A while back, we created a broadcast package for a new reality show on Much called, Disband. You should definitely check out the samples of the work we did for the show, but right now we'd like to focus on the related MuchMusic success story.

Disband is MuchMusic's answer to the constant pleas of, "Make our band famous!" Each episode follows a young band as they work with mentors over a week filled with challenges and helpful advice. It culminates with a live performance in front of an industry panel that decides whether the band has what it takes, or does not and should, "disband."

The season finale aired on Wednesday, May 27 and featured the Edmonton band, Stand By Me. Their name changed to Stereos during their MuchMusic mentorship and they not only escaped the dreaded recommendation to "disband," but we're ultimately offered a music contract with Universal Music Canada.

In a time of declining television viewers – especially within the younger demographic – the show struck a chord and gained a solid on-air and online audience. The proof of this could be seen beyond the standard measurements of ratings or online traffic.

The Stereos' first single, "Summer Girl," was released a day before the show on Tuesday May 26 and by Friday of that week, had claimed the number 1 spot on iTunes Canada's singles download chart, bumping the Black Eyed Peas out of the ranking they'd held for several weeks. Within a week of its release, their accompanying video had close to 100,000 hits on You Tube. As of this Friday, the Peas regained the number one position, but Stereos is holding its own in the number two position.

A huge accomplishment for a band that – since they just adopted a brand new name -- didn't really exist until the airing of the Disband episode a week and a half ago and considering their single was on the regular playlist of only one radio station in Canada – their hometown Bounce FM.

These remarkable results reinforce the importance of identifying with your key audience and providing them with what they want.

Congrats to MuchMusic and Stereos on their success.

Much links:

Disband Episodes

Video for "Summer Girl"