Today we talk with Matt Steven who has steadily built up an audience.
He is using great tools on the Internet (some of them free), and is creating and embracing his own community. In the interview he talks about:
Being real with people. Go find out where your audience is and hang out there and add to the conversation (don’t just come in pimping your music). Become friends with these people before you move to make them your fans.
Some of the tools he is using are bandcamp.com is a great tool that is allowing Matt to give away music (in exchange for his email). It allows him to put his music up on his site and let the visitor determine how much they want to pay.
He is creating music using a Line6 DL4 looping pedal. This came about when the band he was in fell apart. He can play rhythms, start looping them, and solo and build the music live.
He has connected to podcasters who are playing his style of music. He is honest with these people and does not send them spam. If you do it correctly they will spread the word about your music. He has met some really great people.
With this audience growing, he is now getting larger gigs (opening for Donovan). This is allowing him to meet more people, and continue to grow his audience.
On giving away (or letting the visitor name their price), he said that 30% of the people pay. When they do, then pay higher than usual which “evens things out.” He also gets their email in return.
He is using reverbnation.com to manage his email list. He also started a podcast where he is putting out music that’s been remixed, and unreleased tracks. It’s called the “Sunday Free Noodle.”
One of the tools he is using to do “live” gigs on the Internet is http://www.ustream.tv/ where he continues to reach his audience. It gives him an opportunity to try music online before doing it live.
His podcast and ustream concerts are providing him small spikes that lead to more friends on facebook, email addresses, and music sales. Its real word of mouth that he is building up. If you are looking to learn how to promote your band via podcasting, check out www.promotingwithpodcasting.com
Jango is like last.fm for a small fee you can get your music played on this online radio station. You type in musicians who are similar to your sound. Then when people search for them, they will also find you.
Soundcloudis a great way to get music on the Internet where you can move it around. Its like google docs for your music.
He promotes any podcaster who helps promote him. He keeps up with everyone who has played his music.
For more information check out Matt at www.mattstevensguitar.com
Buy his music at
and Amazon.com
While I’ve often loved to poke fun at his lyrics (In the light of the night, in the dark of a shparkkkk), no one could ever take away the talent and the voice of Ronnie James Dio.
Rumors of my death have been highly exaggerated. Currently my main computer is “Dead” for all normal purposes. I am using my laptop (which gives me “low on disc space” errors about ever 10 minutes). Bottom line, geteting a new podcast up is a bit of a challenge. Hand in there, I’m on my way back.