 Q&A: Cobus Potgieter
Musician
Q: What made you take the social media route?
A: I never had any intentional plans to take any “route”, musically. I was actually set on becoming an engineer when the online videos really started taking off. I initially just uploaded the videos with a “what if” kind of motivation, after which it just started going crazy.
Q: How successful has it been for you?
A: It’s been incredible, especially regarding the multiple endorsements I am blessed with and the instructional DVD project I could be a part of. The international visibility of this whole story is also incredibly overwhelming. My name is undeniably South African (and thus undeniably unpronounceable outside South Africa) so to see that name spread all over the internet by passionate supporters is something that still blows me over.
Q: Does the cost (if any) justify not taking the traditional routes?
A: It’s never been a financially motivated choice for me. I have an extremely supportive structure around me, from awesome friends to the most supportive parents anybody can ask for, so when the online videos became “big enough” to start hinting at a career, it wasn’t hard to commit to making the best out of it. I’m not a millionaire by any means. I live on a modest budget every month, but I am honestly and sincerely happy, and that’s worth way more than any financial gain can guarantee.
Q: As a musician, do you keep abreast with technology trends?
A: Definitely, especially since my whole area of visibility lies in online media. I also film, produce, mix and edit all my videos myself, so keeping up to date with new techniques and new technological advances in the field is essential.
Q: What is your favourite gadget at the moment and why?
A: Even though I much prefer working on a PC than a Mac, I am LOVING the iPhone. I am in the process of doctoring my budget a little so I can get my hands on an iPhone 3GS (or hopefully the next generation 4G) as soon as possible.
Q: Would you recommend new artists take the same approach to market themselves and why?
A: I don’t think it’s a question of taking the online marketing route exclusively, but I think it’s essential to be aware of the potential. Especially in South Africa (with internet access being as ridiculously expensive as it is) not many people realise the scope of the online marketing realm. I think it’s the responsibility of any up-and-coming artist wanting to break into the industry to familiarise themselves with online and social networking tools, and to use them in creative and new ways to spread visibility. This is an especially new way of thinking in South Africa, since it can have a global impact if the artist in question’s marketing attempt goes viral and is seen by millions. I think it’s just a matter of time before everybody starts thinking that big, and before everybody realises and starts taking advantage of the potential the worldwide web has to offer. |
