02.01
We’re very pleased to announce that Rational Design Studio will be managing and designing several websites for international recording artist John Payne. For 15 years John provided his distinctive vocals and songwriting to the supergroup Asia; in 2006 a reunion by the original members of Asia required John to adapt. He formed a new band called GPS with past Asia members Jay Schellan and Guthrie Govan, and together with Spock’s Beard keyboardist Ryo Okumoto scored a critically acclaimed album “Window to the Soul”.
A 2007 legal agreement with the reunited Asia enables John to write, record and tour under the name Asia Featuring John Payne. AFJP includes John on vocals and bass, guitarist Mitch Perry, drummer Jay Schellan and keyboardist Erik Norlander.
RDS will be building a new merchandise store to enable Asia to sell merchandise, cds and possibly digital music files as well. New websites for Asia Featuring John Payne will be built to promote a new album due this summer and corresponding international tour. Finally, a new website for GPS is expected later this year to promote a new album and tour from that band.
Key to the process of raising the band’s profile will be engaging fans online via Facebook and other social media.