A big shout out to the good people at NYLVI and James at 88 Days!
Hello Morgan, please tell us a little about yourself.
Morgan Witt. Live in San Diego, California, USA. Entrepreneur, marketer, and musicologist.
What was the inspiration behind Strictlysocial.com?
Strictlysocial.com was launched in the summer of 2006. Just prior to starting the site, I made the decision to go back to school to get my MBA. With school and a full time job I had to scale back on the DJing/promoting I was doing at the time. This left a void. I was still buying a lot of vinyl and wanted to at least be able to talk about the music that I found exciting since I wasn’t able to play it out. I came up with the name, bought the domain, and taught myself the ins and outs of WordPress.
How do you see Strictlysocial evolving??
Timely question. The future of the site has been top of mind lately. There is a new version in development as we speak. Doing a bit of redesign, expanding the site for more interactivity, and placing more focus on providing readers low hassle ways to preview music and support the artists (digital downloads, tickets to gigs, merchandise, etc.)
I am what you would call a “cool hunter.” I have passions for art, culture, design, and tech. All of which are synergistic with the music obsession. So I don’t think its a far stretch to say that strictlysocial.com will expand beyond just music at some point.
You’ve been a DJ in the past – what set-up did you use and did you use vinyl?
Prior to using Serato (about a year ago) I used vinyl. Technics decks and various Vestax mixers over the years.
Where do you see vinyl fitting into the music mix of 2009?
Vinyl sales are on the rise again. I would love to see labels put out records (vinyl) including inserts with a link to download a digital copy of the music as well. The true value is in the physical copy of the music along with the artwork/packaging. Especially if the vinyl is colored, limited edition, etc. To receive a digital version as well as part of the purchase would be great for consumers to easily upload on their iPods and for digital DJs to play out on programs like Serato and Traktor.
What are your favorite records right now and ever?
Its no secret that I have a deep affinity for the house music that came out of France in the late 90’s/early 2000’s. One that stands out for me is a record released on 20000st in 2001 by Nicholas called “Wanderungen.” On the B side there is a tune “Silvering” that gives me goose bumps every time I listen to it. Its a beautiful piece of house music.
Emotional. If you can find a copy of it, buy it. Another would be Aphex Twin’s “Windowlicker.” Genius.
What is the music scene like in San Diego?
The music scene in San Diego is growing. Many big names are making their way here as a stop between Los Angeles and Mexico. Beginning in February we are starting a monthly event under the guise of strictlysocial.com where DJs/producers from around the globe will be invited to play.
If i say music and technology, who or what springs to mind – and why?
The digital DJ movement comes to mind. I cant remember the last time I saw a DJ play out using vinyl. CDJs and Serato have quickly become the standard.
What role does music play aside from promotion in 2009? I’ve always seem the music blog as a tastemaking opportunity and pre marketing, as well as an opportunity to bypass traditional media and their barriers of entry (based on label and spend) and promote music for reasons of love?
It will be exciting to see how the music blogging evolves in the next couple of years. Consumers have more ways than ever to discover new music. Blogs are playing an integral role. I would love to see music conferences like SXSW place more focus on helping to facilitate an open dialog between the music bloggers, artists, and labels. I hope to get to interact more with other music bloggers from around the world and help to build community around what we are doing.
