Sasquatch Music Festival has partnered with RedLaser to engage music lovers, connect them with their favorite artists and let them compete for prizes via a mobile bar code-scanning application.

The app, RedLaser LIVE lets attendees vie for the chance to win free merchandise and entry into exclusive acoustic performances. Users can participate via QR code contests.

?As more and more bands turn to technology to help better engage with their fans, RedLaser is the perfect tool to help them out,? said Rob Veres, general manager of RedLaser, San Francisco.

?The music industry is more saturated than ever, and record labels are struggling to land on a new business model,? he said. ?RedLaser is at the forefront of a new trend of engagement, helping artists creatively distribute their music and stay connected to fans 24/7.

?We also want to partner with equally creative artists, this is not about slapping a QR code on the front of a CD cover. It?s about providing a more intimate, fun and interactive experience.?

RedLaser is a bar code-scanning mobile application for iPhone and Android and was acquired by eBay Mobile in June 2010. 

Mobile music
The application lets festival-goers keep in touch with friends and share their location.

Additionally, users can browse special promotions throughout the festival, such as discounts at food stands and t-shirt giveaways.

When users open the application, the geo-location features let them check-in to a location.

Users can share concert highlights via Facebook and scroll through the app?s newsfeed to read up-to-date live news.

In addition, there is a Google Map icon next to each friend?s update that lets user click on it and immediately plot a direct path to that person.

The app can even be used to find a favorite, specific locale, such as a campsite or delicious food vendor, simply by checking in and saving it as a bookmark.

?We are working closely with artists and labels to get the word out,? Mr. Veres said. ?Since the heart of this initiative is the growing importance of technology intersecting with music, artists are letting their fans know about our partnership through their existing technology channels, Facebook and Twitter.

?RedLaser has been a mobile tool from its inception, and we are committed to providing unique and fun ways to use the technology,? he said. ?We realize that mobile isn?t just a nice to have, it?s an absolute must as consumers are constantly connected to their lifeline ? their mobile phones.?

User engagement
At the festival, fans will be able to scan various QR codes at RedLaser?s booth that will give them the chance to win a meet-and-greet, entry into an exclusive concert or free merchandise, and the ability to immediately ?like? the band on Facebook or purchase the band?s album.

?We?re definitely seeing the continued growth of people wanting to share their experiences with friends ? including concerts and festivals,? Mr. Veres said. ?The whole point behind music festivals is to be immersed in an overall experience, like discovering new bands, in an open community of like-minded people.

?And, they are also sharing pictures and comments on Facebook and Twitter via smartphone apps, keeping their entire extended community part of their experience,? he said.