So I’ve been thinking about video again. I still think video for As The Story Grows would be inferior to the audio product. Because I don’t think video would get the same level of production value. But, there are a few movie/television podcasts that I watch clips for on YouTube. Podcasts that I’ve considered subscribing to but haven’t. And they are often not “optimal” video products. Now I’m a DIY, one man operation who is releasing 2-3 podcasts every week in which I am booking guests, doing research, interviewing bands, editing episodes, and getting things scheduled and uploaded. And if I find myself with a moment or inspiration I’m writing this email and trying to think of ideas of Patreon content for the few people who support the podcast financially.
So many shows have producers and editors and people helping make the video more in line with how the show sounds as an audio product. And those people create clips for YouTube shorts or TikTok. Shareable bites for the public to consume. How I watch those podcasts. And all of that is great if you have a team. But I also sit and wonder if creating content to be consumed in bite size fragments that don’t create people who come and spend a full 30 minutes with me is really worth it. At one point I put a lot of work into creating Instagram reels and would see thousands of people who came across and watched those reels but that never created never listeners. Download numbers remained the same. Instagram followers didn’t grow. It seemed to not help at all.
Which leads me back to the question of if it’s worth it to post the raw, unedited videos on YouTube? Does the visual element actually help sell the product? Does that make things more authentic? Or is it fine to not give in to trends and keep the podcast an audio only format because it’s a better product and I can keep my focus on creating better interviews and telling better audio stories. I think As The Story Grows is a really solid podcast and my aim is to share music I love. Will going to video on YouTube help me reach more people or is the desire to reach more people and “grow” just capitalism fucking with my happiness?
Wednesday on the podcast we welcomed Eric Kusanagi, guitarist for Philadelphia post rock band Hiroe! The new Hiroe album, Wield, is out today on Pelagic Records! Eric and I spend a lot of time talking about guitar and guitar tones. It was a super fun chat and I love absolutely love Wield! Make sure you add it to your weekend listening!
Today we have Orthodox guitarist Austin Evans on the podcast! The day Austin and I chatted, Google, StreamYard, and a host of other sites were down or not working properly and it took us a good 10 minutes to get connected and find a service where we could record a conversation. And then I had a hard stop to pick up my kids from school. Which was a bummer because Austin was a phenomenal guest and we probably could’ve talked for a lot longer than we were able to! So don’t miss the chat we were able to have!
This weekend, Arte Concerts is sharing Hellfest sets on YouTube! My daughter and I have been watching Epica’s set and it’s awesome! So if you have some time to catch a set or two this weekend, it is worthwhile! Have a great weekend!