Photo by Tony Nelson
This is an interview series in preparation for my SXSW Panel: The State of Music Blogs in 2010. I reached out to a number of influencers, musicans, labels, marketers and music fans to get their perspectives on the topic and will be posting these in a series leading up to the conference.
Today we hear from songwriter, guitarist and self-described arrogant frontman Nick Leet of .
Why do you think music blogs are so popular?
I really enjoy music blogs. Fuel Friends is probably my favorite. I have a very similar taste in music as the writer so I usually check out what she writes about whenever she speaks of something new and exciting. Part of being a great musical mind is sharing your expertise with others and learning about bands from others. Music blogs are like a special friend who introduces you to something that you’re missing out. Like a good friend but without the drama.
How do you think music blogs/aggregators/social networks have impacted the industry?
I think they have made it easier to get your music out there. The record industry has become a dinosaur. I think it’s super sweet that an unknown band or songwriter can spread the word without the help of a record company stealing all of the profits.
How have they changed your music consumption and/or marketing efforts?
I’ve found some cool music I wouldn’t have heard. It has done great things for High on Stress as far as marketing. You can reach a lot of people all over the world by promoting your songs to music blogs.
What’s the best thing to happen to the music industry in the last year or so?
I’m not so sure much has been positive lately other than music blogs. I think the mainstream music industry is in terrible shape. Usually there are a couple of major label acts that don’t make you vomit in your mouth. That hasn’t been the case for a long time now. The music passing for rock n’ roll is embarrassing lately. That goes for a lot of the hipster indie bands as well. I find more interesting things locally than nationally.
What’s the worst?
Read above. 
What is the single biggest strategy/technology/innovation/societal shift you think will impact music in 2010?
It shifts every year. Myspace is dead as hell. I think it’s a bummer because it was a great place to hear music. Facebook is more interesting but I don’t think for bands it works as well. It does keep you visible but it’s more about personalities than music in my humble but worthless opinion. I think Facebook and Twitter are on the decline. They will be replaced by something else that probably hasn’t seen the light yet. It’s hard to predict them but it’s key to stay on top of the shifts from a marketing perspective.
And?
I hope they continue. I also hope that they continue to support the underdogs.
Other reading:
Read other State of Music Blogs in 2010 interviews.
RSVP for the State of Music Blogs in 2010 SXSW panel.
