As anything scales too effectively - from fashion to restaurants to music - the market opens for more non-scalable alternatives. Once Starbucks opens on every block, many of us crave the artisanal coffee shop. Once our favorite Italian restaurant becomes a chain of three, we grow tired of it. Why? First, so much of what we buy and do is tied up in... See more

I often think and write about the importance of “world building” in today’s mixed-media reality: Brands have more control than ever over where and how consumers experience their point of view, from digital feeds and properties to packaging design and retail merchandising. And with that comes many new opportunities to build emotional texture.

Consumers interact with brands through sound in a variety of ways, from podcasts to radio ads — even the log-in music for a favorite streaming service. The most memorable “sonic” brands can drive sales, raise awareness, and stand out among competitors. While marketers know how to glean data and insights from traditional advertising, the audio... See more