Non-fungible token (NFT) rewards are transforming the relationship between artists and fans and creating a fine line between physical and digital experiences, according to Kim O’Callaghan, founder of EVNTZ. Earlier this month, British pop star and former One Direction band member Harry Styles played a show at Slade Castle in Ireland, where fans were invited to use EVNTZ, the official event app for the concert. Through the app, fans were able to open up a self-custodial digital wallet that can house future blockchain-based rewards. The app linked up with Co:Create, a Web3 infrastructure company, and powered the experience via its API that connects through Polygon, a well-known Ethereum sidechain.
EVNTZ serves as a one-stop service for fans that attended the concert, allowing them to book transportation, post photos to social media and access merch. O’Callaghan teased plans for future in-app rewards linked to engagement within the fan community, such as empowering the next generation of music fans and meeting the growing expectation of fans who genuinely deserve better experiences in return for their loyalty. The app was designed to be a seamless entry point into blockchain technology without the need for prior experience.
Tara Fung, CEO of Co:Create, noted that blockchain-based rewards and experiences can help pave new pathways for artists and fans. She explained that blockchain tools allow for transparency and an easier route for brands to connect with fans, as well as for fans to influence the direction of their favorite brands and get rewarded for doing so.
As Web3 critics have been grappling to define NFT utility, blockchain-based ticketing, loyalty and memberships have been on the rise. In March, Polygon teamed up with customer relation management (CRM) Salesforce to help clients create Web3 loyalty programs. In June, chef and television personality Guy Fieri and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sammy Hagar created a loyalty program for their liquor brand Santo Spirits, leveraging NFTs to reward their customers with physical items and experiences.
NFT rewards are revolutionizing the relationship between artists and fans, providing a bridge between physical and digital experiences. EVNTZ, the official event app for Harry Styles’ concert, allowed fans to open up a self-custodial digital wallet that can house future blockchain-based rewards. Through the app, fans were able to book transportation, post photos to social media and access merch, as well as explore a range of reward features powered by Web3. Blockchain-based rewards and experiences are paving new pathways for artists and fans, allowing for transparency and an easier route for brands to connect with fans.