Katy Perry’s ‘Harleys in Hawaii’ Gives Brand Much-needed Boost
Could this be a motorcycling anthem for Millennials? With 13 million views and counting, the answer may be “yes.”
Katy Perry and The New York Times. There’s two things we never imagined that we’d see in a Harley-related headline, but here we are.
According to the Times, Harley-Davidson is getting a Millennial marketing boost — and it’s not coming from Milwaukee. Despite all of their efforts to foster new rider programs, employ clever branding, and introduce laser-focused new motorcycles, their best bit of viral marketing may come from pop princess Katy Perry.
Perry, who is engaged to actor Orlando Bloom, recently went on a trip to Hawaii, where the couple geared up and rode a Harley-Davidson around the island (we’re not sure which one). We wonder if they were inspired by famous Harley-loving Hawaiian Jason Momoa.
When they got back to the mainland, Perry was so inspired by the experience that she wrote a song, “Harleys in Hawaii.” She recorded her new song, filmed a video, and uploaded it to YouTube. In less than a month, the video has been viewed over 13 million times.
Like we said, that’s some pretty incredible viral marketing. The best part is, Harley-Davidson didn’t have to pay a cent — well, almost. They apparently loaned the motorcycles for the video. Given the view count, we’d say that they got pretty good bang for their buck.
The single artwork features a picture of Perry astride a cherry red Harley-Davidson Sportster, and the song features samples of the distinctive V-twin roar of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The lyrics reference concepts we’re all familiar with – Sunday rides to get away from it all, feeling the wind in your hair, and revving the engine.
Yeah, we listened to it twice – just so you wouldn’t have to. If you decide to give the song a listen, it’s okay – we won’t tell anyone. Even if you like it.
It may not be Steppenwolf, Judas Priest, or W.A.S.P., but maybe, just maybe, it’s the anthem of a whole new generation of Harley-Davidson riders. Then again, it’s (more likely) just another throwaway pop song. Either way, anything that gets more people on motorcycles — especially Harleys — is a good thing in our book.
Join the Harley-Davidson Forums now!
