Global Gig Goers Musical Promotion Community

Through the wonder of the Internet, I recently had the chance to sit down and "chat" (via email) with Jill Mandy Clark, founder, owner, and operator of Global Gig Goers (G^3) to find out more about the G^3 project.

D: Who makes up the core of Global Gig Goers? Tell me a little about who is at the heart of it all, keeping it running from day to day.

Jill: The Global Gig Goers are a group of individuals that love going to gigs, promoting bands, sharing experiences with others and meeting new people. It's a no negativity community and we support each other.

I met one of my best friends through the internet because of our bond of going to gigs. We met up to do a small tour of shows together, it was a great experience.

I am the founder and I also run the Global Gig Goers on a day to day basis with the help of some amazing "leaders" world wide, within the group (those dedicated to the cause of helping to support bands and each other).

D: How long have you been working on this project - from its initial conception to the present?

The project has been in a planning phase for almost 2 years. It was set up in January 2009 and then we took a break because I didn't have the full vision/mission of the group. We recently convened in June 2010.

D: The wonder of the internet is that it gives people all over the world opportunities they never had, twenty or even ten years ago, but every organization has to have a home base; where is Global Gig Goers "headquarters?"

Jill: Our group definitely benefits from the power of the internet. We unite Gig Goers around the world. The Headquarters are in Toronto and are in part conjunction with the record label Tranquilizer Records (www.tranquilizerrecords.com).

D: What is the mission or purpose of Global Gig Goers? What need does the organization satisfy in today's music industry?

Jill: The Global Gig Goers mission is to support indie artists and help to expose them to a larger audience. We do this by way of youtube station, radio station on live365, ezine blogs, interviews, reviews etc.

However, it is also a form of entertainment for the members. The members are the crucial part to the Global Gig Goers, they are the ones that get to decide what music they want to support. It's based on their likes as a group, rather than someone choosing for them.

D: What obstacles have you encountered through this project? Triumphs?

Jill: The internet is our biggest benefit, but it also our biggest obstacle.

Since we can get the word out quickly, there are a lot of bands that would like our support but unfortunately we can't help everyone. As we become a larger group and get more volunteers that can help, then we can start helping more bands.

Also there is a lot of noise on the internet so we have to find ways to cut through that so people can find us and know what we are doing.

Every time we are able to get one new fan to listen to a bands music that we are supporting is a huge triumph for us!

D: What plans do you have for the future of Global Gig Goers?

Jill: My dream would be to one day offer travel arrangements for Gig Goer members at reduced costs and help increase the live music industry.

Also I would love to capture stories from Gig Goers and Bands to create a book.

D: How do my readers get involved with this project?

Jill: It's easy, just log on to www.globalgiggoers.com, the forum is a great place to find information on how to get involved. You can even use your Facebook account to log in with so you don't have to worry about more user names and password.

We offer a points style community where you can earn points for helping to promote the bands and the community. We will be running contests and promotions where they will be able use their points for merch, raffles and more.

Thank you so much to Jill for her time and information.