans of Dave Matthews Band feel excluded from Facebook? I pondered this upon firing up the free Dave Matthews Band app, because the layout is basically a very clever take on social networking targeted exclusively to fans of Dave Matthews Band.
Users can read DMB news updates, create a profile and upload their own DMB photos, send messages to each other’s inbox and friend each other, just like any other social networking app. One feature in which The Dave Matthews Band app excels is a unique chalkboard of sorts that acts as a live chat for fans. Fans can post messages and respond back to each other in real time. It’s surprisingly calm, perhaps because many fans don’t yet know about the app, so the opportunity for a mild back-and-forth discussion is still possible.
Aside from the stellar social networking aspects, the most impressive aspect of the app is the shows page. Not only can you see a list of upcoming concerts, complete with links to purchase tickets, but there is an archive of DMB show listings here dating back to 1991. Nearly 20 years of shows, all complete with set lists, and some with added video and other features. It’s unbelievable, and I do admit that I was a little jealous that there wasn’t something similar for some of my favorite bands.
There is also a decent media page on the app, offering you the opportunity to purchase songs and watch some free videos. Some of the videos are iPhone exclusive, which should please those looking for some DMB extras.
As much fun as this app would be for fans of the band, it could use a little bit better monitoring. There is a section of the app for users to upload their band-related photos, but it doesn’t seem very well policed. There are too many photos of peoples kids or other random iPhone screen images that have nothing at all to do with the band. It’s a bit strange, like you’re peeking into someone’s life accidentally.
Oddity aside, this free app would probably be worth downloading for the concert archive information alone, but if you’re looking for an easier way to connect directly to fans of Dave Matthews Band, the social networking features here are well done, too.
