"Baby, hold on." Rock ‘n’ roll star Eddie Money is teaming up with a Genesee Depot couple who created a game they hope will leave rock music fans "shakin.’" Six years ago, Ken Eichstaedt was driving home from work, listening to an FM radio station, when it dawned on him that the rock ‘n’ roll music that he and his wife, Julie, loved to listen to could be fashioned into a trivia game.
Six months later, the Eichstaedts created "Rock and Roll Triviologies," a music-themed trivia game that utilizes a question-and-answer format. The goal of the game is to assemble a five-piece rock band that earns three music industry awards.
"The game is very rock ‘n’ roll," Money told SBT. "Julie’s promoting the CD for me with her game."
Money and the Eichstaedts will be jointly promoting his new compact disc, titled, "Wanna Go Back," and the new game, he said. Advertising will feature both the CD and game.
"Our advertising on ‘Triviologies’ focuses on going back to rock ‘n’ roll memories," Ken said. "The group of people that listen to his music is a similar group that plays our games."
In 2004, a travel-sized version of the game was released. A country music version of the game was released in 2005.
Julie said she and Ken wanted to create more exposure for their game, and the best way to do that would be to hook up with someone like Money, whose goals are aligned with their own.
"People who buy our game are really passionate about music, go to concerts, collect music, they have a passion for it," Julie said. "Eddie has that passion, that x-factor."
Money is a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame nominee. To be nominated, an artist’s debut record must be 25 years old or more. Money released his first record 29 years ago in 1977.
The Eichstaedts and Money solidified their first appearance together at the American International Toy Fair, the nation’s largest toy trade show, on Feb. 14.
"People will take notice of an artist," Julie said. "He’s a candidate for the Hall of Fame, where our products are sold. It’s one of our best retailers and a nice tie in that way."
"Julie’s really informative and knows an awful lot about music, she understands it and that’s why she’s a great writer for her game," Money said of the partnership.
The Eichstaedts formed Aleken Games in 2003. The company’s name comes from Julie and Ken’s children: Kenneth, who’s 12; Alex, 9; and Ashley, 4. The gaming duo has a part-time staff of three to assist them in their endeavors.
The games are designed, developed and tested by the Eichstaedts and manufactured at Warren Industries in Sturtevant. The couple plans to produce rock ‘n’ roll and country music trivia 2007 calendars available for the holidays. This summer, they will release a new game called, "Party in the Bathtub."
"It’s a game for 8-year-olds to adults, a board game that makes getting clean a fun party," Julie said.
For more information about "Rock and Roll Triviologies," which sells for $29.95, visit www.gamesthatrock.com. For more information about Money’s new album, visit www.cdbaby.com/cd/eddiemoney.
