Pictured: Sara Bareilles

Banana Republic is bringing the inspirational elements of city life to its Spring 2009 marketing campaign which features talented young musicians, including Grammy-nominated Sara Bareilles, Grammy-nominated Liz Phair, and the Grammy-winning band OK Go.

Watch video: Sara Bareilles – Banana Republic City Stories:

With New York City and Brooklyn as a backdrop, nine recording artists are photographed wearing Banana Republic apparel and accessories, along with a favorite accessory – their instrument. The images reflect Banana Republic’s effortlessly modern look and enduring style and highlight the vibrant energy of the city.

Drawing on these contemporary musicians’ unique, creative experiences, the campaign aims to engage customers through a variety of media, including online interviews and performances, and special partnerships with iTunes and Virgin America.

Styled by George Cortina and photographed by Tom Munro, the campaign features an eclectic pool of musical talent that echoes the multicultural richness of the city.

Other artists include Grammy-nominated Tommy Torres, Grammy-winner David Sánchez, Ayo, Esperanza Spalding, David Garrett and Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba.

Developed with AR, Banana Republic’s advertising agency of record, the campaign will appear in March 2009 publications, supplemented by print, outdoor, online and direct mail. The campaign debuted in store windows February 18th.

“We want this campaign to strike an emotional chord with Banana Republic customers,” said Peter DeLuca, Chief Marketing Officer for Banana Republic. “By tapping into their passion for music, the campaign brings to life Banana Republic’s tradition of city style along with a level of inspiration and optimism that is as refreshing as Spring should be.”

Behind-the-scenes interviews with the recording artists will be available for viewing on Banana Republic’s Web site, www.bananarepublic.com/citystories, along with unplugged performances, free music downloads and streaming music samples from our artists, and a special offer to shop the looks of the season. Users can experience the rich, multimedia content on their own and also share it with friends.

From March 1st through June 31, 2009, Banana Republic’s “City Stories” will be available on RED, Virgin America’s in-flight entertainment system, as the first-ever branded channel. Every passenger will get a glimpse of the campaign featuring our musicians, their interviews and unplugged performances, music videos and Banana Republic’s Spring/Summer 2009 runway show.

About Banana Republic
Banana Republic is a global accessible luxury brand that delivers the best in city style. Characterized by elevated design and luxurious fabrications, the Banana Republic lifestyle collections include apparel, handbags, jewelry, fragrance and eyewear. Banana Republic, a division of San Francisco-based, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), can be found at over 500 retail locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Japan, BananaRepublic.com, or (888) BR-STYLE. In addition, Banana Republic is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com.

Banana Republic on amazon.com

Banana Republic – City Stories Official Website

Ashanti, the multi-platinum Grammy-Award winning singer/songwriter and actress and singer/songwriter Jason Mraz, along with Natasha Bedingfield, Moby, Chuck D, Chris Cornell, Tony Hawk, Colbie Caillat, Darius Rucker, Sara Bareilles, Sean Kingston, Matt White, Julie Roberts, Diana Page, and Krista, joined with Strong American Schools and YouCast to launch a series of public service announcements by top talent and music artists.

They’re raising awareness of the American education crisis and to urge America’s leaders to fix failing schools throughout the United States.

Watch messages from the artists:

Jason Mraz

Watch Jason Mraz video:

Ashanti

Watch Ashanti video:

Colbie Caillat

Watch Colbie Caillat video:

Join Now And Support Education

Test your knowledge against 8th graders throughout the world! Sign the petition in support of strong schools, join in our Hot Topic of the week and learn how you can support education.

To join and for more information, go to:

Great Schools Quiz page

Following her takeover of the American charts, Sara Bareilles is set to do the same in the UK this Spring 2008 with the release of her debut single and album.

The irresistible new single, “Love Song” is released in the UK on June 2nd, 2008 through Columbia Records. “Love Song” is one of those rare pop songs that comes along once in a while – instantly memorable after the first listen and one that you know will become a classic debut.

The witty single – which isn’t actually a love song – was as Sara says, “written from being kick-you-in-the-crotch mad.” The bad times paid off as the single climbed into the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 last month.

Sara Bareilles will release her self-written album ‘Little Voice’ in the UK on 16th June. Like the single, the album raced up the US charts – so far peaking at #6 and still climbing. Rolling Stone said about the album, “Bareilles’ writing voice is uniquely her own.”

“Little Voice is a collection of songs that pretty much mean the world to me,” explains Sara. “They chronicle my life, my relationships, my basket-case-ness, and my utter devotion to trying to write honest stuff down and share it. That’s where the title comes from.”

The album was recorded in LA over an 18-month period with renowned producer Eric Rosse [Tori Amos] The 12 tracks on the album showcase Sara’s incredible vocal range, whether it’s on the mid-tempo soul of “Love On The Rocks” or the stunning piano-driven ballad “Gravity.” Most of the songs on ‘Little Voice’ started life with Sara writing melodies and lyrics on her rented piano.

‘Little Voice’ is something of a misnomer as just a quick look at the live performances all over the net will prove – Sara’s voice soars as she bangs away at the piano.

Sara will make her first trip to the UK this April when she will perform a live show for the media. After a year of touring coast to coast in the States the time for Sara to strike out on her own has arrived.

Sara Bareilles on amazon.co.uk

Sara Bareilles – Little Voice on amazon.com

Sara Bareilles Myspace
Sara Bareilles