Fresh Picked: Ménage tapped for tomato commercials

Hunt’s, the well-known producer of ketchup and other tomato products, has picked up the song “Tomatoes,” by local stalwart songwriters Ménage for a national television advertising campaign.  Sarah McDonald, who wrote the playful tune, said she recently caught the 15-second version on daytime television. “I saw it during a soap opera,” she says, offering up the caveat that she was tuned in because, “I’ve been glued to the TV trying to see it.”

That version, as well as a 30-second spot, have been airing on the Lifetime, TNT and Bravo networks, and popped up during an Oprah broadcast, McDonald says.

The song was originally released on the album Miss Conduct, but the version played on the commercial is from the band’s 2005 release Seven Songs. They have since released the album Tell Me.

In the meantime, the band is gearing up for the Shakori Festival in upstate New York and our own upcoming Lake Eden Arts Festival. They are also putting together a winter tour with Chris Barron, former front man for the Spin Doctors. That lineup will appear at the Gray Eagle in December, McDonald says.

Brian Postelle, staff writer

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

11 thoughts on “Fresh Picked: Ménage tapped for tomato commercials

  1. Did they change the lyrics to make allowances for genetically modified tomatoes?

    No offense to the wonderful Manage. Just asking.

  2. b.c.w.

    as a longtime spin doctors fan, i have to add that chris is the CURRENT frontman for the band. the group is alive and well, though touring on a much more limited basis these days.

  3. Naturally, you would expect someone in Asheville to give a local band sh*t for actually making some money off their work. Thanks Chuck.

  4. now now, trouble-stirrer.

    My quote actually was “No offense to the wonderful Manage. Just asking”

    Seems like a relevant question for an alternative, Asheville-based weekly who liks to report on environmental topics.

    Do you know much about Hunt’s?

    GMO’s are not cool, even when they are being sold by one of Asheville’s amazingly talented, wonderfully joyful and truly enjoyable bands.

    I am truly happy for them and hope this brings them commercial and public recognition that they can parley for years to come.

    Your Welcome, Don MAk.

  5. After searching the internet much, tho, I have still been unable to find said commercial. Hunt’s crappy website doesn’t even list it.

  6. Sorry Chuck. Probably could have worded my comment in a nicer tone.

    I’ve just seen lots of Asheville bands get skewered for “selling out” and it strikes a nerve with me. Even back-handed compliments like yours passive-aggressively rain on the parade of some of our hardest working super talented bands.

    My biggest fear is that other Asheville bands will fall prey to the “Anti-sellout” propaganda prevalent in town and miss great opportunities to get their music out to wider audiences. That’s all.

    Keep on truckin Chuck!

  7. chuck

    thanks for posting this! steve!

    menage menage menage!

    “fresh from the genetically modified vine…”

  8. Sarah McDonald

    We were lucky to have been presented with this truly exciting opportunity! The music scene in A-ville deserves to be on the map! I think you’re on to something with the genetically modified line…Hmmmm…I might steal that for my next song about produce…

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.