Local musicians Sol’Jibe know how to get their name out there and fans involved. With the help of a professional manager and organized planning, Sol’Jibe has managed to reach fans across the globe with its street team.
A street team is an organized group of fans willing to dedicate time and energy to the promotion of a band they support. Posting flyers and stickers, telling their friends about the band and contacting radio stations are acts of street teamers.
For any band that has tried to make a name for itself, these techniques are familiar; however Jon Block, chairman of Major Hana Records and manager of established band Sol’Jibe, believes that effective organization, communication and numbers are key for any band who wants to establish a fan base at home or for a new audience. An increased number of fans when going back to a market is a sign of a successful campaign.
“It’s all about numbers when you come right down to it,” Block said. “When you’re selling more tickets it’s good.”
Being part of a street team offers fans a chance to meet and work with the group but also get some hands-on music business experience. After 28 years of working with artists such as Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Shawn Colvin, Block knows it’s the field experience that counts.
“College courses aren’t enough,” Block said. “(Being on a) street team is a way to gain valuable experience and knowledge in the music business.”
The design of Sol’Jibe’s street team works on a large scale, splitting the country into regions in which a short list of self-motivated fans takes a few states and organizes the individual city street teams. Fans, in exchange for their hard work, can get complimentary swag. Working their way up, higher ranks can earn cooler stuff than the average fan. CDs, special downloads and show tickets are on the rewards list.
The band also takes an active part in motivating the street team.
“We’re the super-band that wants to help and spread the word even more,” Sol’Jibe’s saxophonist James Hoover, 29, said.
Getting on the street team list is easy. All a person has to do is send his or her name and phone number through one of Sol’Jibe’s networking pages on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or their personal Web site. Then either Hoover or Blockwill make a call to see how that person can help.
“We can send them flyers electronically or through the mail,” Block said of the street team. “It all depends on their deal.”
As an example to other bands, Sol’ Jibe’s street team provides a solid case of good organization and easy communication. Both of which, as Block understands, are important aspects of creating a fan base.
“A lot of bands don’t have the right tools,” Block said. “The music business is so competitive. They still have to go the extra mile.”
Jennie Lindquist can be reached at arts-entertainment@nevadasagebrush.com.
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Big ups to the street team members!
Want to join? Fill out this form at this link.
www.soljibe.com/street_team_sign_up_form.html