1. Tell us about yourself or your band, what genre do you consider yourself, and how long have you been writing and recording original music.
NEVEN is a solo project, handling all instruments in studio recordings while opting for stripped-back acoustic versions in live performances. The genre blends blues, roots rock, grunge, and punk influences, reflecting the artist’s mood during inspiration. NEVEN has been writing music since their teenage years, recording the first tune, “City,” in 2017 under the band name Los Cobrilos.
2. What or who inspired you to be a music artist?
NEVEN’s mom’s love for soul music and their uncle’s passion for blues, coupled with exposure to Eric Clapton at a young age, ignited the desire to play the guitar.
3. Do you record at home or in a studio, and where do you find the most inspiration for writing new lyrics and material?
Music is primarily written in a relaxed home environment, with studio recordings outsourced due to a lack of production skills and equipment.
4. What’s your go-to instrument for a new song, maybe guitar/keys/loops?
For NEVEN, the guitar is the go-to instrument when creating a new song.
5. As an indie artist, how do you navigate the challenges of promoting your music and building a fanbase in a highly competitive industry?
Navigating the challenges involves utilizing platforms like NMR, practicing patience, taking small steps, and actively engaging with the audience through live performances. NEVEN’s wife plays a crucial role in support, sharing content widely. Playlists and meaningful discussions with fans also contribute to building a fanbase.
6. Where do you find the most success in sharing your material and getting recognition?
While Instagram is enjoyable, Threads has shown increased streaming stats despite low engagement. The effectiveness of each platform varies, but active use of Threads has led to valuable contacts.
7. Are you content being independent, or are you looking for or prefer a label or management?
NEVEN values independence for the freedom it provides. While not ruling out future Marketing/PR campaigns, they are cautious about signing with a label or manager unless an exceptional opportunity arises.
8. Do you think the current offering from streaming platforms is good enough?
Streaming platforms may not do much for grassroots artists, but NEVEN appreciates the accessibility and reasonable costs of getting music on various platforms.
9. Tell us about your latest release, and what was your strategy, i.e., did you ask for Pre-saves, did you go out for paid reviews and playlisting?
“How Are We” released on January 5th with a strategy involving pre-saves, blog reviews, and radio airplay. Despite no paid advertising, the release garnered 111 Spotify streams in the first week and received exposure during a matchday halftime at Anfield.
10. Have you used music curator platforms, and how did that work out for you?
SubmitHub yielded no results for the latest release, but previous attempts with “Lit” in July had more success. NEVEN remains determined to continue seeking opportunities through curator platforms.
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